Theme from Schindler's List

Mahler, who was himself a Jew until 1897, regularly included elements of klezmer in his symphonies, most notably in the third movement of his Symphony No. 1, so it comes as no surprise that Williams would look to such a source while composing the soundtrack to Schindler's List. Despite being not a large appropriation, the act per se is convincing given the certainty we can have regarding the Tchaikovsky trio's inclusion, which may be more clearly heard.

First Comparison

John Williams – "Theme from Schindler's List" (1993)
[ending at 0:20]

Heard here...

Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Piano Trio in A minor (1882)
[beginning at 0:05]

Second Comparison

John Williams – "Theme from Schindler's List" (1993)
[beginning at 0:15]

Heard here...
Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 8 in E-flat major (1906)
[beginning around 5:45]

★

This blog is intended as a space within which I will share my findings related to classical music appropriation. Many composers in the past have quoted, borrowed, and recycled the themes and melodies of others. Having already noted many such instances, I hope to include the more interesting, and convincing, examples herein.