BERNARD HERRMANN

A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE AND MUSIC

Herrmann From the moment this radio documentary begins you know you are in for a special treat. As the title of this program suggests, this truly is a celebration. Any fan will welcome this 2 1/2 hour program of music and personal insight into one of the silver;s screens finest composers.

Originally airing on PBS, this critically acclaimed radio profile was a labor of love for producers Bruce Crawford and Bob Coate. It has garnered the attention of several film and music historians, celebrities and fans of the music. After listening to the program it is easy to see why. To date, nothing has been done that so encompasses the composer like this program. Jammed with interviews from Herrmann's friends and associates as well as notable personalities like Leonard Maltin, Craig Reardon, Steven C. Smith, Fred Steiner and others, this documentary attempts to cover the majesty and beauty of the work of Herrmann. It succeeds wonderfully.

Divided into four sections, each focusing on a particular aspect of Herrmann's life and music, the producers unfold the complex Herrmann allowing glimpses into his private life and show Herrmann as a driven man, always struggling to achieve the best out of himself. After a stunning opening with the music from Psycho, the first section delves into the early life of Herrmann. A key note of interest in this section is the inclusion of excerpts from a broadcast of the radio show SUSPENSE. Herrmann's association with Orson Welles begins here and the choice of THE HITCHHIKER, written by Herrmann's first wife, scored by Herrmann and chillingly narrated by Welles is an excellent choice. This rarely heard radio drama is just one of the many rarely heard bonuses of this program. There is discussion of Herrmann's symphonies, ballet and opera with music excerpts from THE FANTASTIKS, THE MOBY DICK CANTATA, and the FINALE from his symphony.

The second section unfolds Herrmann's early film work featuring music from CITIZEN KANE, THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER and then moves into Herrmann's romantic period of the 1940's. Here the excerpts from HANGOVER SQUARE and THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR are presented. Fantasy film fans will especially enjoy the lengthy excerpt from THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR with observations into this being Herrmann's personal favorite. This absolutely brilliant and beautiful score captures the feel of the film and is, perhaps the very soul of that film. It is a must have for any serious collector of film music.

The third segment begins with a discussion of Herrmann's opera WUTHERING HEIGHTS with an excerpt from the opera before moving into the Herrmann/Hitchcock collaboration. Selections are presented of Herrmann's well-known scores from VERTIGO, NORTH BY NORTHWEST and PSYCHO, but it is the last theme that will really excite Herrmann's fans. The Main Title theme from TORN CURTAIN, composed by Herrmann but never used in the film because of a personal disagreement between Hitchcock and Herrmann, is discussed and presented.

No discussion is complete on Herrmann without including his scores for the science fiction and fantasy films. Part four of the program offers that. Beginning with excerpts from JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, FAHRENHEIT 451 and music from television's THE TWILIGHT ZONE, the documentary then turns it's attention to the music Herrmann composed for the Ray Harryhausen films. Ray offers his own insight into these film scores as music from THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD and MYSTERIOUS ISLAND are presented. It is amazing that the video documentary on Herrmann totally ignores the fantasy film scores. While Ray's films are special treats for the stop-motion animation, these scores are as much an integral part of the films as Harryhausen's work. The entire score for 7TH VOYAGE is an absolute marvel at melding music into a film as a special effect of it's own.

Part four closes with Herrmann's last days and his final film scores for Brian De Palma's SISTERS and OBSESSION and Herrmann's haunting jazz score for Martin Scorcese's TAXI DRIVER. His final days are recalled by family members before observations are made by the programs producers. In a closing statement, one is reminded of the power and impact of Herrmann's contribution to the world of film:

"It is probably best not to try to sum up Bernard Herrmann's music in words.
For each utterance of praise there is a longing to go on, sort of like saying 'I love you'.
Sometimes it doesn't feel adequate. Just listen to the music of Bernard Herrmann.
It shares it's own ideas and thoughts. Nothing Else really need be said."

The impact of this radio documentary is both informative and moving. It moves the listener into the world of Herrmann allowing you to experience both his life and, most importantly, his music. It remains a staple of many PBS radio stations during their campaign drives. If your local PBS station doesn't air it, they should, contact them and ask them about it. It has recently been included as part of the Herrmann Archive in California, giving it the home it deserves.

If you would like to know a bit more about Bruce Crawford click here.

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