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Bernard Herrmann

Bernard Herrmann (June 29, 1911 – December 24, 1975) was an American composer known for his work in motion pictures.
Bernard Herrmann - The Genius of Film Music
Music plays a vital role in movies, and Bernard Herrmann was a master of creating music for film. With over twenty-five years of association with Alfred Hitchcock, Herrmann rightly earned the honor of being considered one of the greatest film composers of all time. The depth and resonance of his music are unparalleled, and Herrmann's composition style is still regarded as a benchmark for the contemporary composers.
Bernard Herrmann was born in New York in 1911, and his love for music began at an early age. He was an excellent student and attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Herrmann's first major breakthrough came in 1941 when he composed the music for 'Citizen Kane.' The success of this movie made him a household name. He is best known for being the composer of music for Alfred Hitchcock's movies such as 'Vertigo,' 'Psycho,' and 'North by Northwest.'
Herrmann's music genre was primarily orchestral with a focus on dramatic effects. He had a tremendous grasp of psychoacoustics and made considerable use of dissonance and harmony in his music. Herrmann's music is often referred to as psychological, as it had the power to evoke intense emotions in the listener or viewer. One of the most iconic pieces Herrmann composed was the theme for 'Vertigo.' The piece is hauntingly beautiful, and it captures the essence of the movie's plot.
Herrmann's best songs are difficult to pinpoint as his entire discography is legendary. However, 'Psycho's' famous shower scene music is undoubtedly one of his most notable compositions. The three-minute piece created terror and suspense, and it was a defining moment in cinematic music history. 'North by Northwest's' opening credits music is another notable Herrmann classic. The upbeat horns and strings complement the film's introduction, and the music stands out as one of Herrmann's most vibrant pieces.
Herrmann's famous concerts included his collaboration with Orson Welles for a radio broadcast on the eve of Halloween in 1938. The show, titled 'War of the Worlds,' was a radio play about a Martian invasion, and Herrmann composed the music for it. The show became notorious for causing a nationwide panic in America. Another famous concert was in 1974 when Herrmann conducted a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The concert was a retrospective of his work, and he included scores from his collaborations with Hitchcock.
Critics hailed Bernard Herrmann as a pioneer in modern music, and his contribution to the world of cinema is unparalleled. Herrmann's influence on film composers is still felt today, and his compositional style has become the gold standard for many contemporary composers. His ability to create emotional and dramatic music that complemented the visuals on screen made him a valuable asset to directors. Hitchcock and Herrmann's collaboration is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional partnerships in the history of cinema.
In conclusion, Bernard Herrmann was a legendary composer who left an indelible mark on cinema. His music was as much a part of the story as the actors and visuals, and his legacy will forever be tied to the films he scored. Herrmann's music is timeless, and it continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether it's the haunting theme for 'Vertigo,' or the terror-inducing music for 'Psycho,' Herrmann's music has become a part of pop culture. Herrmann's contribution to film music has been immense, and his influence on the industry will be felt for generations to come.

LISTEN THE BEST BERNARD HERRMANN SONGS IN STREAMING

2023-11-15

Bernard Herrmann: The Man Behind the Music

Bernard Herrmann is considered to be one of the great musical geniuses in history. He composed some of the most beautiful music ever heard, from his symphonic and concerto works to film compositions for Hitchcock movies like Psycho and Vertigo. However, it seems that not every piece he wrote was deemed “perfect” by everyone - in fact, according to some accounts, Bernard got a bit prickly when someone pointed out a mistake he made! So buckle up folks: here we have an amusing look at Bernard Herrmann—the man behind the stunning music—and his occasional less-than-stellar moments as heard through stories told by those who witnessed them firsthand.

Bernard Herrmann is undoubtedly one of history's most celebrated musical geniuses. He has composed some of the most beautiful pieces of music ever heard, from his symphonic and concerto works to his famous compositions for Alfred Hitchcock movies like Psycho and Vertigo. But did you know that this musical genius had a bit of a temper? Yes, according to some accounts, Herrmann could be a bit prickly, especially when someone pointed out a mistake he had made. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the man behind the music and some of his less-than-stellar moments as told by those who witnessed them firsthand.

One of the most famous stories about Bernard Herrmann's temper occurred during his work on the 1968 film The Bride Wore Black. Apparently, the director, Francois Truffaut, suggested a change to one of Herrmann's compositions, which Herrmann didn't take too kindly to. In response, Herrmann reportedly threw the score across the room, proclaiming, I am a composer, not a bloody valet!

Another instance of Herrmann's prickliness occurred during his score for the 1951 film The Day the Earth Stood Still. Some members of the orchestra were having difficulty with a particular section of the music, and Herrmann became so frustrated that he reportedly stormed out of the recording session. He returned later, however, and the music was eventually completed to his satisfaction.

Despite his occasional outbursts, Bernard Herrmann was highly respected by his colleagues in the industry. In fact, many of his collaborators have praised him for his incredible talent and his unwavering dedication to his work. For example, Alfred Hitchcock, who worked with Herrmann on several films, once said, I tell you, ninety percent of my films were shot to his music. Wouldn't have been anything without him.

