Star Wars maestro John Williams named most popular living composer
John Williams has been named the most popular living composer, as film music has seen a surge in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic.
The composer, 89, is responsible for some of the most famous movie scores of all time including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones.
He has topped the list of the most popular living composers in the Classic FM Hall of Fame, which is voted for by the public.
The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, inspired by a poem about a skylark, has been named the No 1 piece of classical music for the third time in a row, as 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of its orchestral premiere.
The top 300 pieces of music in the Classic FM Hall of Fame were played on-air across the Easter weekend, with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart the most popular composer with 16 entries and conductor Debbie Wiseman the most popular British living composer, with four entries.
Some 34 film scores appeared in the chart, up from 28 last year, with Williams' music for Schindler's List the most popular film score at No 16.
The American musician has nine entries in the Hall of Fame, including Star Wars at 38, Harry Potter at 46 and Jurassic Park at 66.
His continuing popularity has contributed to a banner year for film composers, with Hans Zimmer recognised for his work including Gladiator, at 35, and Inception, at 116; and John barry also recognised for scores including Dances With Wolves, at 95, and Out Of Africa at 128.
Wiseman, who has two new entries in the Hall of Fame The Mythos Suite and Wolf Hall - said: "I'm completely blown away by the results. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me and supported my music.
"It's very gratifying to know that alongside all those wonderful works by the truly great composers, there is a place in the hearts of the public for new music, whether written for film, TV or the concert hall."