Goodbye, Elmer Bernstein

For some reason, I used to think he and Leonard were related. They aren't, but they were both influential composers in their own right.

I was more than a little disappointed when Elmer Bernstein didn't get the Oscar for his gorgeous music for Far From Heaven, the last movie soundtrack he composed. The music in that film was so intrinsic to the film itself. I doubt it would have been so effective in capturing the 1950s without his score.

My favorite movie scores of his:

The Man with the Golden Arm - loud, jazzy, a perfect fit to a film about a man with a heroin addiction
The Magnificent Seven - you'd recognize the score if you heard it.
Thoroughly Modern Millie - this film is so silly and fun, and his music really works with that. Sadly, this is the only soundtrack for which he ever won an Oscar.
Three Amigos! - come on, it's great.
My Left Foot
Devil in a Blue Dress

We'll miss you, Elmer!
Elmer Bernstein, Film Composer, Dead at 82