HOME
 NEWS & EVENTS
BIOGRAPHY
FILMOGRAPHY DISCOGRAPHY TELEVISION OTHER WORKS MERCHANDISE RELATED LINKS CONTACT
|
Inquiries regarding the renting of Mr. Bernstein's music should be directed to:
John Waxman / Themes and Variations Last Update: April 16, 2008 04.16.08 "Heavy Metal: The Score" Makes Premiere CD Release Said to be "Elmer Bernstein's 'Star Wars'," "Heavy Metal" is considered by many as one of the great symphonic scores of all time. Rich, robust, thundering, and driven, the score has long been sought by collectors, and is finally available, courtesy of Rhino Entertainment Company, Elektra Entertainment Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., Irving Azoff, the estate of Elmer Bernstein, the University of Southern California Cinema-Television Library, and the Loc Nar. In keeping with the film's anthological format, distinct melodies highlight the score, from the heroic anthem of Den to the moody film noir-esque Harry Canyon and the soaring love theme of Taarna. The complete score has been faithfully remastered from the Bernstein's personal 1/4" stereo tapes (preserved with excellent sound quality) and presented in chronological order along with bonus tracks of selections edited for the 1981 Asylum Records LP. Liner notes by Paul Andrew MacLean draw from Bernstein interviews and include new comments from orchestrator David Spear, who adapted two of the cues from Bernstein's original material. Stills from the film add to this beautifully produced CD. For more information, to purchase, or to hear a selection of audio, please visit the Screen Archives website. 04.16.08 "The Caretakers" and "The Young Doctors" Share the Billing on a Rare CD Release An appropriate pairing from Bernstein's own tape archive (lest they'd be lost forever), this deluxe CD features Bernstein's flair for suspense, charged emotional drama, and sublime storytelling through music. And despite their medical themes, there is nothing sterile about the scores for these two films. Considered among Bernstein's classic scores "The Caretakers (1963)" achieves a modern, forward-thinking sound for what was considered daring subject matter at the time. Edgy, provocative, and at times chilling and somber themes, along with the Bernstein brass and punch, make for great listening, whether or not one is familiar with the movie. A real treat for Bernstein aficionados, this premiere release of the largely unknown score for "The Young Doctors (1961)" packs a big sound, from its compelling and propelling main theme to Young Doctors Waltz. For more information, to purchase, or to hear a selection of audio, please visit the Varèse Sarabande website. 02.11.08 "By Love Possesed" Released in Limited-Edition CD Set There isn't a film genre that Elmer Bernstein hasn't enriched with his exceptional versatility and consummate originality: western, drama, comedy, action-adventure, epic, documentary, sci-fi, and yes, even romance. Although "By Love Possessed (1961)" never achieved "classic" status, it is, however, classic Bernstein. Set to a story that revolves around romantic quest, conflict and acquisition in sumptuous, sprawling New England, the score captures all of it with sweeping love themes, boisterous action, pastoral beauty, buoyant humor, and the insinuation of pent up passion. It is Bernstein after all! For more information, to purchase, or to hear a selection of audio, please visit the Screen Archives website. 10.02.07 Two Bernstein Westerns Released in One Limited-Edition CD Set In "Cannon for Cordoba (1970)," a big-action western directed by Paul Wendkos and revolving around the turbulent Texas-Mexico border conflicts in 1912, Bernstein pulls out all the stops with a powerful, and yes, explosive score that includes "Elmer Bernstein's Mariachi Fiesta," 10 tracks featuring Bernstein's original adaptations of familiar fiesta suites. In "From Noon Till Three (1976)," Charles Bronson sheds his usual tough-guy image to reveal an unexpected comedic side in this film by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and director Frank D. Gilroy. Little surprise is Bernstein's alacrity with winsome wit within the western genre. This is a unique and entertaining score that is charming and sensitive, with moments of delicate beauty and all the fun of a raucous saloon. The CD includes the Golden Globe-nominated song—"Hello and Goodbye"—by Bernstein with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Bernstein and Alan Bergman introduce the song in a rare cameo. For more information, to hear a selection of audio, or to purchase, please visit the Varèse Sarabande website. 