Music from the House of Hammer: Music in the Hammer Horror Films, 1950-1980 (The Scarecrow Filmmakers Series): 47 - Hardcover

Larson, Randall D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810829754 ISBN 13: 9780810829756

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 1996

Synopsis

In the 1950s, Hammer Film Productions, a small British filmmaking company, introduced the world to a new genre of motion picture. Referred to by some as "horror," by others as "fantasy," Hammer films had a unique look and feel that many other studios would later attempt-and fail-to capture. Hammer films also had a unique sound. For although the studio was small and the budgets limited, those involved in making the Hammer films recognized that the musical score was just as important as the set, the actors, and the script in telling the story. Consequently, Hammer Films Productions recruited the best musical talent to make its films come alive. Those artists and the work they did are chronicled here in careful detail by Randall D. Larson. From the studio's fledging days, through its great successes of the 60s and early 70s, Music from the House of Hammer offers an inside look at how the "Hammer sound" was developed and nurtured.

About this title

Review

...a fascinating examination of the enduring work of 35 of Hammer's gifted composers...you don't need a music degree to appreciate this welcome book--just an inquiring mind and two good ears.--Fangoria Magazine

...Larson offers an intelligent discussion of the composers' work, replete with biographies, a filmography and discography...an all-around good piece of work.--American Cinematographer

Larson writes knowingly and clearly...essential for anyone interested in Hammer, horror, or music in film.--Necrofile

...a thorough account of the creation of the patented musical stylings of Hammer, England's legendary monster movie studio....--Starlog

You don't need to have a musical background to appreciate Larson's writing as he clearly describes how certain themes and musical cues were employed to give the movie that extra frisson! Another must have for the devoted Hammer-phile.--Crimson

...extensive filmography and discography. If you love Hammer music then you must get this book. A great companion piece to Hammer audio CD's and videos.--Behind the Screams

If you remember these classic horror films and their scores fondly you will not be without this excellent companion....--New Zealand Film Music Bulletin

...Larson's book is recommended not only for Hammerites but also for anyone interested in horror expressed in music....--Sfra Review

...a fine achievement.--Video Watchdog

Exhaustive and accessible, Larson's book will be a welcome addition to any film-music fan's library and a special treat for Hammer film buffs.--The Cue Sheet: The Journal Of The Society For The Preservat

From the Back Cover

In Music from the House of Hammer, Randall D. Larson shows us how Hammer Film Productions's strikingly innovative use of music contributed both to the success of individual films and to the success of the studio. With music that was alternately romantic and experimental, Gothic and modern, Hammer composers helped shape the image of horror in the cinema. Remembrances by Leonard Salzedo, Monty Norman, Gerard Schurmann, Mario Nascimbene, and others, coupled with the author's critical analysis of each score, offer readers a sense of the history and artistry of the music that made Hammer films unforgettable.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0810829754
• ISBN 13: 9780810829756
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 222