> Dear Mr. Venkatnarayanan,
> Yes - you're absolutely correct, John Williams deliberately used the same
> notes that Brahms wrote in his Academic Festival Overture. Forgive me if I
> didn't explain clearly what I was trying to say.
> I think what's important here is the spirit in which this quotation should
> be taken. Usually when we think of plagarism, we think of something
> dishonest or disreputable. I think what John William did here is
> commendable instead. He wanted to have fun by paying homage to the same
> jovial sense of humor Brahms had in borrowing this College song in the
> first place. Brahms didn't write this tune - it's a folk song that was
> known in Germany for generations.
> Another example of this kind of thing can be found in the last movement of
> Haydn's Symphony No. 104. His so-called 'London' Symphony. Haydn was
> adored by the British, and in this piece, he quotes a tune that pays
> homage to London itself.

Mr.Tom Garber,

Thank you very much for your explanation. I am a huge fan of John Williams. When i first heard that particular track i was shocked and i thought how Maestro could involve in plagiarism? But now i am cleared. Thank you very much once again.

Have a nice day!