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Bernard Herrmann Centenary
The name Bernard Herrmann may not be hugely familiar to a wide audience, but the music most definitely will be: Herrmann created some of the most recognisable film scores in cinema history. Psycho, Vertigo, and Taxi Driver are just some of the films that feature the brilliant music of one of cinema's greatest artist's. This collection brings together a series of talks, articles, and interviews celebrating the work of Herrmann and his incredible contribution to cinema.
On Dangerous Ground
June 2011 marked the centenary of Herrmann's birth, and Watershed celebrated his legendary contribution to cinema with a season of films, events, interviews, and articles, exploring the man and his work.
"Bernard Herrmann redefined how music could be used in film with his heart racing, tense, luscious, atmospheric, inventive scores. His musical influence still resonates in contemporary cinema."
Mark Cosgrove, Head of Programme, Watershed
Bernard Herrmann was an American composer who was responsible for creating some of the most recognisable and iconic film scores ever committed to celluloid. From the deeply unsettling, yet strangely haunting strings of Psycho, to the spine-tingling, bittersweet cadences of Vertigo, Herrmann’s is music marked by rushing intensity, enormous pathos, and breath-taking dynamic scope.
Herrmann’s soundtracks consistently reinforce and intensify the drama on screen, as well as embodying the psychological and emotional subtexts of the narrative. The dazzling highs and thunderous lows of Taxi Driver ebb and flow seamlessly through agony and ecstasy, with a sumptuous foreboding that perfectly captures the intense loneliness and volatility of the film’s protagonist. The eerily cheerful whistling of the main theme for Twisted Nerve (made famous in the Kill Bill soundtrack) entwines with dense, menacing horns to characterise the sinister deception at the film’s core. These are just a few examples of the breathtaking scope of Herrmann’s enormous body of work.
Related Links:
The Bernard Herrmann Society
The Bernard Herrmann Estate
Explore more:
Laurie Johnson on Bernard Herrmann
Composer Laurie Johnson discusses his friend Bernard Herrmann, the man behind the music for Psycho, Vertigo, and Taxi Driver.
Norma Herrmann on 'Benny'
Norma Herrmann shares her memories of legendary composer Bernard Herrmann, and of 'Benny' the loving husband and friend.
Adrian Utley on Taxi Driver
Portishead’s Adrian Utley and Watershed’s Head of Programme, Mark Cosgrove, consider the enormous impact of Bernard Herrmann’s last ever score.
Herrmann: Knowing the Score
Composer Neil Brand reveals some of the techniques employed by Bernard Herrmann in crafting his iconic and emotionally powerful film scores.
Contradictions and Ostinatos...
Critic Michael Beek reflects on the qualities underpinning the unique talent of composer Bernard Herrmann, whose scores include Psycho and Vertigo
Bernard Herrmann Further Reading
Find out more about composer Bernard Herrmann with this selection of links.
