John Williams makes us believe a man can fly in his soaring, triumphant masterpiece, part of a treasure trove of symphonic adventure scores that resurrected the spirit and vibrancy of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The musical roots of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and every likeminded comic book franchise, derive from Williams’ ground-breaking work – Writer and Season curator Sean Wilson.

Directed by Richard Donner and showcasing a young Christopher Reeve in the eponymous role, Superman features a star-studded Hollywood cast, with Margot Kidder as intrepid reporter Lois Lane, Gene Hackman as the villainous Lex Luthor, and the inimitable Marlon Brando as Jor-El.

Following on the success of his mid-70s scores for Jaws and Star Wars, John Williams produced yet another iconic movie theme with Superman in 1978. Featuring a triumphant fanfare and noble brass melody, this bright, optimistic theme feels representative of what Williams liked most about this classic comic-book adaptation – that “It was fun and didn’t take itself too seriously”.

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