Bernard Herrmann Discusses The Beatles (Fair Use)

Bernard Herrmann discovered The Beatles? Apparently Universal and CBS confirmed this story later, for the article this interview was done for.

This is just one of a number of Herrmann/Beatles connections. In addition to this story (told by the composer), the arrangement for the song “Eleanor Rigby” was directly inspired by Herrmann’s own string work. Then, according to Herrmann’s biographer Steven Smith, when it came time for Paul McCartney to score the film The Family Way, Herrmann was actually hired (and paid) to give the ONLY lessons he’d ever given to ANYBODY to McCartney (on how to score a film). McCartney, to this day, hasn’t revealed what the lesson entailed, but, in turn, wrote a stirring tribute to Herrmann, on a special copy of “Greed” (for Herrmann), wishing they could work more together.

Also, Beatles fans tried climbing into Herrmann’s flat to see the band. Crazy.

All of these folks are historic figures now. So happy to see the cross-pollination.

I do not own this interview. This is a brief clip from one of the ONLY remaining long form interviews with legendary composer Bernard Herrmann, presented for posterity and educational value. You should seriously purchase the full version from The Film Music Society here:

[amymalina]

No kidding that two of the greatest musical minds coming together for a moment. They were both giants

[kennyglesga]

Bernard Hermann, my god, North by Northwest, he is a genius. Imagine, if he'd been able to run with The Beatles!

[SirSmoldham]

Bernard Herrmann is my favorite film composer (along with Jerry Goldsmith) and this is the first time I've heard this story. FANTASTIC and thanks for sharing.

[boneeatingsilicate]

The big mandarins of Jazz, the guy was later identified as CBS music producer Guy Della Cioppa and Cioppa confirmed it.

[clintprovance]

I love Bernard herrmann and I love the Beatles, a great historical story that he relates to us, shows you how dumb big corporate companies really are even like CBS and universal television. These big companies did not want the Beatles? Bernard herrmann was right. 2:42

[leswhitetrash]

Play Eleanor Rigby intro at the same time as Psycho intro. Truly frightening.

[FengShwey]

Blimey - this guy wrote the Psycho film score!

[fireatheart]

I have trouble believing that story. BH championned Charles Ives and Vaughn Williams. But The Beatles? Come on.

[floydgrove]

Sorry but this is not the film composer who did Psycho and North by Northwest for Hitchcock.. This is a different man, a band leader in England who happened to have the same name!