At this year’s Harvard University commencement, composer John Williams was presented with an honorary Doctor of Music degree – and an a cappella medley of his most famous compositions.  The Harvard Din & Tonics, an all-male a capella group, performed their own renditions of Williams classics like the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., and Harry Potter scores.
Williams broke into frequent smiles during the performance, clearly enjoying these unconventional renderings of his music. The audience, too, cheered and laughed when they recognized one of their favorites. (Williams also dropped a few, quick frowns when he heard an off note. Stay on pitch, Dins! You’re singing for a genius!)
In their write-up on Williams’ honorary degree, Harvard recognized his long and successful career. “John Williams is one of America’s most accomplished and successful composers for film and the concert stage,” the site reads. “His 40-year artistic partnership with director Steven Spielberg has resulted in many of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and successful films, including all seven Star Wars films and the first three Harry Potter films.”
The site also lists all of Williams’ awards, and it’s a seriously impressive slate. “As one of the nation’s most distinguished and contributive musical voices, Williams has received a variety of prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Olympic Order, and numerous Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. In 2016, Williams received the 44th Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute — the first composer to receive this honor.”
From all those shiny awards to this student music group tribute, I hope Williams is enjoying his honors as much as audiences enjoy his music.
(Via io9; image via screengrab)
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