09.27.07 "Guns of the Magnificent Seven" Released in Limited-Edition CD Set In this second sequel in the "Magnificent Seven" series, starring George Kennedy, James Whitmore, and Joe Baker, the famous Bernstein theme is reprised in this adaptation by Bernstein's orchestrators, Leo Shuken and Jack Hayes, who arranged the first two "Magnificent Seven" films. This never-before released complete score was conducted by Bernstein in London. "The Unforgiven: Classic Western Scores from United Artists" is a limited-edition 3-CD set featuring the complete scores of five western scores from the film library of United Artists. Only 1500 copies are available. For more information, or to purchase, please visit the Screen Archives website. 07.18.07 "The Bridge at Remagen" Released to Limited-Edition CD Long thought to be lost, the complete score to "The Bridge at Remagen" (1969) features Elmer Bernstein's patent mastery of saying the most with the least in this classic WWII epic directed by acclaimed documentarian David L. Wolper and starring George Segal, Ben Gazzara, and Robert Vaughn. Sought by fans of the genre and the composer alike, "The Bridge of Remagen" brings to life and to light the human side of war—and its high cost—amidst and alongside the traditional scenes of combat. Bernstein's blend of large, dramatic cues with sensitive, intimate renderings belies the brevity of the score, which totals less than a half-hour of music for a two-hour film. This premiere, limited-edition release is soley thanks to Bernstein having kept the 1/4" monaural tape of the recording session, which was used to recreate the majestic and stirring work of this rare classic. And although a fair amount of audible distortion is present, the end result is the posterity of a great score by one of the world's great film composers. For more information, or to purchase, please visit the Screen Archives website. 04.05.07 "Some Came Running" Released to Limited-Edition CD Elmer Bernstein's brand of big-band jazz can at last be enjoyed in entirety in this limited-edition release of "Some Came Running." Featuring Bernstein's charismatic versatility, the score evokes moments of musical Americana that extends from full orchestra to the blues, as Sinatra's character struggles between "polite society" and the dark underside of the nightclub scene. Bernstein's rendition of Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen's, "To Love and Be Loved," is an original. This release of the 1958 score has been masterfully and painstakingly reconstructed, almost entirely in stereo, and with exemplary sound quality on this 3000-copy release by Film Score Monthly. For more information, or to purchase, please visit the Screen Archives website. 01.25.07 "Birdman of Alcatraz" Released to Limited-Edition CD  Limited to 3000 copies, this first-time commercial CD release from Varèse Sarabande features complete versions of cues originally abbreviated in the film, as well as 11 additional cues never heard in the final cut. For more information, or to purchase, please visit the Varèse Sarabande website. 09.1.06 A Tribute to Elmer Bernstein The music, the life, and the career celebrated in two events at USC's Doheny Memorial Library October 19, 2006 | 2nd Floor Intellectual Commons, Doheny Memorial Library
USC Professor and faculty member in the Thornton School of Music film scoring program, Jon Burlingame, highlighted Bernstein's prolific creativity with clips from such memorable films as The Man with the Golden Arm and The Great Escape, as well as Bernstein's TV themes and the music he composed for the Broadway stage.
September 8, 2006 | Bovard Auditorium
The USC Thornton Orchestra and Thornton Jazz Orchestra, conducted by David Spear, paid tribute to the former Thornton School faculty member with a selection of film scores from Bernstein's illustrious career.
