Episode 84 - Saving Private Ryan - a podcast by Jeff Commings

Just about everyone involved in the production of the World War II epic "Saving Private Ryan" was tasked with pushing the envelope in terms of what could be seen and heard onscreen -- except composer John Williams. Director Steven Spielberg and Williams made the wise decision to keep music out of the key battle scenes, and even other key scenes that would have normally used music, to keep us immersed in this tale of a group of soldiers sent to retrieve the last surviving Ryan brother. Host Jeff Commings is joined by Richard Fish for this episode, and Fish talks about his connection to the "Hymn to the Fallen" piece Williams wrote for the film. The two also discuss the use of thematic material in the film, which might be tough to discern as the tone of the score is often very low-key and subdued.

Further episodes of The Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey

Further podcasts by Jeff Commings

Website of Jeff Commings