It’s one thing to know a cinematic work for the storytelling, visuals, and onscreen dynamics, but what about the musical component? It’s a rare and beautiful thing to happen upon a composer who creates entire scores that stand out in our minds, even before the film itself. John Williams is one of those visionaries, with a slew of tremendous and groundbreaking work that transformed the realm of music for film.
It can be a delightful undertaking to dig through the massive collection of Williams’ work. Get started on a trip down memory lane with some of our most nostalgic and classic selections from the composer’s oeuvre. Then ask yourself, “Does the soundtrack remain ingrained in the walls of my brain first, then the film? Or is the other way around?”
Jaws
This film won Williams an Academy Award, and the main theme became so popular that it’s practically a universal theme for sharks. Its notes consist of “E” and “F” (or “F” and “F sharp”), and Williams described the sound he was going for as one that was “grinding away at you, just as a shark would do…”
Star Wars
The original theme for Star Wars is, to this day, one of the most legendary pieces of cinematic music to ever exist. In the summer of 1977, American producer Meco even reimagined the original work into what became an instant disco hit.
Home Alone
The delightfully melancholy signature tune for this film is an example of a theme that’s introduced early on, then reappears with slight variations throughout. The piece was nominated for both an Academy Award (Best Original Song) and a Grammy (Best Song Written for Visual Media), and can be heard in various orchestral/choir arrangements throughout the holiday season.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Magically, Williams managed to win an Oscar, a Grammy, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe for this score. Not only that, but it was only the fourth score in all of history to accomplish the feat of winning all four awards for the same piece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCNHVMIYqiA
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Hedwig’s Theme” appears not only throughout the first Harry Potter film, but also throughout the entire series (otherwise known as a letimotif — “a short, constantly recurring musical phrase”). The theme pairs well with the magic and enchantment of the film, and can be heard throughout in an unaltered state.
Catch Me If You Can
The opening theme for this film also happens to be featured in an episode of The Simpsons called “Catch Em If You Can.” It was nominated for an Academy Award as well as a Grammy, and marked the 20th collaboration between director Steven Spielberg and Williams.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
Creating a film or video project of your own? Find songs and music to match your theatrical works in Shutterstock’s music collection »