Bernard Herrmann was perhaps one of the greatest musical all-rounders of the 20th Century. Although he is best known for his scores to perhaps some of the most iconic films ever made (‘Vertigo’, ‘Citizen Kane’, ‘Psycho’), he was also a talented composer for the concert hall, with an early career marked out by his skill as a conductor – praised by Stravinsky amongst others, who autographed Hermann’s score for his Symphony in 3 Movements with “To the excellent musician and conductor, Bernard Herrmann. Cordially, I. Stravinsky.”
The Tippett Quartet capture the energy and musical finesse of Herrmann’s works in this recording, accompanied for Souvernirs de Voyage by the clarinetist Julian Bliss and featuring a new arrangement of his score for ‘Psycho’.
Chillingly delivered … it is impossible to imagine more expert renditions than these – Gramophone
Clarinettist Julian Bliss plays with exquisite restraint, as though wanting not to disturb the intimate conversations of the Tippett Quartet – The Independent
Splendid – The Sunday Telegraph
This album is an engaging, suspenseful adventure through Herrmann’s life and career, bound by short themes, an emphasis on effect rather than melody, and a sense of unease. I highly recommend this album! – The Clarinet Online
