Role

:

Composer Performer

 

Martin Herman was a British composer and arranger who was born on August 28, 1932, in London, England. He was the son of a Jewish tailor and grew up in a working-class family. Herman showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone and became a proficient jazz musician. Herman attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition and orchestration. He also studied with the renowned composer Benjamin Britten, who had a significant influence on his musical style. After completing his studies, Herman began working as a freelance composer and arranger, writing music for films, television, and the theater. One of Herman's early successes was his work on the musical "Oliver!" which was based on the novel "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens. The musical, which premiered in London in 1960, was a huge success and ran for over 2,600 performances. Herman's arrangements of the songs, including "Consider Yourself" and "As Long As He Needs Me," helped to make the show a hit. Herman went on to work on several other successful musicals, including "Half a Sixpence" and "Pickwick." He also wrote music for films, including "The Bargee" and "The Sandwich Man." In addition, he composed music for television shows, including "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Two Ronnies." Herman's musical style was characterized by his use of orchestration and his ability to create memorable melodies. He was also known for his ability to write music that was both catchy and emotionally powerful. His music often featured lush strings, brass, and woodwinds, and he was skilled at creating complex harmonies and counterpoint. One of Herman's most famous works is his score for the film "The Pink Panther." The film, which was released in 1963, starred Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau and featured a memorable theme song that was composed by Herman. The song, which was played on the saxophone, became an instant classic and has been used in numerous films and television shows since its release. Herman also wrote music for several other films in the "Pink Panther" series, including "A Shot in the Dark" and "The Return of the Pink Panther." His music for these films helped to establish the "Pink Panther" franchise as one of the most popular and enduring in film history. In addition to his work in film and theater, Herman also wrote music for the concert hall. He composed several orchestral works, including a symphony and a concerto for saxophone and orchestra. His music for the concert hall was characterized by his use of traditional forms and his ability to create music that was both accessible and sophisticated. Herman continued to work as a composer and arranger throughout his career, and his music remained popular with audiences around the world. He died on December 14, 1996, at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy of memorable music that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.

More....