Read Jon Burlingame's coverage of the event.... 07.10.06 The Elmer Bernstein Collection A treasure trove of original scores, images, and memorabilia comes to USC's Cinema-Television Library. In continuation of Elmer Bernstein's lifelong commitment to musical education, and to honor his connection to the USC Thornton School of Music where he taught for over eight years, his family has donated his personal archive to the university's Cinema-Television Library, one of its premier units. Original scores, photographs, and audio recordings are among the legendary composer's collection, which will be on display beginning this fall. Eventually, these materials will be digitized, making them easily accessible to students and aspiring musicians and composers. "Having the ability to reference this work," says Brian King, director of the Thornton School's Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television (SMPTV) program, "will provide students with answers to many of the how-to questions when it comes to learning the art and craft of scoring music for film." In recognition of Bernstein's vast and numerous contributions to music and education, and the generous gift of the Bernstein family, the USC Libraries and USC Thornton School of Music will collaborate on celebratory events, including an exhibition and concert. Please visit the USC Newsroom for more information. The 18th Annual Sammy Awards Honor The Maestro February 19, 2006—Each year, The Sammys recognize the best—and the worst—in film music. This year, respected film music historian and author Roger Hall honored the late Elmer Bernstein with the Lifetime Achievement for Past Film Composer award, citing a number of his favorite scores between 1955 and 1965:THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM (1955), THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956), THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960), WALK ON THE WILD SIDE (1962), THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963), HAWAII (1965), THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER (1965), and—Bernstein's personal favorite—TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962). Hall paid respect to a number of the maestro's later works, including comedies like TRADING PLACES (1983) and GHOSTBUSTERS (1984), and the more serious scores such as for MY LEFT FOOT (1989)and THE GRIFTERS (1990). He adds, "Even though he was probably best known for his rugged outdoor western music, like the John Wayne westerns, Elmer's ability to compose a subtle score was always evident, as in THE AGE OF INNOCENCE." His score for FAR FROM HEAVEN was awarded The Sammy for Best Score of 2002. The Sammy Awards were named for the legendary Sammy Cahn, the most Oscar-nominated songwriter of all time—26 in total, between 1942 and 1973. The first Sammy Awards were chosen for Best Score and Song of 1988 in honor of Cahn's 75th birthday. For a complete list of Sammy Award categories and winners (as well as the history of The Sammy), please visit the American Music Preservation website. Elmer Bernstein Tribute Performance February 12, 2006 | MALIBU, CA—The Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra presented a special concert celebrating the music of award-winning film composer Elmer Bernstein, conducted by Music Director Sean Newhouse. The event was underwritten by Steven Spielberg, and featured a world concert premiere performance by BMI film composer John Ottman. Elmer Bernstein – Hawaii Overture The Debut Orchestra is the 2nd oldest pre-professional training orchestra in the country, administered as a program of the Young Musicians Foundation, a non-profit organization. 08.19.04 Elmer Bernstein: 1922–2004  The music of Elmer Bernstein touched the lives of millions.
If he had written only "The Magnificent Seven," "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Great Escape," it would have been enough to ensure his lasting fame. But there was so much more: "The Man With the Golden Arm," "The Ten Commandments," "Walk on the Wild Side," "Hawaii," "True Grit," "Ghostbusters," "The Age of Innocence," "The Grifters" and "Far From Heaven." And for television, "Hollywood and the Stars" and the "National Geographic" theme. Elmer Bernstein believed in the power of melody, and in the endless possibilities of the traditional orchestra to move us. He used his art to create emotion. And near the end of his life, as he was acclaimed for his half-century in the movies, he genuinely appreciated the adulation that he so richly deserved. In a business that thrives on mean-spiritedness and backstabbing, he remained a man of warmth and honor. His integrity was beyond question. He took time for his family, his friends and colleagues. He enjoyed life, sailing the oceans every summer and recharging his creative batteries. 
He was a composer of many facets. His Broadway scores and his concert-hall music, though not as famous as his film themes, were written with equal passion and verve. Elmer Bernstein was unique. His musical voice was his own, identifiable and unmistakable. But he was also a caring and sympathetic leader on behalf of the composing community of Hollywood, always fighting for composers' rights and for great music to be heard. The man will be missed. The music will endure. —Jon Burlingame Elmer Bernstein Composes Debut Fanfare for Opening Gala of 2004 Hollywood Bowl Season June 4, 2004 | LOS ANGELES, CA—In honor of the fifth anniversary of the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, associated with John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, composer Elmer Bernstein's "Fanfare for the Hollywood Bowl," a one-minute composition commissioned to a select group of composers, was debuted in honor of the inaugural season of the new shell. The evening featured the induction into the Hall of Fame of artists Sarah Chang and Brian Wilson, and the posthumous induction of former Bernstein colleague and friend, Henry Mancini. Elmer Bernstein's Film Music Notebook Long-awaited Journal Available For Purchase ;) Elmer Bernstein's Film Music Notebook is the re-issue of an historic quarterly journal comprising thirteen installments, originally published by Bernstein himself between 1974 and 1978.
