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 André Previn, and asked Williams to compose a piece for her. However, ...
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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 André 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, Rovi
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Add this copy of Across the Stars to cart. $66.69, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2019 by Deutsche Grammophon.