Role

:

Composer

Genre

:

Film

 

Charles Bernstein was born on April 23, 1943, in New York City. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a composer and his mother a pianist. Bernstein began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He attended the Walden School, a summer program for young musicians, where he studied composition with Seymour Shifrin. Bernstein went on to study at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. While at Harvard, he studied composition with Leon Kirchner and Roger Sessions. He also studied conducting with James Yannatos and played in the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra. After graduating from Harvard, Bernstein continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied composition with Vincent Persichetti and conducting with Jean Morel. He also studied privately with Aaron Copland. Bernstein's early works were influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s. His first major composition, "Piano Sonata," was written in 1964 and premiered at Harvard. The piece is characterized by its dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms. In 1966, Bernstein was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Italy. While there, he studied with Luigi Dallapiccola and wrote several works, including "Serenata d'Estate" for orchestra and "String Quartet No. 1." Upon returning to the United States, Bernstein became involved in the New York new music scene. He co-founded the New York Festival of the Avant-Garde in 1967 and was a member of the composers' collective, the Sonic Arts Union. In the 1970s, Bernstein's music began to incorporate elements of popular music and jazz. His "Mass" for choir and jazz ensemble, written in 1971, is a prime example of this style. The piece features a mix of traditional choral music and jazz improvisation. Bernstein's most famous work is his score for the horror film "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984). The score features the iconic theme song, which has become synonymous with the film franchise. Bernstein also composed the scores for several other films, including "Cujo" (1983) and "April Fool's Day" (1986). In addition to his film work, Bernstein has composed numerous concert works. His "Dybbuk" for orchestra, written in 1984, is based on the Jewish legend of a demon possessing a young bride. The piece features haunting melodies and dissonant harmonies. Bernstein's "Shivaree" for orchestra, written in 1999, is a tribute to the music of the American South. The piece features elements of blues, jazz, and country music. Bernstein has also written several works for the theater. His musical "The Water Engine" premiered in 1977 and was later adapted into a television movie. The show features a mix of spoken dialogue and songs, and tells the story of an inventor who creates an engine that runs on water. In addition to his work as a composer, Bernstein has also been a teacher and mentor to many young musicians. He has taught at several universities, including the California Institute of the Arts and the University of Southern California. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been recognized for his contributions to music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts grant. He was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1995. Today, Bernstein continues to compose and perform music.

More....