Legendary composer John Williams is putting the finishing touches on what could be his latest soundtrack, Indiana Jones 5, after six decades of enchanting musical work on the big screen.
Williams, who is responsible for the soundtracks to more than 100 iconic films, from Star Wars, Jaws and Jurassic Park to ET, Harry Potter, Superman and Schindler’s List, has hinted that he will retire after turning 90 in February.
Scroll down to see a selection of Williams’ most famous work, including the iconic Indiana Jones theme.
The musician, who has garnered five Oscars, 25 Grammys and 52 Oscar nominations, was described by Steven Spielberg as “the most important contributor to my success as a filmmaker.”
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly,” said the Hollywood director, a regular contributor since he first invited Williams to a luncheon in 1972.
Opening up on a distant future of composing film scores, Williams said, “Right now I’m working on Indiana Jones 5, which Harrison Ford, who is quite a bit younger than me, I think has announced that it will be his last movie.
“So I thought, ‘If Harrison can do it, maybe I can do it too.’
Ford, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary next month, has not publicly confirmed his retirement.
And Williams is also reluctant to do so, and revealed in an interview with the Associated Press how he does not want “it to be considered to categorically eliminate any activity.”
“I can’t play tennis, but I like to be able to believe that maybe someday I will,” he said, speaking from his home in LA.
Image: Williams and Spielberg joined 50 years ago. Image: AP
Reflecting on the remaining ambitions
A Star Wars movie requires six months of work, which “at this point in life is a long commitment to me,” Williams said.
He now wants to pursue his passion for composing concert music, including a piano concerto he has created for Grammy-winning American classical pianist Emanuel Ax.
This spring, Williams and cellist Yo-Yo Ma released “A Gathering of Friends,” an album recorded with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, which includes new arrangements of scores such as Schindler’s List, Lincoln, and Munich.
Williams said a lifetime working in music had given him “the ability to breathe and live.”
“He has given me my life,” he added.
Here is a selection of some of his most famous works:
‘Unreal’ legacy
Williams’ hugely impressive record of film successes is said to have only been broken by Walt Disney, with billions able to recognize the melody of Jaws and the famous Star Wars Imperial March.
“They tell me that music is played all over the world,” the composer said. “What could be more rewarding than that?”
“But I have to say it seems unreal,” he admitted. “I can only see what I have in front of the piano right now and do my best.”
Indiana Jones 5, the first in the series that will not be directed by Spielberg, will be released in June 2023.