Released 30 years ago
Vertigo
Bernard Herrmann · 1996
65 min · 16 tracks
A haunting orchestral journey that evokes suspense and emotion through lush strings and eerie motifs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Prelude and Rooftop Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Scotty Tails Madeleine — This track encapsulates the central theme of obsession and longing through its delicate melodies and rich orchestration, serving as a musical representation of the film’s protagonist’s fixation.
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The Nightmare – Dawn — Building tension through dark, brooding harmonies, this piece reflects the psychological turmoil faced by the characters, making it pivotal in conveying the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
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Scène d’amour — This romantic piece beautifully balances lush strings with poignant woodwinds, effectively capturing the emotional high point of the narrative and showcasing Herrmann's ability to evoke deep feelings.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- psychological unease in every note
- haunting motifs that linger
- immersive storytelling through orchestration
- reflective moments of solitude
- crescendos that evoke tension
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer vocal-driven compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released shortly before his death, showcasing Herrmann's mastery and emotional depth.
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Vertigo is one of Bernard Herrmann's final works, showcasing his mastery of film scoring just before his death. This album came decades after his groundbreaking collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, particularly the original score for the film Vertigo in 1958. Herrmann's return to this iconic score allowed him to reinterpret and expand upon the themes he originally created.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Igor Stravinsky· Ennio Morricone· John Williams
Tracklist
- 1 Prelude and Rooftop Start here 4:44
- 2 Scotty Tails Madeleine 6:20
- 3 Carlotta’s Portrait 1:58
- 4 The Bay 3:00
- 5 By the Fireside 2:56
- 6 The Streets 2:26
- 7 The Forest 3:49
- 8 The Beach 3:31
- 9 The Dream 2:47
- 10 Farewell – The Tower 6:58
- 11 The Nightmare – Dawn 3:34
- 12 The Past – The Girl 3:15
- 13 The Letter 4:17
- 14 Goodnight – The Park 3:07
- 15 Scène d’amour 5:09
- 16 The Necklace – The Return – Finale 7:21
What to play next
The Mysterious Film World of Bernard Herrmann (National Philharmonic Orchestra feat. conductor: Bernard Herrmann)
1996
Continues the orchestral suspense with a focus on film music themes.
Fahrenheit 451
1995
Sets the tone for haunting motifs and emotional depth found in Vertigo.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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