John Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes

The joint albums and performances of legendary film composer John Williams and star violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter are undoubtedly among the highlights of recent years. This album is the latest result of the long-standing friendship and collaboration between the world-renowned artists, with Mutter performing John Williams’ Second Violin Concerto, written for her by the composer. Williams says of his violin concerto, “For me, this piece is primarily about Anne-Sophie Mutter and about the violin as a masterpiece of violin making. (…) ultimately, this great artist herself became my inspiration and driving force.”

This recording for Deutsche Grammophon, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Williams himself, was made shortly after the July 2021 premiere of the Second Violin Concerto at Tanglewood. The Boston Globe wrote: “Even in this premiere, Mother carried the solo like an old friend, shaping each phrase with purpose and verve.” The lyrical and highly personal concerto is followed on the album by three fantastic encores: Popular film themes by Williams, including from Star Wars and Indiana Jones, all of which he completely rearranged for Anne-Sophie Mutter. In various details of the violin concerto, but also in the beautiful film melodies, the expressiveness of Mutter’s playing is reflected as well as her virtuoso brilliance and the lyrical warmth of her violin tone.