John Williams – Pianodao

STAR WARS Piano Anthology

Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
Find out more: About Pianodao Reviews

There has lately been an influx of new film anthologies for piano solo, recent publications including an excellent collection of music by Ennio Morricone, and the Harry Potter Piano Anthology which I reviewed here.

The film score which first caught my attention growing up was unquestionably Star Wars: A New Hope. Like so many children of the seventies, I was gripped by the film’s release in 1977, equally enamoured by the score, and before long owned the gatefold 2LP Original Soundtrack Recording. It was to prove the first of many John Williams soundtracks added to my growing vinyl collection as a teen.

Perhaps no surprise, then, that the arrival of an impressive gift book including music from all nine episodes of the saga immediately excited me, and I am now pleased to bring you my review…

The Harry Potter Piano Anthology

Pianodao Music Library

Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
Find out more: About Pianodao Reviews

The arrival of a beautifully presented new Faber Music Piano Anthology has become something of a tradition as the nights start to draw in each Autumn, and happily this year’s new collection doesn’t disappoint.

While Faber’s previous bumper books have each focused on a genre, their classical, jazz standards, pop ballads, Christmas, contemporary, soundtracks and easy piano collections all featured in the Pianodao Music Library, the latest has a more specific focus: the music of the beloved Harry Potter movie franchise.

Produced in partnership with Alfred Music, The Harry Potter Piano Anthology is a truly sumptuous affair, and promises:

“The best-loved themes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts soundtracks magically arranged for intermediate piano solo.”

With 56 pieces, including tracks drawn from the soundtracks of all eleven movies in the franchise to date, the book is an obvious must for Potter fans, and a gorgeous gift book. Let’s take a closer look…

John Williams • The Fabelmans

Pianodao Music Library

Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
Find out more: About Pianodao Reviews

“Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret, and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.”

Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed 2022 movie The Fabelmans, loosely based on his own adolescent years, was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score). That score, composed by the peerless John Williams, is now available transcribed for piano solo from Hal Leonard.

Suitable for players at late intermediate to early advanced level, the sheet music folio is the subject of this review.