Does Star Wars soundtrack count as classical music?

[HIPster]

I voted Yes.

[Bogey]

Nice, Dave!

This is kind of neat:

Star Wars music: What were John Williams's classical influences?

http://www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/10/20/star-wars-john-williams-influences

[relm1]

Some of you might enjoy this:
http://site-323590.bcvp0rtal.com/detail/videos/living-composers/video/4397797764001/john-williams-flute-concerto?autoStart=true

[jochanaan]

Some of you might enjoy this:
http://site-323590.bcvp0rtal.com/detail/videos/living-composers/video/4397797764001/john-williams-flute-concerto?autoStart=true

I do!  It appears that Mr. Williams can indeed write good "classical" music.

[(poco) Sforzando]

I do!  It appears that Mr. Williams can indeed write good "classical" music.

I'd agree it falls under the heading of "classical," and yes, he can put together a decent musical argument. But to me the whole thing sounded generic, unoriginal, and dull.

[Karl Henning]

I'd agree it falls under the heading of "classical," and yes, he can put together a decent musical argument. But to me the whole thing sounded generic, unoriginal, and dull.

From this discussion (I have not heard the piece, and do not have an opinion) I wonder, had the piece been written by anyone not named John Williams, would it ever have been performed.

[(poco) Sforzando]

From this discussion (I have not heard the piece, and do not have an opinion) I wonder, had the piece been written by anyone not named John Williams, would it ever have been performed.

I can't deny I felt the same way, Karl. Reminds me of a couple of plays I saw by the actor Jesse Eisenberg. No doubt he's a brilliant actor - his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in "The Social Network" was a cinema classic in capturing a sociopathic entrepreneur - but both of his plays (in which he also acted) were savaged by the critics, and I thought with justice. Even though he somehow got Vanessa Redgrave to co-star with him, I thought he too was given much more of an opportunity than he would have had as an unknown. And would I have gone had it not been for the name?

[relm1]

From this discussion (I have not heard the piece, and do not have an opinion) I wonder, had the piece been written by anyone not named John Williams, would it ever have been performed.

Interesting counterpoint to my point that JW is unfairly disliked in concert halls because of his popularity. 

[relm1]

Alex Ross agrees with me.
http://www.scpr.org/programs/offramp/2016/02/24/46634/oscars-how-star-wars-composer-john-williams-saved/

[Sergeant Rock]

More proof that some film soundtracks are classical music? The Cleveland Orchestra will play Herrmann's Psycho in a series of concerts next January at Severance Hall (James Gaffigan conducting):

HERRMANN - Suite from Psycho
GERSHWIN - Rhapsody in Blue
BARTÓK - Concerto for Orchestra


Sarge

[Brahmsian]

More proof that some film soundtracks are classical music? The Cleveland Orchestra will play Herrmann's Psycho in a series of concerts next January at Severance Hall (James Gaffigan conducting):

HERRMANN - Suite from Psycho
GERSHWIN - Rhapsody in Blue
BARTÓK - Concerto for Orchestra


Sarge

Very nice!

[Karl Henning]

Herrmann belongs on a concert program 

[(poco) Sforzando]

More proof that some film soundtracks are classical music? The Cleveland Orchestra will play Herrmann's Psycho in a series of concerts next January at Severance Hall (James Gaffigan conducting):

HERRMANN - Suite from Psycho
GERSHWIN - Rhapsody in Blue
BARTÓK - Concerto for Orchestra


Sarge

How is that "proof"?

If James programmed a "suite" from the latest album from Lady Gaga, would Lady Gaga also be classical music?

[James]

(James Gaffigan conducting):

Jimmie's conducting .. ? .. that explains it.