While Muir Mathieson was celebrated among his peers for his musical genius, time has not been as faithful and his name has not been as remembered as it should. In fact, although Muir Mathieson's name appears on the credit lists of more British films than that of any other individual, this is the only biography of a true musical maestro.
A Scot (Mathieson was born in Stirling), trained at the Royal College of Music, he joined Alexander Korda at Denham in 1934, worked for various government film units during the war, and was musical director at Rank from 1945 until 1970. His first credit as music director was for The Private Life of Don Juan (1934), he was responsible for commissioning first scores from composers of art music like Arthur Bliss (Things to Come, 1936), Ralph Vaughan Williams, Arnold Bax and Malcolm Arnold to write for the big screen and it was Mathieson who persuaded William Walton to compose the famous score for Henry V (1945).
In all, it is estimated Mathieson initiated and conducted over a thousand scores. He also composed the music for films such as Conquest of the Air (1936), This Happy Breed (1944), The Man Who Never Was (1956), A Tale of Two Cities (1958), and Call Me Bwana (1963).
‘Although Muir’s name and work are remembered and celebrated by mature filmgoers, young afficionados are probably quite unaware of his remarkable impact and enduring contribution to the music of cinema. This book is, I hope, a reminder and a salute.’ – Sheila Hetherington.
Complementing SJ Hetherington's biographical account of Muir Mathieson’s life is an analysis of ten film scores that Muir worked on as Music Director or Conductor. The selection provides the broadest view possible of the types of movie with which Muir Mathieson was associated. (List of Scores Analysed: Dangerous Moonlight, 49th Parallel, In Which We Serve, Fires Were Started, Henry V, Western Approaches, Brief Encounter, Hamlet, Oliver Twist and Vertigo.)
This "engrossing and illuminating biography" of Muir Mathieson includes a full glossary, list of film credits and index.
Foreword by Miguel Mera (professor at the Royal College of Music).
AVAILABLE FROM...
All good bookshops should stock "Muir Mathieson: A Life in Film Music". In Muir Mathieson's birthplace (Stirling): Well Read Books in the Crawford Arcade have signed copies and the Smith Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road, also has copies (unsigned). Other retailers include Borders in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, and Blackwells on South Bridge, Edinburgh. These are just a few who we know have the book in stock. Many other bookshops across the country also have copies. Please let us know if you have any problems in obtaining this book.
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