When most people think of classical composers, images of people wearing powdered wigs, sitting at harpsicords, or conducting symphonies often are the first that come to mind. Along with the likes of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart, John Williams is practically a living legend.
Williams began his film career by composing for Daddy-O in 1959, but his abilities only blossomed as he went on to compose for directors like Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus, and George Lucas. With decades of films under his belt, it's hard to narrow down his absolute best. But that doesn't mean we can't try!
"Main Title" from Jaws (1975)
It's one thing if a composer can work with a minimalist score, but it's another if he can make two notes into something unforgettably chilling. The theme from Jaws is pure suspense, and that's all there is to it.
Similar to the screeching strings from Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, the theme from this aquatic creature feature has kept audiences tense around water since the '70s. We don't even see the shark until the third act of the film, but with two notes and a terrifying set of teeth, Williams introduced a masterpiece.
"Raiders March" From the Indiana Jones series
From Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Dial of Destiny, Indy has been adventuring to this triumphant score for generations. With its big brass overtures and unforgettable tune, it's been leading us on the path to adventure since Dr. Jones first stepped on screen.
Since the franchise was inspired by the adventure serials of the 1940s and 1950s, Indiana Jones needed an upbeat melody that would evoke images of victory and treasure as Indy gets himself out of another jam. Which is, in this writer's humble opinion, the reason to watch.
"Hedwig's Theme" from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
To quote Monty Python's Flying Circus, "And now for something completely different." Crafting themes for films and making them iconic is no easy job, but Williams truly made movie magic when he brought this to the soundtrack of the boy who lived.
With its bells and use of tinkling percussion instruments, it's hard not to think about magic spells and the mysterious ways of Harry Potter's journey from boy to wizard. To this day, it still serves as the primary theme to all things under J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World.
"Binary Sunset" from Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
Call this one an honorable mention, but it's one we couldn't live without. Although it would be so easy to put the theme for the entire franchise on this list, there's just something purely spellbinding about this theme for the Force in George Lucas' Star Wars series.
The iconic theme has been symbolic of the franchise for decades, but "Binary Sunset" truly puts us into the realm of the galaxy far, far away. Not only that, but variants of it's french horn theme can be heard sprinkled in throughout other pieces of the Star Wars score, securing its immortality.
"Imperial March" from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Again, while the primary Star Wars opening theme could take our top spot, there is perhaps no song that better solidifies John Williams' talents for creating unforgettable soundtracks than this villainous backing track.
Known to some as the theme for the dreaded Darth Vader, this malicious march has been synonymous with Star Wars since day one, maybe even more popular than the series' cinematic overture. Not only does it frequently get stuck in our heads, but it has kept us coming back to the dark side across a multitude of Star Wars media.
Along Main Street would like to wish Mr. Williams a very happy birthday, and we hope he continues to inspire the cinematic world with even more wonderful music.