As a resident of Boston for most of my life, I have heard John Williams conduct the Boston Pops many times during his tenure as Conductor and music director.
Those familiar with the Pops know that the Typical Concert has three “Acts” in the Program. The Opener is comprised of “Light” Classical Music. Part 2 consists usually of one work, such as a piano concerto. And Act 3 would present the Contemporary Program of popular music arranged especially for The Boston Pops Orchestra.
During his time with the Pops, John Williams used this third act almost entirely to showcase his own movie music. Although his music is wonderful, the listening audience began to tire of “Star Wars”, “ET”, “Superman” and “Indiana Jones”. Not trying to be a curmudgeon about it, just speaking from personal experience!
:-)
I sure MISS Arthur Fiedler!
I read that relations between Maestro Williams and the Boston Pops were not always smooth.
When morale drops, the musicians can behave, well, unprofessionally.
I watched a broadcast of Williams and the Pops back in the 80’s which featured Victor Borge. In addition to his usual hilarious schtick, he performed, straight, the final movement of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd concerto.
There is a climax late in the movement which is the pivotal moment in the entire work. The piano finishes a rising rhetorical statement with a powerful chord, followed by a short fermata during which the chord hangs in the air. Then the orchestra responds with a crashing chord of its own.
At least, that’s what’s supposed to happen.
Instead, after the crucial chord, the orchestra came in one beat early, totally blowing the fermata and causing an instant grimace on Borge’s face.
The players had to know what they were doing. I am guessing that they were responding nastily to Mr Williams’ baton movements, and perhaps expressing their irritation with him in general.
I still can’t believe they couldn’t have come in at the right time, regardless of what he was doing with the stick at that moment.