James Bernard, Composer To Count Dracula: A Critical Biography [Hardcover]

Ingrid Pitt David Huckvale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0786423021 | ISBN-13: 978-0786423026

Composers give a unique and powerful voice to the stories we see on the big screen. Those who work principally with one type of film may leave a unique imprint on an entire genre. James Bernard was one such composer. From 1952 to the late 1990s he was one of horror’s definitive and distinctive voices, scoring many of Hammer’s best-known films, including Dracula. This critical biography details Bernard’s life from struggle to success. More than just a biography, however, it is also a meticulous examination of his music, including its intricate mechanisms and the many sources of Bernard’s inspiration. Movie scores examined include The Quatermass Experiment, The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Reviews of Bernard’s work and reminiscences of the composer himself add depth and personal feeling to the biography. A music glossary and a filmography complete the work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“We are really looking forward to [this book]” --Little Shoppe of Horrors

About the Author

David Huckvale is a freelance lecturer in music and cultural history for Cambridge University, Birmingham University, The Open University, The Victorian and Albert Museum, and many adult education colleges. His work has been published in Journal of Popular British Cinema, Popular Music, BBC Music Magazine and Wagner.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 311 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers (May 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786423021
• ISBN-13: 978-0786423026
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,672,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.