Savor marvelous music from the movies on Aug. 5

 

Submitted

Prepare to have your memories stimulated by famous movie music at the free August 5 concert by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia. Whether it is “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca, “The Shadow of Your Smile” from The Sandpiper, the iconic songs from James Bond movies, or the themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List, you are sure to find lots to enjoy in this concert.

Herman Hupfeld originally wrote “As Time Goes By” in 1931 for the Broadway musical Everybody’s Welcome. Its appearance in the 1942 movie, Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is what made the song famous. The refrain was sung by the character Sam (Dooley Wilson).

“The Shadow of Your Smile” by Johnny Mandel premiered in The Sandpiper, a 1965 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Other than a straightforward version of the theme that features a vocal group, Jack Sheldon’s trumpet was prominent throughout much of the haunting score. This song became so popular that virtually every famous crooner recorded and published their own rendition.

The medley of theme songs from the James Bond movies needs little explanation. It includes “The James Bond Theme,” “For Your Eyes Only,” “Goldfinger,” “Live and Let Die,” and “Nobody Does It Better.” Notably, “Live and Let Die” was written by Linda and Paul McCartney, of Beatles fame.

The remaining four compositions demonstrate how John Williams has been dominant in the movie industry since 1977, beginning with the first two Star Wars Trilogies (1977- 2005), embracing Jurassic Park plus the poignant Schindler’s List in 1993, developing Harry Potter from 2001 to 2004, and reprising with Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). The themes and medleys from all four genres illustrate the diversity of styles he commands, all the way from emulating the dramatic fanfare from Richard Strauss’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, adapting the intense orchestration of Richard Wagner, exploring a magical intrigue in Harry Potter, to expressing the mournful violin melody in the theme from Schindler’s list. When John Williams composes, he is compelling!

To thoroughly enjoy these engaging compositions, join the Oak Ridge Philharmonia on Saturday, August 5, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge. The church is located at the corner of the Oak Ridge Turnpike and LaFayette Drive. Admission is free, although the orchestra appreciates modest donations at the door to support routine operating expenses. Free refreshments following the concert are provided by the orchestra members.

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is a 501(c)3, nonprofit, volunteer organization, performing under the baton of Conductor and Music Director Marcelo Urias. Anyone wishing to regularly participate in the orchestra is encouraged to contact Personnel Manager Cyndi Jeffers at [email protected]. Usually, the orchestra can accommodate additional string players, and occasionally there are openings in the brass, woodwind, and percussion sections. The orchestra welcomes proficient musicians of all ages. The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is a rewarding venue for instrumentalists who enjoy playing for an appreciative audience, with music ranging from Baroque through Classical to Contemporary. For more information about the orchestra, visit www.OakRidgePhilharmonia.org. They can also be found on Facebook at oakridgephil.

Submitted by:

Dale Gedcke

Publicity Manager

Oak Ridge Philharmonia