EB

Elmer Bernstein

19quotes

Elmer Bernstein: A Legacy of Music for Film


Full Name and Common Aliases


Elmer Bernstein was an American composer of film scores, best known for his contributions to the world of cinema.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on April 4, 1922, in New York City, New York, USA - Passed away on August 18, 2004, in Ojai, California, USA

Nationality and Profession(s)


American composer of film scores

Early Life and Background


Elmer Bernstein was born to a musical family. His father, Edward Bernstein, was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and his mother, Julia (nee Messinger) Bernstein, was a pianist. Elmer began taking piano lessons at the age of six and went on to study music theory at Boston University.

Major Accomplishments


Bernstein's career spanned over five decades, during which he composed music for more than 200 films. He is perhaps best known for his scores in movies such as _The Magnificent Seven_ (1960), _Alamo!_ (1960), and _A Walk on the Wild Side_ (1962). Bernstein's compositions often featured complex musical themes, harmonies, and orchestration.

Notable Works or Actions


Elmer Bernstein's work was not limited to film scores. He also composed music for television, including the theme song for the popular sitcom _The Twilight Zone_. In addition, Bernstein released several albums of his own original compositions, showcasing his versatility as a composer.

Impact and Legacy


Bernstein's impact on the world of cinema is undeniable. His scores have become synonymous with many classic films and have contributed significantly to their enduring appeal. As a composer, he pushed the boundaries of film music, experimenting with new sounds and techniques that raised the bar for future generations of composers.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Elmer Bernstein's legacy extends far beyond his impressive body of work. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach have inspired countless musicians and filmmakers. He is widely quoted as saying, "A composer writes music, but a film composer writes music that pictures the scene." This quote encapsulates his philosophy on scoring for film, which continues to influence the industry today.

As a testament to his enduring impact, Elmer Bernstein's music remains an integral part of many beloved films. His contributions have left a lasting impression on the world of cinema and continue to be celebrated by audiences around the globe.

Quotes by Elmer Bernstein

I made my way on to a grey list, a black list even. That’s something I’m very proud of, actually.
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I made my way on to a grey list, a black list even. That’s something I’m very proud of, actually.
EB
Victor Young had been hired to write the score for the dances of The Ten Commandments but he became very ill. You were then hired to write the score. But at the same time you’d written The Man with the Golden Arm score.
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Victor Young had been hired to write the score for the dances of The Ten Commandments but he became very ill. You were then hired to write the score. But at the same time you’d written The Man with the Golden Arm score.
EB
There’s no way I can compete with someone who can write rap or rock and roll. Nor do I wish to. But I’ve always kept up to date with music changes. I worked very hard not to type myself.
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There’s no way I can compete with someone who can write rap or rock and roll. Nor do I wish to. But I’ve always kept up to date with music changes. I worked very hard not to type myself.
EB
All of a sudden I found myself doing things like ‘Robot Monster’ and ‘Cat-Women of the Moon,’ and I didn’t know what the devil was going on. But if you’re going to do areally bad movie, at least you do one that is at the top of the all-time bad-movie list.
"
All of a sudden I found myself doing things like ‘Robot Monster’ and ‘Cat-Women of the Moon,’ and I didn’t know what the devil was going on. But if you’re going to do areally bad movie, at least you do one that is at the top of the all-time bad-movie list.
EB
I’m generally pessimistic about the dumbing down of America – especially with summer movies.
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I’m generally pessimistic about the dumbing down of America – especially with summer movies.
EB
All of a sudden I found myself doing things like 'Robot Monster' and 'Cat-Women of the Moon,' and I didn't know what the devil was going on. But if you're going to do areally bad movie, at least you do one that is at the top of the all-time bad-movie list.
"
All of a sudden I found myself doing things like 'Robot Monster' and 'Cat-Women of the Moon,' and I didn't know what the devil was going on. But if you're going to do areally bad movie, at least you do one that is at the top of the all-time bad-movie list.
EB
#cat
Jerry Goldsmith is the #1 composer working now. He's open to new ideas and always inventing.
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Jerry Goldsmith is the #1 composer working now. He's open to new ideas and always inventing.
EB
You wouldn't think it would but my parents were really balanced about that. When it came time for me to be out of the house and out on my own they were very supportive.
"
You wouldn't think it would but my parents were really balanced about that. When it came time for me to be out of the house and out on my own they were very supportive.
EB
#balanced
Victor Young had been hired to write the score for the dances of The Ten Commandments but he became very ill. You were then hired to write the score. But at the same time you'd written The Man with the Golden Arm score.
"
Victor Young had been hired to write the score for the dances of The Ten Commandments but he became very ill. You were then hired to write the score. But at the same time you'd written The Man with the Golden Arm score.
EB
#writing
One of the things that happens in the business is that success is a very strange thing in that if you are involved in something very successful the next person wants you to repeat it.
"
One of the things that happens in the business is that success is a very strange thing in that if you are involved in something very successful the next person wants you to repeat it.
EB
#successful
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