Review: A STAR WARS CELEBRATION-The Music of John Williams

The legendary Philly Pops under the baton of Maestro Michael Krajewski open the 2017-18 Season with "Power! Unlimited Power" as Darth Sidious would say. This much anticipated concert drew record crowds. Young and old some dressed in their best Star Wars costumes showed up to enjoy the music of all seven of the Star Wars films. The program featured all five of Williams' Academy Award winning scores.

Six smoky colored giant laser beams scan throughout Verizon Hall setting the scene for a uniquely spectacular presentation! The opening number is the "Star Wars Main Title Intro song" all too familiar to all, of course. While the key focus is on the music of Star Wars Maestro Krajewski reminds us that Mr. Williams' music encompasses so many wonderful compositions as he and the Pops treat us to the intense "Theme from Jaws" which the score won an Academy Award in 1975, then onto "Harry's Wondrous World" from Harry Potter, then "Flying Theme" from E.T:. The Extraterrestrial". The famous Steven Spielberg 1993 movie, Schindler's List features the music of John Williams from that award-winning movie. A lesser known fact is that John Williams penned an arrangement which was an adaptation of music from the film Fiddler on the Roof. This time we are treated to a wonderful solo by 1st violinist Michael Ludwig.

Needless to say the 65 piece Philly Pops musicians are always up for seemingly any musical task under the creative leadership of Michael Krajewski. For more information about this great collaboration feel free to read my recent exclusive interview with Mr. Krajewski. /philadelphia/article/BWW-REVIEW-An-Interview-With-Philly-Pops-Own-ROCKY--MAESTRO-MICHAEL-KRAJEWSKI-at-Kimmel-Center-20171013

Intermission finds the crowd scurrying to meet and greet Darth Vader, The Storm Troopers and Boba Fett with much excitement. The second act is devoted exclusively to the epic Star Wars music much to the delight of everyone. We begin with the "Parade of the Ewoks" from Return of the Jedi then the snappy "Cantina Band" from Star Wars-A New Hope. This number was jumpin' as the large group of Pops Festival Chorus danced in their seats in the Conductors Circle, much to the delight of the crowd. Next up is the "Battle of The Heroes" from Revenge of the Sith where the outstanding choral group added their voices to create a thunderous rendition! Calming the scene we are treated to the Love song of Anakin and Padme "Across the Stars" from Attack of the Clones. I should mention that Darth Vader, the Storm Troopers and Boba Fett were all appearing looming throughout the concert adding to the drama and enthusiasm. One of the highlight numbers, at least for me, was "Duel of the Fates" where Darth Maul battles with Obi-wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jin The Phantom Menace. The talented Pops and choral singers thundered as the lasers were battling between them. " The Imperial March" song was written originally for The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. It was used in Rogue One, but performed by Michael Giacchino. "The Jedi Steps" from The Force Awakens finish up a thrilling one-of-a kind musical experience.

A STAR WARS CELEBRATION FEATURING THE MUSIC OF John Williams played at the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia on October 20-22, 2017. The 2017-18 Philly Pops Season will feature concerts including The Music of Elton John, Philly Pops Christmas, Best of Broadway, Sinatra and Friends, Pops Rocks and more. For tickets and information about the rest of the Philly Pops Concerts visit www.thephillypops.com

Photo Credits: Courtesty of The Philly Pops

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