A spectacular performance from the London Symphony Orchestra which will leave you wishing you had a little live orchestra to follow you to any cinema trip.
Star Wars: Return of The Jedi in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall is nothing short of spectacular.
As part of the Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Film’s in Concert’ series, the London Symphony Orchestra performed the Oscar-winning composer John William’s musical score, accompanying a projection of the sixth episode of Star Wars for the first time in the UK. With nominations for several awards at the time of release, including Grammy nomination for ‘Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special’ and nominations for both Saturn Award and Oscar’s ‘Best Music’ categories, it comes as no surprise that the music itself is genuinely incredible. More recently a winner of Gold Spirit award for ‘Best Composer’ (2004), it is evident that John Williams’s scores are timeless, fitting for such a cult classic.
The last time I saw an orchestra play live was way back in the early days of my secondary school education at the Liverpool Philharmonic, at which time, in all honesty, I had very minimal appreciation for classical music. I must say last night was an eye (or should I say ear-) opening event. The power of a live orchestra is incredible, the music grabs you and you gain a new appreciation for level of skill required to give such a performance. I particularly enjoyed that I could see how much the musicians themselves were enjoying the event, leaning back to view the screen when their instruments were lowered.
I’m sure it’s not an uncommon idea that orchestral performances are fancy events in the realm of the upper classes and the more well-off members of society. Last night, however, disproved that theory. Star Wars superfans joined the suited and booted and the casually clothed in the Hall. Before the orchestra made their entrance, I heard an unmistakeable heavy breathing sound and turned to see two fans taking their seats behind me, one dressed as Darth Vader (costume complete with a voice changing helmet – wow) and the other as the Emperor himself.
The live orchestra brought the film to another level, it felt as though I was watching it again for the first time. The genuine joy on the faces of Star War’s fans seated around me was infectious, and doubtless brought on by the power of the music. I felt that the live accompaniment enhanced emotions during the story – tension built, excitement and expectation grew. The battle scenes were doubly as epic. I heard one fan say on their way out of the venue at the end of the night ‘I don’t know how I’m going to rewatch the films without that orchestra now.’
I must say that the credits in particular were incredible. I usually switch off a movie as soon as the first names start rolling, but staying there through to the end listening and watching the musicians work gave me a new appreciation for their art. With nothing playing on the screen but the names, I found myself focused entirely on the orchestra as they played the ‘Victory Celebration and End Title’ which brings us from the tribal Ewok tunes through snippets of melodies reminiscent of the ongoing score of the movie and the unmistakable Star Wars theme.
The Royal Albert Hall was the perfect venue for this performance – a beautiful space with excellent acoustics. ‘Film’s in Concert’ continues until Christmas, with upcoming titles including ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’, ‘Casino Royale’, and ‘Home Alone’, to name just a few. I highly recommend these events. For cult classics such as Star Wars and Harry Potter it is hard to think of ways to revitalise the films, but the live music achieves this with undeniable success.