John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra: Complete Philips Recordings 

• Product Type: CD Box Set (Limited Edition)
• Brand Name: Decca (reissued from Philips)
• UPC: 028948515905 (estimated from catalogue number 485 1590)
• MPN: 4851590 / 4871645
• Genre: Classical / Stage & Screen / Pop
• Style: Film Scores, Marches, Musicals, Modern Classical
• Artist/Conductor: John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra
• Release Year: 2022 (Limited Edition 90th Birthday celebration)

Product Features

• Format: 21 x CD Box Set
• Dimensions: Standard CD box set dimensions (approximately 5.1 x 5.1 x 2.2 inches)
• Packaging: Includes original album artwork and new liner notes by Dr. Emilio Audissinio
• Audio Quality: Digital remasterings of the original Philips recordings

Overview

This comprehensive 21-CD box set celebrates the legendary conductor and composer John Williams' 90th birthday. It compiles the complete recordings made by Williams during his first decade as conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra for the Philips Classics label between 1980 and 1990. The collection highlights Williams' efforts to legitimize film music in the concert hall, featuring refined symphonic arrangements and expanded core classical repertoires. Highlights include iconic film scores from Star Wars, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark, as well as collaborations with renowned soprano Jessye Norman.

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Evolution: Williams succeeded the legendary Arthur Fiedler, who had led the Boston Pops for fifty years, and successfully transformed the orchestra into a modern national institution.
• Pianist Roots: The set includes an intimate project where Williams returns to his roots as a pianist, accompanying Jessye Norman on songs by legendary composers like Leonard Bernstein and Richard Rodgers.
• Rare Tracks: CD 21 includes a bonus "By Request" collection and "Pops Britannia," featuring rare commissions like Peter Maxwell Davies' An Orkney Wedding: With Sunrise.
• Legacy: These recordings are considered some of the most comprehensive showcases of Williams' interpretive skills and stylistic range outside of his film composing.

Track Listing (Highlights)

• CD 1: Pops on the March – Under the Double Eagle (3:15), Pomp and Circumstance (4:57), Midway March (4:10)
• CD 2: Pops in Space – Superman March (4:27), Star Wars Main Title (5:38), The Imperial March (3:07)
• CD 6: Aisle Seat – E.T. Flying Theme (3:43), Raiders March (5:28), Chariots of Fire (4:08)
• CD 10: Swing, Swing, Swing – Begin the Beguine, Sing, Sing, Sing, Moonlight Serenade
• CD 15: Holst: The Planets – A complete recording of Gustav Holst's symphonic suite
• CD 21: By Request / Pops Britannia – Liberty Fanfare (4:14), Jaws Theme (2:49), Scotland the Brave (2:00)

Publishers

Decca Music Group Limited / Philips Classics

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