John Williams | Smartless

Golfing Escape

John Williams shares his daily golfing routine, which serves as a meditative escape from his intense work schedule. He enjoys walking the course alone, allowing him to reflect and relax without the need to entertain others. Williams describes the golf course as "the greatest possible luxury in a crowded urban area," appreciating its beauty and tranquility 1.

   

Legendary Encounters

Williams recounts fascinating anecdotes from his interactions with legendary figures in the music and film industry. He shares a humorous story about Steven Spielberg playing clarinet poorly on the "Jaws" soundtrack, which was then used in a local marching band 2. Williams also reminisces about meeting Oscar Levant in Louis B. Mayer's office, highlighting the iconic personalities he encountered throughout his career 3.

   

Performance Magic

Discussing the magic of live performances, Williams expresses his enjoyment of conducting live movie scores, such as at the Hollywood Bowl. He appreciates the audience's ability to experience the music's virtuosity without the distraction of the film 4. Additionally, Sean Hayes shares the challenge of playing the end credits music of "E.T.", noting its complexity and Williams's penchant for writing difficult pieces 5.