John Williams: A Composer’s Life — with author Tim Greiving

Conductor Devin Patrick Hughes sits down with author and USC musicology instructor Tim Greiving to dive into John Williams: A Composer’s Life (OUP)—the first full-scale biography of the world’s most beloved film composer. Greiving traces a lifelong fandom that began with a Jurassic Park cassette, then details the five-year journey of the book: 5:30 a.m. writing rituals, a year of archival research, and rare long-form conversations with Williams at the Amblin bungalow. Together they explore Williams’ jazz and Great American Songbook roots, his Brahms-leaning aesthetic, and how he revived—and refined—the classic Hollywood symphonic tradition with Spielberg and Star Wars. You’ll hear why Greiving calls Williams “closer to a church composer,” how the E.T. finale let the music lead picture, why the orchestra is truly timeless, and the astonishing revelation about Williams’ grandfather, Thomas Nagel, a silent-era cinema music director. Close with a lightning round on favorite themes, underrated scores, and the one word that captures John Williams.

Featured music: Star Wars Main Title • “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” (arr. JW) • Jurassic Park Theme • “Baubles, Bangles, and Beads” (JW Trio) • “Hatikvah” from Munich • “Luke & Leia” • The Quiet Man Main Title • Seven Years in Tibet Main Theme (w/ Yo-Yo Ma) • Superman Main Theme • Schindler’s List Theme (Itzhak Perlman) • Piano Concerto No. 1 (Ax/BSO) • Violin Concerto No. 2: II “Rounds” (Mutter/BSO) • “Harry’s Wondrous World” • “Adventures on Earth” (VPO) • “Flight to Neverland” (VPO) • Close Encounters excerpts (VPO) • “Hedwig’s Theme” • “Flying” (E.T.) • “Throne Room & Finale” (Berlin Phil)