Movie Music: An Insider's View
Charles Bernstein's second book, Movie Music: An Insider's View, is a welcome sequel to his first book, Film Music and Everything Else. It contains more thought-provoking and fun essays on the art of film music and about life in general. Some of the territory covered: What is a Classic?; Who has Good Taste?; Golden Opportunity; Spirituality in Music; Going Crazy; Are There Really "Wrong" Notes?; We All Need Support; A Word About Chaos (to mention just a few). As a bonus, this volume also features in-depth conversations between Mr. Bernstein and some of the greatest film composers of all time.
"Heartbreak, Greatness and Film Music"
It's a joy to read Charles Bernstein on the art and craft of film music. His love for the music itself illuminates every page, and with his insider's view, he brings to life the present state of this musical stepchild, so clearly destined to have a lasting impact on the gentle art of music itself. Charles Bernstein, as an affectionate chronicler of his favorite subject, is to be read, absorbed and enjoyed.
John Williams, Academy Award winning composer and conductor of acclaimed film scores, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, Jaws and Fiddler on the Roof
Charles Bernstein writes about film music with passion and consummate knowledge, from an insider's point of view. That's what makes his musings on the subject so pertinent, and valuable.
Leonard Maltin, National Film Critic, Film Historian, Author of Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, Commentator on television's Entertainment Tonight
No one writes more evocatively, or with more accessible insight, about film music than Charles Bernstein. He combines an insider's knowledge with an unabashed fan's appreciation of its intricacies, mysteries and beauty. A wonderful and revealing book.
Phil Alden Robinson, Academy Award Nominated writer-director of Field of Dreams, The Sum of All Fears, and Emmy Award winning director of Band of Brothers
Film Music And Everything Else
"Limitations"
Charles Bernstein isn't just an astute observer of the film music scene, or simply a participant... he's a philosopher. His writing is stimulating, informative and fun.
Leonard Maltin, National Film Critic, Author, Television Commentator
Charles Bernstein is a film composer. In this collection, he writes about more than music. He writes about music as metaphor, about the inner life of the creator and the mystery and magic of the creative process. He is at times dancer, at times magician. He is always a fascinating writer.
Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Academy Award winning lyricists (The Way We Were, Yentl!, The Windmills of Your Mind)
Charles' writings have always been most enjoyable, as has his music. He has great insight in both.
Jerry Goldsmith, Academy Award winning composer (Patton, The Omen, Chinatown, Star Trek, L.A. Confidential)
Other Writings by Charles Bernstein
Musical Shares, a column on film music, can be found in The Society of Composers & Lyricists quarterly publication, The Score.
Charles Bernstein's Interviews with Great Film Composers can also be found in past issues of The Score.
MASS: Voices of the World
Charles Bernstein's 1999 World-Beat Mass featuring voices from different cultures. Now available from iTunes and other online stores.
1. Alleluia
2. Kyrie
3. Agnus Dei
4. Gloria
5. Sanctus
6. Credo
Agnus Dei
MASS: Voices of the World (1:56)
click link again to close
With the global state of affairs being what they are today, Charles Bernstein's inspired opus, Mass: Voices of the World, stands tall like a beacon of light bringing hope to our hearts as we enter the 21st century.
Quincy Jones, Musician, Composer, Producer
Music is one of the best ways to enrich and bring re-enchantment into our lives. Charles' Mass is a wonderful example of this.
Thomas Moore, Best-selling Author