Brief bio by Tim Page.

Williams says the best way to compose for film is to see the film in its unedited form so that you can sense its rhythm, atmosphere, and dynamics. A composer's chiel function, he says is a rhythm and tempo - one then "we start talking about texture and keys and the kinds of melody and harmony." The composer also says that that film music is a "slight of hand trick."

Williams talks about his early career and that he enjoys doing music for all genres of film. He talks about his soundtrack for the film Jaws.

Musical selection from the soundtrack of Jaws.

Williams discusses the absence of the symphonic style for a while and his use of it in his Star Wars trilogy.

Musical selection from the soundtrack to Star Wars.

Williams talks about being a conductor for The Boston Pops orchestra and the wearing of both conductor and composer hats. He also reflects on the freedom of writing concert music not tied to a script like his flute concerto.

Musical selection from John Williams Flute Concerto with Peter Lloyd soloist and Leonard Slatkin conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. He relates some advice to young composers.

WNYC archives id: 13807