The Film Music of Bernard Herrmann Part 1 Film Scoring 101

In this episode of Everything Music we explore some of the cues of legendary film composer Bernard Herrmann's most famous movies. The "Murder" and Prelude cues from Psycho as well as the "Prelude" from Vertigo both Alfred Hitchcock masterpieces. We will talk about the harmonic and melodic devices employed including his use of clusters in the "Murder" cue from Psycho. This is Part 1 of 2.

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[jeffsimard]

Such a big fan of Herrmann

It’s great that Rick did videos like this

[williamsnyder]

BH didn't win the Oscar for "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, " but he should have. Herrmann was quoted as saying this was his favorite score.

[MichelGusse]

Thank you Rick for sharing the Bernard Hermann music . I'm a huge fan of Bernard Hermann. He is a great composer, a master of strange music, showing the inside of the characters of the movie.

[WyattCayer]

Walking distance is one of his best in my opinion. The haunting reminiscent sound is to die for. It's the duality between fond memories and loss.

[davidcunningham]

my favourite composer. his music still sounds completely crazy

[juanborjas]

Bernard Herrmann is my favourite film composer.

All these theoretical concepts have been very helpful for my compositions.

Thank you Rick for these videos.

[amymalina]

Hangover Square is an incredible movie with a great Herrmann score.

[amymalina]

So happy to see you talk about this musical God.

[tkimaginestudio]

In my humble opinion, the prelude to Vertigo is one of the most brilliant film music pieces ever written. Bernard Herrmann was a genius. Too bad he fell out with Hitchcock.

[MrGreg]

Since seeing Taxi Driver in 74, now every time I watch the first season on Twilight Zone, especially the original intro, I hear orchestrated similarities since learning he did both.
The woodwind + string movements, especially the use of oboe + harp are so similar.
Just a 2 note alternation can be so emotive with him

[hanksenpai]

Listening to taxi driver and vertigo soundtrack is what made me fall in love with composing.

[simpleysteve]

Rick, if it’s great music of any genre, you are THE MAN!

[KSHMRmusic]

I'm a huge fan, thank you for these tutorials Rick -KSHMR

[joycegeertsma]

Absolutely beatiful... especially Psycho. All to throw you of balance; if there was any to begin with... in other words, psychopathic. Love Bernard Herrmann.

[JohnSmith-mxwp]

"Psycho" and "Taxi Driver" have been two of my favorite films for a long time, and the soundtracks to both are deservedly classic. TD was Herrmann's last work - he passed away very shortly after completing it, and Scorsese dedicated the film to him. It's jazzy in spots, but gets really really dark, to mirror Travis' descent.

I was very surprised many years ago when my Dad told me that the music in "Psycho" is performed exclusively on stringed instruments. True, and amazing to boot.

Bernard Herrmann was a master of his craft.

[blackfeather]

Brilliant episode. Love Bernard Hermanns film scores. Lots of information to take in here. Thanks again Rick.

[jeanesingsjazz]

My favorite is beneath the 12 mile reef. Nine harps cascading down, layer upon layer. Beautifully written. And that majestic Main title. But my favorite Main title of his is the ghost and Mrs. Muir.

[garylynch]

Absolutely genius master class(es) Thank you Rick for your tutorial and historical insights!

[uniqe]

Twilight Zone bro. Best show ever. What a score that holds the show together

[alexrokakis]

Perhaps the greatest film composer ever! His use of the theremin on “The Day the Earth Stood Still” was genius. I could list so many other clips and pieces, too many to mention. Hitchcock fired him on “Torn Curtain” which was replaced by a nondescript score…mistake.