Bernard Herrmann

The Profile

American composer (1911–1975) best known for film scores including Psycho, Citizen Kane, Vertigo and Taxi Driver.

Born in New York in 1911. Wrote notable film scores for directors such as Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock. Worked in radio (including the War of the Worlds broadcast) and for CBS. Pioneering use of electronic instruments (including theremin) in film scores. Died in 1975.

A highly admiring review of Bernard Herrmann's Taxi Driver soundtrack that calls it essential and emotionally shattering. The review praises Herrmann's experimental use of electronic instruments (theremin) and his capacity for 'musical characterism.' The writer situates Herrmann among his major works such as Psycho and Citizen Kane.