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Posted: |
Apr 6, 2024 - 11:18 AM
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By: |
MichaelM
(Member)
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I can't believe there isn't any more discussion of this monumental work now that it's available to backers. Maybe everybody is busy reading it?
I just finished both volumes and here are some thoughts:
It's the definitive Goldsmith biography regarding the man's work. Jeff Bond has done an incredible job (with the help of his supporters) in collecting every last word Goldsmith ever said in print or on video and quoted him in context whenever appropriate, so it often feels like Goldsmith is right there with him, discussing many of his scores in far greater detail than I ever thought he did.
In addition to Goldsmith's own words, Bond also provides insights from a large roster of prominent current film composers, film music journalists/experts and those who knew Goldsmith personally (his agent Richard Kraft, filmmakers, record producers etc.), providing a huge mosaic of information, thoughts and trivia. Bond's own observations and interpretations are sharp, insightful and witty.
The book is extremely respectful. Back in the '90s, Bond (like many others) could be quite critical of the composer's then-current output, although he was always a fan. Whether it's the passage of time, the fact that Goldsmith's style of scoring is now mostly a much-missed thing of the past, or the re-evaluation of scores thanks to their recent expanded editions, Bond is surprisingly positive about Goldsmith's later works which I found refreshing. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Bond is also trying to atone for getting on Goldsmith's bad side while he was alive. As the book nears its inevitable conclusion, it gets very moving.
As acknowledged by Bond, Goldsmith's personal life and known inner demons are touched upon when appropriate in discussing his work, but they are not the focus of the book. It's a very respectful chronological journey through the composer's life work and I think the Goldsmith family will appreciate it.
As has been pointed out, there are some mistakes that can be fixed before the print run, mostly misspelled names, occasionally wrong dates and a couple of copy-and-paste mishaps. The only thing that bugged me was seeing LILIES OF THE FIELD mentioned as Oscar-nominated for Best Score three times, including on the book's back cover (it wasn't). Otherwise, the research that went into this book is exemplary.
The most striking takeaway to somebody not uber-familiar with Goldsmith will be just how universally beloved and respected Goldsmith was and still is, especially among his peers - and what a hard worker he was. The combined thoughts offered by everybody quoted here (as opposed to just one mega-fan's opinion) will make a good academic case for including Goldsmith among the great composers of all time, not just for film. For fans of the composer, the book is a love fest and a treasure trove of everything ever said by or about Goldsmith in one place. I can't recommend it highly enough.
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I can't believe there isn't any more discussion of this monumental work now that it's available to backers. Maybe everybody is busy reading it?
I just finished both volumes and here are some thoughts:
Thank you, MichaelM, for this thoughtful and detailed post! Like others here who have received their digital copies, I've dipped in and out of the text a little, but I'm old school, waiting for the hard copies so I can sit down and give them a thorough reading.
I imagine Jeff Bond's immense research, time and commitment that went into these volumes will make this the definitive source regarding Jerry Goldsmith's life and career.
And I hope your observations regarding corrections that are needed are able to be incorporated into the print copies. I can't wait to dive into this material.
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I can't believe there isn't any more discussion of this monumental work now that it's available to backers. Maybe everybody is busy reading it?
I skimmed a bit of volume 2, but I'm waiting for the print edition. I'm not too interested in reading this on my laptop and it's not easily consumed on a phone screen.
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I can't believe there isn't any more discussion of this monumental work now that it's available to backers. Maybe everybody is busy reading it?
I skimmed a bit of volume 2, but I'm waiting for the print edition. I'm not too interested in reading this on my laptop and it's not easily consumed on a phone screen.
This x2
Eager for the print to properly absorb and 'Jerry Out'.
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Yes I have been pouring over the PDF myself.
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Yes I have been pouring over the PDF myself.
If we're giving fixes, I think you mean you've been "poring" over the PDF. 
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Posted: |
Apr 15, 2024 - 10:07 AM
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By: |
Juanki
(Member)
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LATEST UPDATE:
The Jerry Goldsmith Companion - January 2024 Progress Report
Posted by Taylor White
Jan 26, 2024
Greetings and welcome to our latest progress report! The New Year has kicked off in earnest as we continue pushing forward with the final production on our two Jerry Goldsmith volumes.
First up in February, we’ll be sending out our official Kickstarter survey to compile, update and/or confirm your current mailing addresses. Please pay careful attention to this solicitation as it is vital in making sure your orders are fulfilled and shipped properly. If you haven't received your survey by February 15th, please check your spam folder before contacting us via e-mail.
The first packages to ship will be our sold out inventory of Goldsmith-related rewards, currently being pre-packed for mailing in mid-to-late February. These include the PLANET OF THE APES books and boxed CD sets, the GOLDSMITH AT FOX CD’s, sheet music and more, all offered during the campaign last year. Delivery time for U.S. orders should be 1-2 weeks while overseas orders could take 4-6 weeks.
In late February or March, we’ll be following up with the secure link for you to access your digital copies for both finished volumes. Delivery of the final hard copy editions are scheduled to follow in April. We’ll have more accurate delivery dates as the books make their way thru our overseas production pipeline in the weeks ahead.
Also, for our followers in Los Angeles and New York, we’re in the initial stages of preparing two live Goldsmith-themed screening events to cap off our celebration of the books' release. Our Kickstarter donors will be the first to be contacted and will receive priority access, pending dates and venues in September for L.A. and October for N.Y..
Lastly, author Jeff Bond has delivered the finished manuscript and visual files on his expanded edition of THE MUSIC OF STAR TREK. The book is twice the length of the original 1999 edition and is truly the last word on the 50+ years of musical landscapes penned for The Final Frontier. Initial proofreading is underway with layouts beginning in March. Final book delivery is scheduled to coincide with Creation’s yearly STAR TREK convention in Las Vegas this summer.
As always, stay tuned for more info in the weeks ahead, and thank you again for your continued support and enthusiasm!
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