The Reivers

Music by John Williams

 

 

 

 

 

The Reivers was the first soundtrack composed by John Williams for a larger production. After working for B movies in the 60's the youthful and upbeat music for the Mark Rydel´s film was of great importance in order to expose the composer´s work.

The sunny, positive music and frequent humor of The Reivers was decisive for greater recognition. Starting from traditional symphonic language and sequences displayad as short suites, Williams included in the score references to country music, dixieland and blues. The bouncy picolos in Luciu's First Drive are an example of the whole score mood in its full youthfulness. Memphis is a nice number of dixieland and in Lucius Runs to Corrie can be heard elements of writing that would be expanded in the composer´s later works. With extensive use of instrumental color, highlighting instruments such as fiddle, harmonica and banjo, The Reivers was a very positive preview of what the composer would be doing in the following years. Simply one of the most beautiful works throughout his career.