Evening at Pops: John Williams, Burgess Meredith, Boston Pops Orchestra

An Evening at Pops, Boston Symphony Hall; April 1980. John Williams Conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra with special guests Burgess Meredith, C-3PO, and R2-D2.
Timestamps:
Cowboy Overture (Williams) 00:01:56
Suite from The Reivers (Williams) 00:10:50
Selections from A Little Night Music (Stephen Sondheim) 00:31:15
Music from The Empire Strikes Back (Williams) 00:40:50
Stars and Stripes Forever (John Phillip Sousa) 00:52:07

You guys....this is such a special video, that I truly do not know how to write a proper introduction. Of all the videos I have shared, this one is by far the most near and dear and I am absolutely honored to be able to share it. Plus the story behind it has a bit of a sweet revenge ending. Read on, if you wish.

THE REIVERS is a lighthearted 1969 film adaptation of William Faulkner's novel of the same title. It stars Steve McQueen (who also produced the film) as well as Mitch Vogel and Rupert Crosse. The beautiful original score was written by a relatively unknown composer named John Willams. This was his first ever film score and it earned him an Academy Award nomination! Speaking of Academy Award nominations, Rupert Crosse was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in his role - and thus became the first African American to be nominated in that category!

The film was released Christmas Day 1969 and was panned by critics and audience members alike. Shortly after the film's release, the director Mark Rydell gave an interview to the LA times, and was quoted as citing one of the reasons he believed this film failed was due to Burgess’ narration, stating that his voice was too familiar and he should have chosen someone else. Ironically many people consider Burgess’ role to be their favorite part of the film as it brings a particular warmth and magic to William Faulkner's words. Burgess, who was particularly fond of his role as narrator, was a bit hurt by the comment but took it in stride.

Flash forward to 11 years later: January 1980. The Boston Pops Orchestra was planning on performing this gorgeous score which was to be conducted by John Williams himself. The "Suite from The Reivers" had never been performed live in a professional capacity and there was a definite air of excitement surrounding the upcoming performance. The organizers asked Burgess if he would reprise his role as narrator for this televised, one time performance. My grandfather was NEVER one to look back, he was not at all the nostalgic "those were the good old days" type. His mindset was always very “in the now” and always looking to the future.

Especially when it came to a role he was criticized for.

He politely declined the offer.

The organizers of the event invited him and my mother to just sit in on a Boston Pops rehearsal and watch.

He changed his mind and agreed.

They hired writers to flesh out the original narration to match the 15 minute suite and add a touch more drama. The special (which is what you are watching now) aired April 1980 to INCREDIBLE success. It was so well received, that venues and concert organizers all over the country were demanding that same performance.

Burgess, John Williams, and the Boston Pops Orchestra officially teamed up and toured this exact same performance from 1980 up until the final sold out Hollywood Bowl performance in 1994 in which Burgess (who was 87 at the time) upon walking out on the stage, received one of the longest standing ovations in Hollywood Bowl history. I’m still trying to piece together exactly how many concerts total they performed in this 14 year window of time, but it was numerous.

And so I reiterate how deeply honored I am to be able to share their first ever performance. This beautiful quality video came by way of a very lovely friend on Instagram. Thank you a million times over, Tim.

On a personal level, words cannot even begin to express how precious this video is to me, so I won’t even try.

Please enjoy.

Welcome to the Burgess Meredith Legacy Youtube channel! The purpose of this channel is celebrate the life and career of Burgess Meredith: 2x Academy Award Nominee and Emmy & Tony Winner. 💕 This account is lovingly ran by his granddaughter 💕

WEBSITE: burgessmeredithlegacy.com

Instagram: @burgess.meredith.legacy

For business inquiries: burgessmeredithlegacy@yahoo.com

Видео Evening at Pops: John Williams, Burgess Meredith, Boston Pops Orchestra канала Burgess Meredith Legacy