Bernstein's Film Music Notebook features interviews with notable film composers (conducted by Bernstein himself) in addition to score analyses, biographical sketches, articles on historical and contemporary music topics, and more. This 579-page hardcover, filled with illustrations and photographs, includes a brand-new introduction by Bernstein with a foreword by noted journalist Jon Burlingame. This special release is available only through the Film Music Society for $40 (plus s/h). 12.10.03 Maestro Bernstein Comes Full Circle with a New Score for a Major DeMille Documentary PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC—Elmer Bernstein has just completed scoring "American Epic — the Story of Cecil B. DeMille." The music, recorded at Smecky Studios in Prague, was also conducted by Bernstein for the upcoming two-hour television documentary on the life of the legendary filmmaker, whose epic, The Ten Commandments, was one of the significant films of Bernstein's early career. The documentary was directed by renowned documentary director and film restorer Kevin Brownlow and narrated by noted actor/director Kenneth Branagh. It follows the illustrious career of Mr. DeMille, a visionary who directed the first full-length feature film in 1915, and went on to create and define the genre known to the world as the Hollywood spectacular. Mr. DeMille's unusual and remarkable decision to assign the responsibility for scoring The Ten Commandments to the young Bernstein, then a virtually unknown composer, was the turning point in what was to become a hugely successful career. Mr. Bernstein's comment on his decision to score the DeMille Documentary was: "I have always been grateful for Mr. DeMille's confidence in and care for me, not only as an artist but as a person. I have always felt deeply indebted to him for his care and for how much I learned about film making just from watching him on that project. His knowledge and advice were invaluable, and I am very pleased to have been able to honor his memory in what seems to be a most appropriate way." The film was produced by Turner Broadcasting. 03.31.04 Elmer Bernstein Participates in Los Angeles Philharmonic's Inside/Outside: The Shape of Music in Los Angeles LOS ANGELES—On Wednesday, March 24, 2004, Mr. Bernstein took part in a conversation about his experiences as a film composer. The event, titled "The Entertainment Capital of the World," began at 7:30pm and took place in BP Hall at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and was the fourth in the Los Angeles Philharmonic's adult eduction series. These seminars were designed to explore not only the rich variety of music in Los Angeles, but also the influence of the city itself on the creative life of the musicians who came here to live and work. Other participants in the evening's discussion were composer James Newton Howard and moderator Cynthia Millar. Susan Key introduced the evening. 02.20.03 National Geographic Presents Yankee Sails Across Europe/Grizzly! Elmer Bernstein, Jerome Moross Intrada Special Collection Volume 12. 24 tracks–61:54 I'll never forget the day my aging brain finally made the obvious deduction that Elmer Bernstein had written the National Geographic theme—about 20 years after I should have figured it out. Since its inception in 1967, you could put this rousing, staccato melody on a short list of the most instantly recognizable main title themes ever written for television. Unfortunately, despite a baker's dozen compilations of TV tunes in the past decade or so no one has produced a decent rendition of this iconic theme—until now. Frankly, a CD that only contains a few takes of Bernstein's National Geographic theme would be worth full price on its own, but Intrada has really outdone itself by presenting two full National Geographic episode scores here for a full hour of music. The album presents two masters of Americana—Bernstein and composer Jerome Moross—at the top of their form and working in a medium that allowed for a full range of musical expression despite the fact that it all had to play under narration. Bernstein's "Yankee Sails Across Europe" is a nautical adventure brimming with hummable melodies, ranging from playful to exciting and surprisingly romantic. The album opens with the Geographic's brief "play on" stinger before introducing the first few minutes of Bernstein's score (they used to call this a teaser) before the familiar tympani roll segue into the energetic and arresting National Geographic theme. "Yankee Sails Across Europe" is consistently infectious as Bernstein musically illustrates the North Seas and the optimism of a married couple piloting a small yacht in this groundbreaking travelogue. Jerome Moross' "Grizzly!" is another lost treasure from a composer whose voice is as distinctive as Bernstein's—"Grizzly" often recalls Moross's score to the James Stewart aviation adventure The Mountain Road, with a broad, heroic Americana theme and Moross' trademark shifting, sidestepping motives. The documentary form allows for a great deal of development, character and atmosphere, and that and the whole gripping style of 1960s television writing makes this album a real treasure. It's probably too much to hope that we'll see more Geographic scores from Intrada, but some wonderful composers worked on this series over the years and in its way it boasts a musical legacy as rich as any of the other Sixties TV shows collectors yearn for. —Jeff Bond 11.21.03 Elmer Bernstein Presents Grand Prize to Winner of Turner Classic Movies' 2003 Young Film Composers Competition  WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA—Veteran film composer Elmer Bernstein presented TCM's 2003
Young Film Composers Competition Grand Prize to Ms. Linda Martinez for her
original score for the classic silent film, The Rag Man, at the Harmony Gold
Screening Room in West Hollywood on January 29th at 7:00pm.
