Star Wars Live in Concert, CBSO, presented by ‘esk. Film’, John Williams Soundtrack, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Oct 24-26, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: Dan Auluk.

Photo Credit: Dan Auluk.

Star Wars Live in Concert, CBSO, presented by ‘esk. Film’, John Williams Soundtrack, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Oct 24-26,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: Dan Auluk.

“A spectacular performance from the CBSO, however the audio dialogue and sound effects of the films, are drowned out at times.”

Walking into the recently refurbished Symphony Hall for the first time in over a decade was an impressive experience. The venue feels more open, accessible, and inviting than ever before. The first night for Star Wars: A New Hope was packed with audience excitement. The revitalized interior of the Hall looked stunning, and watching the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) prepare for the performance was both thrilling and intriguing.

While the overall experience was memorable, one notable issue was the scale of the cinema screen. The screen felt somewhat overshadowed by the grandeur of the orchestra, and a larger display could have enhanced the sense of immersion, both visually and sonically, including those, you know spectacular laser sounds, battle explosions and the Millenium Focus racing across the universe; were drowned out by the spectacular sound of the live orchestra of the CBSO. There were also times, when because of no soundtrack, the silence of the orchestra made the film stand-alone, but the sound of the film never had the immersive sound you find in cinemas; it was like hearing a stadium sound setting. Sometimes when the live orchestra sound drowned out the audio of the films; an interesting reminder of how vital and dynamic live orchestral accompaniment must have been during the silent era of cinema.

Musically, however, the CBSO was outstanding. I have never heard John Williams’ legendary Star Wars scores performed with such depth, richness, and nuance. The CBSO was spectacular and the recurring leitmotifs for characters and settings certainly showed up, with the harps adding a particularly graceful touch.  The clarity, the precision and dynamics of opposing sounds was immaculate too. The synchronicity of the orchestra with the film was perfect, thanks to the amazing talented conductor Anthony Gabriele. I occasionally just focused on the movement of the orchestra and conductor, and it was astounding how much energy Gabriele gave.  I also experienced the conductor’s physical movement, richly added to the emotional depth, especially, when we got to The Empire Strike Back, the second film in the original trilogy. Watching his precise coordination and dynamic engagement was captivating, and it deepened my appreciation and intrigue for the art of conducting. 

As mentioned in terms of film synchronization the CBSO were perfect. Yes, it was unfortunate that the dialogue and sound design was drowned at times; and for people experiencing the films for the first time they would have lost out on the dramatic sound of the trilogy. A better sound mixing balance between the orchestra and film audio/dialogue would have propelled this overall experience as not one to miss. Having said this the opening fanfare to each film was terrific and I have never enjoyed the end credits so much before; simply brilliant!

In terms of watching audiences and the standing ovations, clearly people felt it is worth the ticket and certainly well deserved. I just wished more people had attended the fast-paced final film Return of the Jedi, albeit critically not considered the strongest film out the three, but fun and entertaining, and gives the live orchestra an opportunity to play with pace and freedom.

I’m not sure the live performance of the music to Star Wars enhanced the films throughout but gave me a greater awareness and appreciation of the complexity of soundtracks and admiration of live orchestral performance. I am most definitely hooked on live music performances and look forward to seeing more. Also, I wish the original Star Wars trilogy films were played as the updated versions are cluttered with extra special CGI effects and the loss of nostalgic soundtrack including the upbeat Ewok music at the end of Return Of The Jedi.

Finally, perhaps next time, if it is about bringing audiences to popular films or creating a fuller experience, it would be joyous to hire some cosplay Stormtroopers or even Darth Vader walking around the place? What was nice on the last day was an improv performance of the music in the Cantina bar in Star Wars: A New Hope; by 4 performers of the CBSO. This made the intermission break delightful, more of this please! Also, there is an exhibition of Star Wars art in Castle Fine Art Gallery in the ICC too, a treat for Star Wars fans.

Overall, this concert series reignited my admiration for live orchestral performance and has given me the desire to experience more from the CBSO. I left Symphony Hall both inspired and eager for my next visit. Bravo to the CBSO and Anthony Gabriele for a spectacular celebration of cinema and live orchestral music.

The force is strong with CBSO.

Creatives

Conductor - Anthony Gabriele

Presented by esk. film.

Soundtrack – John Williams

The Star Wars: Film Concert Series is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music. All Rights Reserved © Disney