Reference Recordings  RR-142 - Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Those listeners not totally convinced by the change in sonority from a full symphony orchestra including a substantial string section and a wind band should give this spectacular recording a serious audition. The principal reason for the recording’s success is that Williams composed so effectively for brass and percussion. The sonority here is frequently very different from the original orchestrations, but in most cases it works very well. Much of this is predictable. For example, the Olympic Fanfare, Superman March, and Imperial March are primarily scored for brass that is extremely effective. In contrast, the gorgeous central slow theme from the Cowboys Overture is written for strings and does not sound as good when played by winds and brass. Still, nearly all of the arrangements are spectacular, including the lengthy excerpts from Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T. Much of the album’s success is also due to the amazing sound. Keith Johnson is the engineer, and the wide-open airiness, bass impact, and high frequency presence are immediately apparent. The musical selections with this kind of sound make this SACD special for both Williams fans and audiophiles. - TAS 5/5 Sound

Experience to the full 'Prof'. Johnson's nonpareil surround sound mix is to buy the physical media. A future award winner? Without doubt. Sound 5/5 Hraudio

Spectacular Wind Band Recording on 5.1 Stereo SACD!

John Williams is a game changer. Early in his career he crossed the lines between music that was "art" and music that was "commercial," and never looked back. He is one of the best known, most awarded and most successful composers in US history, and his name is inextricably connected to outstanding music for films. He has written scores for over 100 films, and his massive list of awards includes 51 Academy Award nominations and five wins, as well as 24 GRAMMY® awards. A less-known fact is his fondness for writing, arranging and conducting wind band music. This collection of his film music includes favorites from Star Wars, Superman, JFK, ET and many more, arranged for concert performance by top-level wind ensemble.

Brilliant performances by the Dallas Winds, have been captured in spectacular audiophile sound by Reference Recordings' own award-winning engineering team: Keith O. Johnson and Sean Royce Martin. John Williams At The Movies features soloist Christopher Martin, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. The recording was made in Dallas Texas, in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, one of the world's greatest concert halls, and the site of an annual Dallas Winds concert featuring the film music of John Williams.