The vast catalog of violinist
Anne-Sophie Mutter reveals few crossover items indeed, perhaps fewer than those of any other classical music superstar. It is characteristic of this great player that when she did undertake a major crossover project, she made it something both intelligent and personal. The main impetus seems to have come from
Mutter, who admired
John Williams' film scores when she was young, was introduced to the composer by her ex-husband
Andre Previn, and asked
Williams to compose a piece for her. However, this recording is as much
Williams' as
Mutter's. It was conducted by
Williams and took place on his home ground, with the
Recording Arts Orchestra of Los Angeles exuding a string sheen that could match many a better-known ensemble.
Williams' biggest contribution though, is in the arranging of his film score selections, honed by years as head of the
Boston Pops. He seems to have instinctively known how to play to
Mutter's strengths in the flawless execution of long lines. Sample "Sayuri's Theme" from
Memoirs of a Geisha, of 2005. That selection points to another strength here:
Star Wars,
Harry Potter, and
Schindler's List are present, but
Williams and
Mutter haven't overloaded the program with them, and there are some lesser-known gems like the Theme from
Sabrina (1995).
Williams fans will appreciate how some of these pieces took more effort than others to make into violin-and-orchestra selections, but the bottom line is that the album is a fine and superbly enjoyable accomplishment from both artists. ~ James Manheim
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