Bernard Herrmann was a prolific film composer and multi-instrumentalist of the 20th century Born in New York City on June 29, 1911, Herrmann composed scores for over sixty feature films, including the soundtracks of some of the most iconic works of cinema such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and Orson Welles’ The Trouble with Harry and Citizen Kane. He also wrote for television, radio, and concert works, and was one of the first composers to experiment with electronic music.
Herrmann’s music is easily recognizable for its strong emotive power due to its unique and often experimental use of orchestration, harmony, and dissonance. His compositions combine elements from traditional classical music, jazz, and blues, as well as sounds from everyday life. His style varied greatly throughout his career, ranging from the minimalist Vertigo and Marnie, to the grand operatic Psycho and Taxi Driver, to more abstract works like Journey to the End of the Night.
The following are five of the best examples of Bernard Herrmann’s work:
1. Psycho: This 1960 Hitchcock classic is one of the most famous films of all time, and Herrmann’s score is essential to its success. The score is perfectly matched to the suspenseful scenes and helps create a sense of dread and terror throughout the movie.
2. Taxi Driver: Herrmann wrote the score for Martin Scorsese’s 1976 neo-noir masterpiece. The music provides the perfect accompaniment to the film’s dark and gritty atmosphere, and its use of dissonance adds to the tension.
3. The Day the Earth Stood Still: Herrmann wrote the score for this 1951 science-fiction classic, which is widely considered to be one of the genre’s best films. The score utilizes a variety of techniques, including a unique blend of orchestral sounds and electronic elements.
4. Vertigo: Written for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 murder mystery, the score for Vertigo is one of Herrmann’s most famous works. It is known for its minimalism and sparse use of orchestral sounds.
5. Citizen Kane: Herrmann wrote the score for Orson Welles’ 1941 classic, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. Herrmann’s score is a perfect match for the film’s powerful images and themes, and its use of discordant sounds adds to its emotional impact.
Bernard Herrmann’s work has had a profound influence on film music and his compositions are still highly regarded today. His use of unconventional orchestration and musical ideas create a unique sound that continues to captivate audiences around the world.