Flight to Neverland

From Wind Repertory Project
John Williams

John Williams (trans. Paul Lavender)


Subtitle: From Hook


General Info

Year: 1991 / 2016
Duration: c. 4:35
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts – In process


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II-III (III doubling Piccolo)
Oboe I-II-III (III doubling English Horn)
Bassoon I-II-III (III doubling Contrabassoon)
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano/Celeste
Harp
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bell Tree
  • Chimes
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gran Cassa
  • Marimba
  • Piatti
  • Sizzle Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Flight to Neverland (1991) is the highlight of music from Steven Spielberg’s film Hook. It overflows with fairy tale magic, pirate adventures, an undeniable sense of freedom in flight, and childhood wonder. As Spielberg reunites us with the timeless characters of Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook, Williams captivates us with his expertly crafted and Oscar-nominated score. The composer cleverly crafts the entire main theme around the interval of a minor third, the first interval children are able to identify and sing. He offers the following words on the piece:

For countless centuries mankind has dreamed of flying, which is why I think it could be argued that the greatest achievement of the twentieth century may have been the accomplishment of flight itself. Our fascination with flying and the freedom we associate with it may also be one of the principal reasons why the story of James Barrie’s play has been retold in every imaginable medium. My favorite moment has always been when Peter Pan and Tinkerbell rise above the rooftops of London and fly off to Neverland. In writing the music for Steven Spielberg’s film version of the story, which he called Hook, I tried to create a clear singing melody that might combine some of the wonder of childhood with the energy and “lift” required for this famous flight.

- Program Note from University of North Texas Wind Ensemble concert program, 1 December 2016


Hook is a 1991 American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by James V. Hart and Malia Scotch Marmo. It stars Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, Robin Williams as Peter Banning/Peter Pan, Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell, Bob Hoskins as Smee, and Maggie Smith as Wendy. It acts as a sequel to J. M. Barrie's 1911 novel Peter and Wendy focusing on an adult Peter Pan who has forgotten all about his childhood. In his new life, he is known as Peter Banning, a successful but unimaginative corporate lawyer with a wife (Wendy's granddaughter) and two children. However, when Hook, the old enemy of his past, kidnaps his children, he returns to Neverland in order to save them. Along the journey he reclaims his youthful spirit that unlocks the memory to his past.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Dallas (Tx.) Winds (Jerry Junkin, conductor) – 8 February 2024 (2024 TMEA Conference, San Antonio)
  • University of Memphis Wind Ensemble (Albert Nguyen, conductor) - 29 September 2023
  • Triangle Wind Ensemble (Cary, N.C.) (Evan Feldman, conductor) - 28 May 2023
  • University of Texas (Austin) Wind Ensemble (Jerry Junkin, conductor) – 30 March 2022
  • United States Marine Band (Washington, D.C.) (Ryan J. Nowlin, conductor) - 3 June 2021
  • Dallas (Tex.) Winds (Jerry Junkin, conductor) – 27 March 2018
  • Lone Star Wind Orchestra (Dallas, Tex.) (Eugene Migliaro Corporon, conductor) – 28 January 2018
  • University of North Texas (Denton) Wind Ensemble (Nicholas E. Williams, conductor) - 1 December 2016
  • United States Marine Band (Washington, D.C.) (Ryan J. Nowlin, conductor) – 31 January 2016 *Premiere Transcription Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources