John Williams in Tokyo (Live at Suntory Hall, 2023)

Hollywood legend John Williams, rejuvenated by the experience of conducting the mighty Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics, casts a spell over the Saito Kinen Orchestra. Recorded live at Suntory Hall to mark the nonagenarian’s return to Japan after a 30-year absence, the album captures the tonal beauty and expressive refinement produced by this outstanding band. Echoes of Mahler sound in the sublime solo horn playing and big unison violin tune in “Princess Leia’s Theme”, with chamber music-like textures emerging with crystal clarity here and elsewhere. There’s no shortage of muscle, too, on parade in “Raiders March” and “The Imperial March”. The concert ends with Williams’ Tributes! (for Seiji), a dazzling homage to the Saito Kinen Orchestra’s co-founder Seiji Ozawa, conducted by Stéphane Denève.