Stories and features related to American composer John Williams

Tribute to tuba player Jim Self, who played on more than 1,500 film scores

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Self played tuba on more than 1,500 film scores, including ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Home Alone,’ and ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’


A man is seen playing tuba framed inside a sousaphone

John Williams - Wild Signals (Audio)

Remembering Jim Self, tuba player who performed on many John Williams film scores

Lynne has been at this radio thing since 1984 when she fell into an historic job at KFAC AM and FM, the commercial classical station in Los Angeles.  She was the first woman staff announcer in the station's history, and it was such big news back then, it made the LA newspapers and national radio publications.  She is thrilled women in radio is no longer newsworthy.


Lynne Warfel

Film composer John Williams recently turned 93, and YourClassical celebrated by creating the Ultimate John Williams Playlist. Listen to his music while you take this quiz to find out how much you know about this living legend.


Quizzes

Quiz: How much do you know about John Williams?

John Williams On The Rise

Collaborations with Steven Spielberg

Star Wars

More Films

Concert Works/Other

Composer John Williams turns 93 on Feb. 8. To celebrate, enjoy an encore of a special Minnesota Orchestra concert in tribute to the iconic composer. And ‘Saturday Cinema’ host Lynne Warfel has compiled the Ultimate John Williams Playlist for your pleasure. Listen now!


Film and TV music

Listen to a musical celebration of John Williams for his 93rd birthday

Saturday Cinema - Feb. 8, 2025

This week on ‘Saturday Cinema,’ host Lynne Warfel highlights John Williams’ best scores and stories, celebrating his 93 years. Selections include music from ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Home Alone’ and more. Listen now!


Saturday Cinema

A birthday Valentine for John

Joaquin Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez - second movement

Timo Andres: Upstate Obscura - Vanishing Point

Valentin Silvestrov: Evening Serenade

John Williams: Violin Concerto - second movement

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Joe Goetz

Jennifer Allen is the Associate Music Director for Classical MPR and is responsible for classical music programming and library organization. What she enjoys most about her job is sharing great music with MPR audiences. Anderson started with Classical MPR as an intern in October 2005. She holds a degree in music from Macalester College and currently resides in St. Paul.


Jennifer Allen

Robin Gehl

Did you know that John Williams writes music that isn’t for movies?  Plus, a young Chinese guitarist tackles one of the most beloved guitar concertos ever written, and two cellists offer evocative interpretations of new and rarely heard music in Recordings of the Month for April.


Recordings of the Month

International Guitar Month, John Williams and a lot of cello highlight April releases

Jay Gabler

John Williams created the most recognizable musical universe ever to accompany a motion picture when he composed the music for the 'Star Wars' films. But what classical compositions influenced the great film composer?


Classical Basics

'Star Wars': John Williams's classical influences

'Star Wars' music: What were John Williams' classical influences?

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ with music from the movie and other sci-fi favorites. Listen now!

The 40th Anniversary of E.T.

This week’s episode of Saturday Cinema, with host Lynne Warfel, celebrates the 40th anniversary of ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ with music from the movie and other sci-fi favorites. Listen now!


Listen to the Story

Tim Greiving

John Williams' score was, true to form, unforgettable — as Jeff Goldblum remembers in an interview with NPR.


The theme to 'Jurassic Park' hasn't aged a day

Mary Louise Kelly

Kat Lonsdorf

Patrick Jarenwattananon

On a new album, the classical stars revisit the concerto Williams composed specifically for Ma, as well as some of Williams' most affecting film scores.


Three Pieces from Schindler's List: I. Theme

Composer John Williams and cellist Yo-Yo Ma bring together 'A Gathering of Friends'

Jeffrey Yelverton is a digital producer of classical music for Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. He supports the digital portfolio of MPR/APM by creating original content and providing production support for YourClassical Storytime, New Classical Tracks and various seasonal events.


Digital Producer, Classical

Jeffrey Yelverton

Legendary composer and conductor John Williams hasn’t showed signs of slowing down since turning 90 earlier this year. With the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ show ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi,' Williams’ score amazes music and movie lovers alike once again. 
