Elmer Bernstein

I have always enjoyed some of this film composers stuff. He passed away a long time ago but one of his best scores was THe Birdman of Alcatraz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QfUhXotco&feature=related

His score for

Wow Andy what a beautiful score ... it reminds me a little bit of the gorgeous slow movement of the Ravel Piano Concerto in G. Only a little - the spare piano and judicious instrumentation with it --- but it is a marvel how it is entirely his own and what the various amalgamations - a little Copland influence, some of the Nordic symphonists, oooh and the accordion in there - nice touch!

Ravel Piano Concerto - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMOp-rB9XgA

And Elmer Bernstein unlike Hermann I think thought each project as a continuation of a set of larger works and would used orchestral colors for various themes - Far From Heaven, another fascinating film dealing with another aspect of racism. Notice he introduces the piano solo with again some judicious instrumentation with it, but in this case the instrumentation is more "romantic" with lusher harmonies. In fact it works almost like a mini piano concerto while in To Kill A Mockingbird the piano and the form is more like a baroque concerto grosso - there is a little more highlighting different instrumental colors within a demarcated range.

Oh something Tokke would love -

Usually not a big fan of what I call "big sky" western film music but man what excellent orchestration. Love the slight mariachi feel around the 3 min mark that just shifts into this Academic overture like section. Then the handclaps of something like Hoedown. Surprised high school orchestra or bands don't do this one more often - it would be a great showpiece.

Finally from same movie opening credits with just the choir and orchestra - note the very ending in the choir - really makes the loud chord sound louder than the earlier big chords.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbnD7XfgB7o&feature=related

Elmer Bernstein was one of the greats. I have fond memories of the season he was conductor of the first incarnation of the San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra in the 1970s. The orchestra had never been better, and it never was that good again.

He also had quite a sense of humor. I've heard that he once stated "[As a film composer] I'm essentially a high class prostitute...I'll do anything for money."