American Journey - Winter Olympics 2002

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Anchored by his Mormon Tabernacle-charged "Call of Champions" (theme of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games) and the sweeping, emotionally rich six-part title suite (originally written for Washington, D.C.'s millennium celebrations and appearing here for the first time as a complete concert piece), this rousing, unabashedly patriotic collection from John Williams seems doubly timely, given America's hunger for comforting affirmation. Those who criticize the scale of Williams's music for its lack of irony will find little here to dissuade them, save perhaps "For New York," his deft, surprisingly low-key arrangement of appropriate Leonard Bernstein themes, and the comparatively subdued harmonic/melodic sophistication of "Song for World Peace." But this is largely music of ceremony and celebration--its scale and frequently martial rhythms are a direct function of purpose and intent. The collection's notes foster the notion of Williams as America's contemporary Sousa, but that's a comparison that sells the composer woefully short. Even "Sound the Bells," a piece written for the Japanese royal wedding, eschews any efforts at ethnic "authenticity," paying its tribute in distinctly American terms. "The Mission Theme" (from NBC News) and the Coplandesque bonus track "Summon the Heroes" (from the 1996 Olympics) further underscore the iconic intent of Williams's work. Chiding this collection for lack of subtlety is like complaining that fireworks are too spectacular. --Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

Call Of The Champions (The Official Theme Of The 2002 Olympic Winter Games)
American Journey: Immigration and Building
American Journey: The Country at War
American Journey: Popular Entertainment
American Journey: Sports and Celebrities
American Journey: Civil Rights and The Woman's Movement
American Journey: Technology and Flight
Song for World Peace
Jubilee 350
The Mission Theme (Theme for NBC News)
For New York (Variations on Themes of Leonard Bernstein)
Sound The Bells!
Hymn To New England
Celebrate Discovery
Summon The Heroes

Amazon.com

Anchored by his Mormon Tabernacle-charged "Call of Champions" (theme of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games) and the sweeping, emotionally rich six-part title suite (originally written for Washington, D.C.'s millennium celebrations and appearing here for the first time as a complete concert piece), this rousing, unabashedly patriotic collection from John Williams seems doubly timely, given America's hunger for comforting affirmation. Those who criticize the scale of Williams's music for its lack of irony will find little here to dissuade them, save perhaps "For New York," his deft, surprisingly low-key arrangement of appropriate Leonard Bernstein themes, and the comparatively subdued harmonic/melodic sophistication of "Song for World Peace." But this is largely music of ceremony and celebration--its scale and frequently martial rhythms are a direct function of purpose and intent. The collection's notes foster the notion of Williams as America's contemporary Sousa, but that's a comparison that sells the composer woefully short. Even "Sound the Bells," a piece written for the Japanese royal wedding, eschews any efforts at ethnic "authenticity," paying its tribute in distinctly American terms. "The Mission Theme" (from NBC News) and the Coplandesque bonus track "Summon the Heroes" (from the 1996 Olympics) further underscore the iconic intent of Williams's work. Chiding this collection for lack of subtlety is like complaining that fireworks are too spectacular. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Perfectly Williams.......2006-02-25

If you want a combination of John Williams at his best and the original olympic spirit, this is a must! The album starts off with the olympic theme from the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games and continues with the opening ceremony music. It's wonderful how Williams composes the music to describe the American evolution and history.

If you like the more fanfare-like Williams type of music and want to listen to a great album with great compositions I recommend this album to you! It really deserves 5 out of 5 stars!

Inspiring soundtrack that is vintage John Williams.......2006-01-15

I really enjoyed American Journey, as well as the other pieces John Williams composed for the 2002 Winter Olympics. When listened to all the way through, American Journey is a powerful tribute to the pioneers and explorers of America. Of the other pieces, my favorite was the Mission Theme, which features the well-known theme from NBC news with some excellent variations. The two main fanfares (Call of the Champions - 2002 Olympics, Summon the Heroes - 2000 Olympics) are the highlights of the CD, and unlike most people I actually thought Call of the Champions was better. I especially liked Williams' use of the choir and timpani in this piece.
I would recommend this CD to anyone whether they are a fan of John Williams or not.

Very impressive stuff.......2005-04-28

This really was one of William's best compositions and the performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was inspired as well. I think when people recall these Olympics, the sounds of "Call of the Champions" provides a very memorable musical image of the games. The Boston Pops Orchestra does an impressive job as well in this very attractive CD. Wonderful music from a memorable Olympic experience.

Essential for the John Williams lover.......2003-05-11

This is not my favorite John Williams CD, because I love his film scores, and the way they are arranged and built. However, this is John Williams performing his classical and ceremonial music, and with that in mind, this is an excellent CD. The "American Journey" suite is the strongest new material on the album - I say "new material" because the last track, Summon the Heroes (1996 Olympics) is one of John Williams's greatest, most energetic pieces. "American Journey" is filled with American patriotism, feeling, and excitement (my personal favorite is the Arts & Entertainment movement). With this CD and John Williams's other Olympic music, I believe he has redefined what American classical music is.

Really makes you feel proud.......2003-02-02

John Williams scores again, proving he can do more than compose music for Superman and Star Wars. This disk is filled with simply wonderful patriotic music, upbeat, small-scale at times, always suited to the title.

It's a wonderful listen for anyone...just as fun to listen to as any other John Williams tunes like Superman and Star Wars; and this time it isn't specifically related to a movie!

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