Austin Symphonic Band
Program Notes
March from “1941” (1979)
John Williams (b. 1932)
Transcribed by Paul Lavender
In 1979, Williams found another chance in his film commitments to write a new march for Steven Spielberg’s WWII comedy extravaganza “1941.” The film features a dazzling score full of bombast and panache, accompanying the zany, rambunctious and even absurd events happening on-screen.
The result is a march full of pomp and swagger, with a dash of jazzy accents that gives the piece an off-kilter character. As in many Sousa marches, Williams calls for virtuosic technique and elaborate contrapuntal writing, when he juxtaposes the three thematic subjects at the same time in the final section of the piece as heard in the film’s end credits and concert arrangement.
Listen for:
A piquant piccolo introduction with snare drum backing
An incessant low brass obligato
A brilliant set-up to an impressive low brass run
A combination of all themes before the finale
Midway March (1976)
John Williams (b. 1932)
Transcribed by Paul Lavender
Program note from the Marine Band
The 1976 feature film Midway chronicles the incredible Battle of Midway, which was a turning point in the Pacific during World War II. Until this critical stand and victory led by the U.S. Marines, the Imperial Japanese Navy had been undefeated in battle for nearly eighty years. The film highlighted the remarkable American strategy and success against all odds with an all-star cast including Charlton Heston, James Coburn and Henry Fonda, who played the part of legendary Admiral Chester Nimitz. Several scenes in the film were shot using the USS Lexington, the last Essex-class aircraft carrier from World War II in service at the time of production.
The movie also employed a special sound mix called “Sensurround.” This early technique of enveloping the audience in the sonic action of the movie was used in only four films of the era and required special speakers to be installed in theaters where they were shown. John Williams provided the dramatic and visceral musical score for the movie. Williams had recently won his first Academy Award for his score to Jaws in 1974 and was quickly becoming one of the most sought after composers in Hollywood at the time of Midway’s release. Right after his work on this film, he composed the now iconic music to the first installment of Star Wars.
Listen for:
A dignified clarinet statement of the main theme
A contrapuntal woodwind / percussion reel
Heroic horn writing