In the week of his 90th birthday, legendary composer John Williams topped the official German charts, landing his first-ever No. 1 album, with The Berlin concert. This landmark recording captures the composer’s debut with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra last year and features many of his most beloved film themes from star wars, IndianaJones, Superman and Harry Potter. This historic first number 1 in Germany for John Williams also marks the first time that the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has topped the German album chart.
“John Williams doesn’t need the movies, the movies need him”
Before the concert in Berlin, John Williams told the musicians: “For any musician to stand before this orchestra, and to be here with you for these few moments, is truly a great honor and a privilege”, and the feeling was clearly mutual. After the concert rolling stone noted, “John Williams doesn’t need the movies, the movies need him”.
The graphic success of The Berlin concert is based on that of John Williams in Viennawhich was the best-selling orchestral album of 2020 and reached number six on the pop charts this time last year with the Live Edition.
“We are delighted that John Williams’ 90th birthday has been crowned with such chart success,” said Dr. Clemens Trautmann, President of Deutsche Grammophon. “The ranking of all new albums in Germany clearly reflects the exceptional place his unrivaled music has long held in our collective memory and, more importantly, in our hearts. We at Deutsche Grammophon are all honored that John Williams has entrusted us with his recordings with such top orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra – and, of course, with Anne-Sophie Mutter. It was a joy to work together on these historic projects.
“A wonderful birthday present”
Frank Briegmann, President and CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon added: “With this first album at number 1 on the official German charts, John Williams – with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – has given himself a wonderful birthday present and the rest of us a sensational listening experience. My warmest congratulations to John, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the whole team, including our media partner Seven.One Starwatch.
John Williams, at 90, continues to write for the big screen and the concert hall. In March he returns to Vienna to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Musikverein. The program will include favorite movie themes as well as its Violin Concerto No. 2with soloist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and the world premiere recording of the work will be released later this year.
Buy or stream John Williams – The Berlin Concert here.
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