LENOX — When John Williams completes a concert hall work — most have been dedicated to renowned soloists and orchestra musicians — attention must be paid. That’s especially warranted when it’s a world ...

At a glance, John Williams’ movie music and Maurice Ravel’s piano music might have little in common — and of course, they don’t. Except that both composers very much reflect their nationalities.

Composers of film scores who aspire to the concert hall have it rough. Fans from the multiplex want tunes they can hum, while classical-music aficionados tend to regard composers who earn studio ...