After viewing the film for the first time, John Williams was profoundly moved and at first declined, informing Spielberg that he deserved a better composer. Spielberg’s reply is now legendary; “I know, but they are all dead.” Williams relates that he was mindful not to go down the path of melodrama, instead choosing to compose music that was “loving and gentle.”

His conception was a Hebraic lullaby, a masterstroke of conception foreshadowing the indescribable sadness of the Jewish people as they gain voice that will not be silenced, born with a musical eloquence that is breath taking in its lyrical beauty.

The music of Schindler’s List is one of four Academy-Award winning scores composed by Williams, the others including Jaws (1976), Star Wars (1978), and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1983).