David Stewart asked:

>Is there any 'serious' music that he has written which would deserve any
>special attention.

Check out "the Five Sacred Trees" solo bassoon by Judith LeClair and the
LSO conducted by John Williams on Sony #62729.  The disc also contains
"Tree Line" by Takemitsu, "Mysterious Mountain" by Hovaness and a short
work by Tobias Picker, "Old and Lost Rivers." Very pleasant music.
Sometimes challenging, never boring.

The closing Boston Symphony subscription concert of the 98-99 season
contained a Williams piece dedicated to Seiji Ozawa in celebration of his
25 years as conductor of said orchestra.  "For Seiji" is a short work in
the form of concerto for orchestra featuring members and groups within the
BSO.  I found it uncomplicated and interesting.

John Williams is certainly much about music other than movie sound tracks
although he is the reigning royalty in the that category.  Check out the
new "Star Wars Prequel" coming in May.  It reportedly has an interesting
piece of "inverse" composing which takes the Darth Vader theme back in time
from the menacing bad guy to a softer youthful period.  Williams reported
the composing trick was a variation something unique for him to accomplish.

Bernard Gregoire
HIngham, MA