Mr. Bernstein, who was honored by TCM with a month-long film retrospective in 2001, continues his association with the network and has also accepted the role as spokesperson for the 2004 competition. He was one of the preliminary judges for the first round of finalists in June, 2003. The Rag Man, starring Jackie Coogan and released in 1925, is one of the many classic silent films in Turner's film library. Recently restored, it was screened for the first time at Harmony Gold with its new original score, and will air on the network shortly thereafter. Ms. Martinez, who hails from Marina del Rey, California, won the opportunity to compose the score. She is the recipient of $10,000 and has been mentored by Mr. Bernstein. This is the fourth year of the competition, which is part of Turner's ongoing program for film restoration. The competition is presented by Turner Classic Movies, Film Music Magazine, Ascent Media and Tonos, and is sponsored by Guitar Center. 12.18.03 Elmer Bernstein Celebrates APRA–AGSC 2003 Screen Music Awards  APRA and AGSC 2003 Screen Music Award nominations were for music composed for feature films, telemovies and mini-series, children's television, advertisements, short films and documentaries. Special receipient of the lifetime achievement award was the Academy Award winning composer Elmer Bernstein. His screen credits are in excess of 200 and his compositions include the music scores from Far From Heaven (2002), Bringing Out the Dead (1999), The Age of Innocence (1993), The Field (1990), Ghost Busters (1984), Animal House (1978), The Great Escape (1963), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Ten Commandments (1956). "This year's nominations are an outstanding reflection of the commitment of Australian composers to excellence, creativity and innovation in the art of screen composition. To have a composer of Elmer Bernstein's calibre honour the achievements of our finest screen composers makes for a truly exceptional awards event," says AGSC president, Art Phillips. Special mention is made of Cezary Skubiszewski, who is nominated in 4 categories; Nigel Westlake, nominated for 2 feature films; and Lisa Gerrard, who is nominated for 2 awards. The 2003 APRA-AGSC Screen Music Awards was held on Monday, 3 November, 2003 at The Hordern Pavilion at Fox Studios Australia. ELMER BERNSTEIN, "THIS IS YOUR LIFE" Elmer Bernstein's career and family life were portrayed Thursday, February 6th, 2003 at 7:00 PM on BBC1, emanating from London Studios. The Maestro was surprised by host Michael Aspel and his BBC crew at the conclusion of Mr. Bernstein's 80th birthday celebration concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall in October, 2002. The show featured appearances by actors (including James Fox from "Thoroughly Modern Millie"), directors (including John Landis, for whom he scored five films, among them: "Animal House" and "Trading Places"; and Edward "Keeping the Faith" Norton), producers (including Noel Pearson—"My Left foot"), as well as clips of various show-business friends he has known throughout his career. Bernstein's wife and four children were seen on the program, as well. National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Honors Composer Elmer Bernstein with Career Achievement Award NEW YORK—Composer Elmer Bernstein was presented the Career Achievement award by Eli Wallach when the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures held its annual gala January 14th, 2003 at Manhattan's Tavern on the Green. Bernstein has scored more than 150 films, racking up 13 Oscar nominations and winning in 1967 for "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The composer's "Far From Heaven" is in release through Focus Features. New York-based NBR includes educators, screenwriters, historians and film students and has presented awards since 1929. The organization's annual honors are seen as kicking off the film world's frenzied winter awards season, leading up to the Oscars.—Ian Mohr, Hollywoodreporter.com | 1.14.03 |
|
 |
 
|
|||||||||||
|
Home · News & Events · Biography · Filmography · Discography Television · Other Works · Merchandise · Related Links · Contact |