Herrmann's musical legacy lives on today, and his name continues to be celebrated by music fans around the world. From the haunting theme of Psycho to the sweeping melodies of Citizen Kane, Herrmann's music has truly stood the test of time. And while he may have had a temperamental side, his unmatched talent and contribution to the world of music will never be forgotten.

In the end, Bernard Herrmann was, without a doubt, a remarkable musician and composer. While he may have been known to have a bit of a temper, his passion for his work was undeniable, and his contributions to the world of music will be remembered for generations to come. Whether you're a die-hard fan of his film scores or simply an admirer of beautiful music, there's no denying the lasting impact that Bernard Herrmann has had on the world of music.
Tag: Bernard Herrmann, music artist, best songs, artist career
2022-11-01

Bernard Herrmann: The Musical Biography of a Legendary Composer

Bernard Herrmann was one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. He was a master of film scores and his work has shaped the soundscape of cinema. From his beginnings as a radio producer to his most famous albums and songs, Herrmann's impact on the music industry is immeasurable. His work has been influential to many other composers and musicians, and his legacy lives on as a beacon of creativity and innovation. In this blog post, we will delve into the musical biography of Bernard Herrmann and discover what made him such a legendary composer.

Bernard Herrmann was born in New York City in 1911. As a child, he showed an early aptitude for music and took up the violin at a young age. He studied music at Juilliard and later became a producer at CBS Radio. It wasn't until he started composing for films that he rose to fame. His first work in film was for the Orson Welles classic, Citizen Kane. The score was a revelation and demonstrated Herrmann's genius for creating sweeping, emotional music that matched the grandeur of the visuals.

Herrmann went on to score dozens of films, including such classics as Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, The Day the Earth Stood Still, and Taxi Driver. He was a master of creating tension and atmosphere, and his music often became an integral part of the story. He was known for his use of unusual and experimental instruments, such as the theremin, and for his unconventional approach to music composition. His scores were often complex and challenging, and they pushed the boundaries of what was considered classical music.

One of Herrmann's most famous albums is the soundtrack for Hitchcock's Psycho. The score is full of pulsing strings and eerie, dissonant sounds that set the tone for the film's suspenseful atmosphere. The shower scene, in particular, is one of the most famous scenes in cinema history, and Herrmann's music plays a crucial role in its impact. The score was groundbreaking at the time and has since become a classic in its own right. It was a testament to Herrmann's ability to create something truly original and memorable.

Herrmann's most famous song is undoubtedly the theme from Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. The haunting melody is one of the most recognizable in film history and perfectly captures the eerie, dreamlike quality of the film. The theme has been covered by countless artists over the years and has become a beloved piece of popular music. It is just one example of Herrmann's ability to create a memorable melody that sticks with the listener long after the film has ended.

Bernard Herrmann's music was influenced by a variety of sources, including classical music, jazz, and avant-garde composers. He was a fan of Stravinsky, Bartok, and Shostakovich, and his work often incorporated elements of these composers' styles. He was also influenced by jazz and incorporated elements of improvisation and swing into his music. His experimental approach to composition was inspired by the work of avant-garde composers like Schoenberg and Webern.

Bernard Herrmann was a true original, a composer who pushed the boundaries of what was considered music and inspired generations of composers and musicians. His work in film was nothing short of revolutionary and his influence can still be heard in the scores of contemporary films. His legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and a dedication to his craft. Herrmann's music is a testament to the power of art to move and inspire, and it is a gift to all those who appreciate beauty, emotion, and complexity in the world of music.

Bernard Herrmann was a true original, a composer who pushed the boundaries of what was considered music and inspired generations of composers and musicians. His work in film was nothing short of revolutionary and his influence can still be heard in the scores of contemporary films. His legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and a dedication to his craft. Herrmann's music is a testament to the power of art to move and inspire, and it is a gift to all those who appreciate beauty, emotion, and complexity in the world of music.
Tag: Bernard Herrmann, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF BERNARD HERRMANN - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Diary of a Taxi Driver
2 - Twisted Nerve
3 - The .44 Magnum Is A Monster
4 - Prelude
5 - Finale
6 - Betsy in a White Dress
7 - Prelude And Rooftop
8 - I Work the Whole City
9 - Thank God For The Rain
10 - Cleaning The Cab
11 - Main Title
12 - Theme From Taxi Driver
13 - Main Title - Taxi Driver
14 - I Still Can't Sleep / The Cannot Touch Her (betsy's Theme)
15 - The Murder
16 - Main Title (from "taxi Driver")
17 - The Days Do Not End
18 - The $20 Bill / Target Practice
19 - A Reluctant Hero / Betsy / End Credits
20 - Scene D'amour
21 - Phone Call / I Realize How Much She Is Like The Others / A Strange Customer / Watching Palantine On
22 - Carlotta's Portrait
23 - The City
24 - Overture
25 - Diary Of A Taxi Driver (album Version)
26 - Taxi Driver (main Title)
27 - The Beach
28 - Theme From Taxi Driver (reprise)
29 - The Letter
30 - Temptation
31 - Marion
32 - By The Fireside
33 - Marion And Sam
34 - Variation On Scotty Tails Madeleine
35 - The Bedroom
36 - Flight
37 - Farewell
38 - The Rainstorm
39 - The Dream
DISCOGRAPHY OF BERNARD HERRMANN