One of my favorite scores of John Williams is Seven Years in Tibet. Listening to the opening theme:
I've often wondered if there are any parallels in film music...I dont believe so. The main theme within the first few seconds has an apparent modulation over multiple keys, at least to my untrained ears! It starts with C, then seems to move to B, then F and back to C. If not true modulations in a classical sense, it at least sounds fantastically more interesting and innovative than anything Ive heard.
Someone commented that the sweeping chromatic rise and fall is reminiscent of the Himalayas. Only JW can reach those peaks.
Ive heard very few discussions about JW and his tonal style, which I feel has no parallel either in film or classical music. People only talk about the great themes and orchestration. But the key to me is the single melodic line that you could play on the piano with one hand that will distinguish him...just like any other great composer.
Anand
