I think the correct term is 'sheet music'.

I cannot contribute much on the issue, just that as far as I know Ennio Morricone sits on his and never lets anyone else get them. So all Morricone rerecordings which are not done by himself are based on reconstructions.

handstand, January 19, 2007; 8:39 PM

Also, Hal Leonard has what they call the John Williams Signature Series, basically complete orchestral scores (by complete I mean the whole orchestra, not the whole score) to many of his more popular films. There's everything from a "Star Wars" suite that includes the Main Theme, Leia's Theme, Throne Room, Yoda's Theme, and the Emperial March, to more recent entries like Viktor's Tale from "The Terminal". They run about $45 to $75 a pop though.

Just go to www.halleonard.com, search under "orchestra" music for John Williams.

shehan23, January 21, 2007; 3:48 PM

The best way is, like in all the classical music enviorement, make you a good friend of someone who plays in the orchesta in charge of the recordings.They will be able to access the whole score of the work.
If not, some composers indeed rent his scores to be performed, but guess what.....to give you an example with classical music : If you want to performe an Opera, about 2 : 30 hs of music of a living composer, or one under the protection of the law.....you have to pay about $3000, and you have to gave them a certain amount of your income in the theater selling tickets.
So this also includes a lot of burocray.
In classical music, the best is to go a theater and get a copy from the manuscript national theaters have, because only they have the posibility of buy them or have contracts to keep a copy.

I even could sugest you go to the place where the orchesta rehearsal regulary.In the case of Williams's work you should find out where the London Orchesta is.The name already gave you a clue!! (hehe)

Dont you EVER dare to ask it to the composer itself!!....they are really jealous about their work, and if your intention is to perform it some day, they will send his butchers, not to beat you up, but to present charges against you.
But the beating is more cheaper, so be carefull!!



nicolas28, January 28, 2007; 3:13 AM