Search - Bernard Herrmann :: Day the Earth Stood Still (Score)

"an enduring classic score by Bernard Herrmann"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 03/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The year is 1951 and director Robert Wise is about to throw panic into Washington D.C. and the film world with "The Day the Earth Stood Still", when an extraterrestrial spacecraft lands near the White House. Very dramatic, intelligently directed and a well-craft screenplay with an outstanding cast. Our players are Klaatu (Michael Rennie) plays the alien invader and the Earth People who may be worth saving are Helen Benson (Patricia Neal), Dr. Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe), Bobby Benson (Billy Gray) and Tom Stevens (Hugh Marlowe). With first-rate cast we have a first-class composer of Bernard Herrmann, who creates the well established trademark of sci-fi with the theremin-dominated musical score. The theremin on this album is played by Celia Sheen, haunting with eerie imagery seeping through the orchestration. Wonderful arrangements by the composer himself, with excellent conducting by Joel McNeely. Each section of the orchestra ~ the pianos, hammonds, harps, brass and electronic instruments amplify within each cue. As Celia is carefully in complete control with the entire ensemble. The result is colors come shining through with a perfect performance and a credit to the classic composition by Bernard Herrmann. Total Time: 38:43 on 33 Tracks ~ Varese Records 302-066-314-2 ~ (3/04/2003)"

Music for Flying Saucers and Peace

James D. Eret | Yucca Valley, California | 03/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bernard Herrmann, the famous coposer of so many classics of the cinema, has never written a boring film score, and in this science fiction classic,he sets the standard high again for great film music. This film is one of the classic science fiction movies of all time and this film score matches its subject with great force, music of the heavens and space and great music for Gort the robot. Highly recommended. This music fills you with awe and great harmonies. Herrmann was one of our greatest film composers and anything he wrote is worth listening to again and again."

No, it's not the original soundtrack...

G. Pomeroy | Central Ohio, USA | 06/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"but I like it as well if not better. This is Bernard Hermann's original score performed by orchestra (including Theremin) at Abbey Road Studios in 2002. The attention to detail and consideration of original arrangement is exemplary. As a long time fan of this film classic (and if you haven't seen it, find it ! After 58 years, it still speaks volumes of the human condition and futile politics) I've heard the original soundtrack within the film many times. This is different, of course, but excellent within its own right. If you wish to study the Theremin exquisitly used in an orchestral environment, this is the score and one the best recordings I've heard. Hermann's composition is simply classic of the genre."