Bernard Hermann

In reading the interview Bernard Hermann did in the readings, the first thing I found interesting is that Stanley Kubrick had approached Hermann to do the score for 2001: A Space Odyssey. And that got me thinking what that collaboration could have been but I can’t imagine Kubrick being totally pleased unless he had Beethoven or Strauss on the soundtrack (or his daughter who composed some music for Full Metal Jacket). While Herman believed audiences only listen with half an ear, Kubrick said I want all ears active and engaged for The Blue Danube waltz or Also Sprach Zarathustra or whatever he wanted. If it’s not clear, I have a particular preference for Kubrick, in fact, it’s sort of a family tradition to watch The Shining every year around Christmas time…