John Williams conducts 'Raiders March'

John Williams conducts the "Raiders March" at his 90th birthday celebration at Tanglewood in Lenox on Aug. 20, 200. (BSO video)

[janwojciechowski]

He composed the music for my childhood. Though never having met him in person, I love him

[coezi]

You know why he's smiling? Because the orchestra knows his pieces so well now he basically gets to just enjoy them performed exactly how he imagined without having to really conduct them. they're anticipating him at every snap, bringing a smile to his face.

[jasobres]

I was in the audience for this! This was for John's 90th birthday celebration and it was practically a party! Before this, Itzhak Perlman made a surprise appearance to play the theme from _Schindler's List._

[adamdays]

The most overlooked fact is that John's music for these iconic films aren't just a soundtrack to be played throughout the characters' scenes... the music IS a character. You cannot have Indiana Jones without his partner, the Raiders March.

[rekunta]

This man is a cultural behemoth.

The amount of iconic soundtracks he’s created over his career, the very essence and soul of works that’s defined not only our popular culture, but that has impacted and influenced so many, is difficult to comprehend or articulate the impact of.

What a remarkable life he’s led, and a remarkable legacy he’s going to leave behind.

[michaelgraves]

I'm flying over from Melbourne especially to see him conduct his 90th Birthday Concert at Hollywood Bowl. Can't wait!

[guillaumerossi]

What a concert ! I was so lucky to be there, my best memory of this night is Itzhak Perlman playing Schindler's list. My God, i have never heard something like that in my life

[elisapaim]

Como eu amo❤ esta trilha sonora....me arrepia😊😊❤❤

[GiantMovieNerdtm]

I've never seen a video that shows John conducting the whole time. Seeing his excitement and big smile made me tear up. The man's in his 90s, seeing him this happy and knowing he still wants to compose and conduct movies makes me so happy

[ChadLuciano]

The world is lucky to have been given such a wonderful talent.

Just imagine how dull movies would be without his amazing music.

[michaelchen]

....and music obviously has kept the maestro in Marvelous Shape!!! Bravo!!!

[oskarhrankowski]

It's so beautiful to see so much smile on Maestro's face!

[daveenyart]

I'm a retired grades 5-12 band teacher from rural Minnesota. Many of my bands rehearsed and performed his music I am already dreading the day when he passes away. I will need ample time for mourning.

[scottt]

What it must be like to stand in front of amazing musicians all playing your music in concert. Bet it never gets old!

[andyschrant]

absolute legend this man is. the composer of my life really

[JeremyPickett]

Ive been obsessing about john recently. Half a year ago i heard the SF philharmonic play a brilliant version of his 1984 olympic fanfare and it made my hair stand on end.

His textural counterpoints are without match. When i compose and use tools like lairing oboe, basoon, and trombone, it feels like cheating. When john dpes it, its magic. Then he dpes this thing where the orchestra goes so quiet and the first/second strings basically ay a wall of black ink at pianossimo in unison. Absolutely monumental.

The depth that he mines his brass sections cant be overrated. It draws inspiration from Holst, Elgar, and Souza. But never in a dour militaristic way. John wouldnt have wrotten, "Bringer of War", he qould write, "Bringer of Awesome".

Cant believe im on the same planet as someone so brilliant.

[jacklong]

John Williams is a gifted genius! IMO I believe the Raiders March theme song is his masterpiece.❤

[judyjohnson]

Love watching this very incredible master direct!!!😊

[PaulCashman]

The "Raiders" soundtrack was the first CD I ever bought. At the time there were only a few hundred titles available on CD from ANY genre, and it served me well as an audio "reference" disc. Heck, it still does; I still have it. Just amazing...like all of John Williams' work.