Lincoln. John Williams

In 1865, as the American Civil War winds inexorably toward conclusion, U.S. president Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) endeavors to achieve passage of the landmark constitutional amendment which will forever ban slavery from the United States. However, his task is a race against time, for peace may come at any time, and if it comes before the amendment is passed, the returning southern states will stop it before it can become law. Lincoln must, by almost any means possible, obtain enough votes from a recalcitrant Congress before peace arrives and it is too late. Yet the president is torn, as an early peace would save thousands of lives. As the nation confronts its conscience over the freedom of its entire population, Lincoln faces his own crisis of conscience -- end slavery or end the war.

Lincoln was the 26th collaboration between Steven Spielberg and John Williams. It is a classic Williams work of beauty, elegance and restraint, a tasteful but emotionally appropriate musical tribute to one of America’s greatest ever leaders.The main theme is a warm and inviting piece which gradually swells to encompass the entire orchestra. It’s classic Williams; noble, dignified, emotionally appropriate, musically interesting, and with the beautiful harmonies that have been the hallmark of his career. Its performance in the opening “The People’s House” moves effortlessly from oboe to strings to horns in succession, illustrating the theme’s adaptability to different settings, and setting up the score perfectly.

[sammywestenberger]

John Williams Isolated Score Main Title!