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I agree with the review from Presbyteros, and I find this recording more satisfying than anything conducted by Williams. Both the performance and recording are flawless in my impression. Perhaps I am somewhat influenced by nostalgia since we had this recording when I was a kid, but returning to it as an adult, I find I enjoy it much more than the soundtracks and other Williams recordings that I have.
This was released about the same time as the Mehta/LA Philharmonic recording. Knowing the story isn't a bad thing. Wonderfully played and recorded, it offers a fine alternative to the soundtracks, and even John Williams' own "concert versions".
The "National Philharmonic" was his "pick-up" orchestra. This recording is the proof that this is great music. Charles Gerhardt was an American working in London for many years as a conductor/producer.
I believe that this is John Williams' own arrangement, but with his original big orchestration restored for the recording. Under the British system of free-lancers, I wouldn't be surprised if there were London Symphony veterans who played the on the soundtrack and on these sessions as well.The standard is as high as Gerhardt's "Classic Film Scores". If fact, I think the original intention was to place "Star Wars" right with "The Adventures of Robin Hood", etc, and the classic scores of Max Steiner, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, etc.It succeeds on every level.
We all know what it looks like on the screen, but the music absolutely stands on its own. It worked for Richard Strauss.If you sometimes just don't feel like listening to every little cue, and want the big sweep of sound, this is the one for you.
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