Search - John Williams :: Stanley & Iris: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Beautiful and Delicate Themes Interwoven

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 03/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of John Williams lesser known scores, but captures the mood of the film brilliantly. Williams orchestration with beautiful and delicate themes interwoven with piano, flute and clarinet is eloquently performed. The composer takes strokes of the piano keys and with flowing strings sets the mood of an endearing story. This score shows Williams true understanding of what a film needs musically to portray each character and what part they play in each others lives. Each track works well and is truly a great listen for all film collectors, which is much sought after.Total Time: 28:58 on 12 Tracks/ Varese Sarabande - VSD 5255 (1990)"

A hidden Williams gem

Joshua Kaufman | Cincinnati, OH | 02/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Williams is usually known for his loud, bombastic scores. This score is exactly not that. Rather, it's an intimate score for mainly pinao, strings, and winds.

There are two main themes, first appearing in 'Stanley and Iris' and 'Reading Lessons', respectively. Both are wonderful, and, for lack of a better term, very pretty. I'd say it sounds most similar to the music of Faure and other French late romantics -- fluffy, but very pleasent. These two themes are played somewhat often, in various similar, but not the same, incarnations. The flute and piano are the main stars here, however the clarinet and trumpet gets their dues as well.

What's more interesting about this score is that, as far as I've read, it's the entire thing. So while 29 minutes is short, there's an excuse this time. And frankly, as good as it is, it doesn't need to be longer -- it satisfies just fine.

So, if you're a Williams fan, or even if you're sick of Williams's bombast, this is great score to get. It's certainly a nice change of pace, and shows that Williams really is a master of his craft."