The origins of electronic music in cinema go back to the first half of the 20th century. This mix is a homage to some of those moments.It begins with a 1930s Pathé archive example of an early version of what would become a synthesizer, before moving into Dmitri Shostakovich’s first use of theremin on screen in the 1931’s Alone, directed by Grigori Kozintsev. Originally a silent film, Alone gained a soundtrack by Shostakovich just before release once film sound was made available in Russia. Bernard Herrmann’s iconic use of the theremin in The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) has a wonderful moment in this mix wherein we hear the studio sketches of this score’s creation. Taken from the 2018 reissue of the score, this recording presents studio outtakes and rehearsal moments during the production. Herrmann can be heard in the background prompting different actions from his orchestra.
- 3/28/2022
- MUBI
Robert Wise's 1951 film "The Day The Earth Stood Still" is notable for a few things, including being a stone cold sci-fi classic, and inspiring a pretty lame remake. But what you might have forgotten is that it boasts an early score from composing legend Bernard Hermann (probably best known for his frequent work for Alfred Hitchcock including "Vertigo"), one that to this day is pretty terrifically eerie. And part of that secret to the success is down to one instrument: the theremin. The power of the interwebs has unearthed a six minute studio recording session focused solely on the aforementioned instrument. Dr. Samuel Hoffman and Paul Shure played the two electric theremins used on the soundtrack (it's not clear) who was playing here, with the rest of the music rounded out by organs, vibraphones, glockenspiels, pianos, harps, trumpets, trombones, tubas and various percussion instruments. But it's the theremin that...
- 7/10/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.