John Williams Tops German Charts At 90 With ‘The Berlin Concert’

In his 90th birthday week legendary composer John Williams has topped the Official German Charts, landing his first ever No.1 album, with The Berlin Concert. This landmark recording captures the composer’s debut with the Berlin Philharmonic last year and features many of his best loved film themes from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman and Harry Potter. This historic first No. 1 in Germany for John Williams also marks the first time the Berlin Philharmonic has topped Germany’s Album Chart.

“John Williams doesn’t need the films, the films need him”

Before the Berlin concert John Williams confided to the players, “For any musician to be standing in front of this orchestra, and to be here with you for these few moments, is truly a great honour and a privilege,” and the feeling was clearly mutual. After the concert Rolling Stone noted, “John Williams doesn’t need the films, the films need him”.

The chart success of The Berlin Concert builds on that of John Williams in Vienna, which was the best-selling orchestral album of 2020 and reached No.6 in the pop charts this time last year with the Live Edition.

“We are thrilled that John Williams’ 90th birthday has been crowned with this chart success,” said Dr Clemens Trautmann, President Deutsche Grammophon. “The top ranking of all new albums in Germany clearly reflects the exceptional place his peerless music has long held in our collective memory and, more importantly, in our hearts. All of us at Deutsche Grammophon are honoured that John Williams has entrusted us with his recordings with such leading orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestra – and, of course, with Anne-Sophie Mutter. It has been a joy to work together on these historic projects.”

“A wonderful birthday present”

Frank Briegmann, Chairman & CEO Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon added, “With this first No.1 album in the Official German Charts, John Williams – together with the Berlin Philharmonic – has given himself a wonderful birthday present and the rest of us a sensational listening experience. My warmest congratulations to John, the Berlin Philharmonic and the whole team, including our media partner Seven.One Starwatch.”

John Williams, at 90, continues to write for both the silver screen and the concert hall. In March he returns to Vienna to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Musikverein. The programme will include favourite film themes as well as his Violin Concerto No.2, with soloist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and the world premiere recording of the work will be released later this year.

Buy or stream John Williams – The Berlin Concert here.

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