Album insights
John Williams and Anne-Sophie Mutter reunite for the world premiere recording of Composer's Violin Concerto No. 2, enhanced by three film themes in new special arrangements. This album is now available as a special single-disc Blu-ray edition with all tracks in Pure Audio, including Surround and Dolby Atmos features. It includes films from the premiere of the second Violin Concerto at Tanglewood last summer and the artists' encore performance of "Across the Stars" from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, along with the three film themes in the Boston concert. Additionally, there is a 25-minute interview with John Williams and Anne-Sophie Mutter at Tanglewood included. A 10-inch vinyl version of the three film themes is exclusively available online at the DG Store. Regarding his Violin Concerto, Williams mentions, "To me, this piece is all about Anne-Sophie Mutter and the violin as a masterpiece of violin-making. (...) Ultimately, this great artist herself became my inspiration and driving force." Recorded for Deutsche Grammophon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Williams' direction, the recording took place shortly after the premiere of the Second Violin Concerto in July 2021 at Tanglewood. The Boston Globe commented, "Even in this premiere, Mutter handled the solo like an old friend, shaping each phrase with purpose and zeal." Following the lyrical and deeply personal concert on the album are three fantastic encores: beloved film themes by Williams, including Star Wars and Indiana Jones, all reimagined by him for Anne-Sophie Mutter. The expressive power of Mutter's playing, her virtuosic brilliance, and the lyrical warmth of her violin tone are reflected in various aspects of the Violin Concerto and the beautiful film melodies.