In January, I posted a link to an inspiring new piece of television music by John Williams. “Of Grit and Glory” was composed for ESPN’s College Football Playoff National Championship broadcast. It’s use in the introductory montage was undeniably effective, but for those who longed to be able to hear it without the distraction of talking heads and roaring crowds, I am happy to report that someone has posted a video of the work’s world premiere concert performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the composer conducting. This is especially good news, as ESPN has taken down the original video.

The performance may lack some of the pizzazz of that of the pick-up band that recorded it for ESPN, but that’s the difference between a live concert with a lot of music and limited rehearsal time and an intensive, well-miked recording session, in which the focus is on getting a four-minute piece just right.

Here’s the complete Chicago program, with photos from the concert. For a Williams fan, it looks especially alluring, with a chance to hear some new works and some old favorites, and one or two rarities along the way.

https://www.jwfan.com/?p=14921&fbclid=IwAR3UHXVTjvIeUDDBymxqfP61dxggu9BLB8InvQnw9t1uIfasJona7xv7_kU

Hopefully the theme will appear on a commercial release in the near future. In the meantime, better save the audio quick, before the video disappears!

Along with “Helena’s Theme” for the forthcoming Indiana Jones movie, it’s nice to have confirmation that the old wizard still has a few tricks up his sleeve.