Alex North, Film Composer - by Sanya Shoilevska Henderson (Paperback)

About the Book

Alex North (1910-1991) was one of America's most renowned film composers. His musical scores enhanced more than 60 major motion pictures--A Streetcar Named Desire, Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf among them. He had 15 Oscar nominations, and received the Lifetime Achievement Oscar.

Book Synopsis

Alex North (1910-1991) was one of America's most renowned film composers. His musical scores enhanced more than 60 major motion pictures--A Streetcar Named Desire, Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf among them. He had 15 Oscar nominations, and received the Lifetime Achievement Oscar.

This book begins with his early life in Pennsylvania, and moves through his studies at Juilliard and in Russia and Mexico, his early experiences in modern dance, documentaries, and theater, and his major work in film. The book also offers analyses of North's musical scores for Streetcar, Spartacus, The Misfits, Under the Volcano, and Prizzi's Honor. Appendices include a bibliography, a filmography, a listing of other North compositions, a discography, and a listing of awards.

Review Quotes

"admirable detail...wonderful"-alexnorthmusic.com; "rare and welcome...loaded...one of the most exhaustive tomes...treasure trove...I love this book...useful"-Film Score Magazine; "extensive and provocative...a book like this has been long in coming, and is most welcome...illuminating"-Cinescape; "impeccable...fascinating...intriguing insights...straighforward...accessible"-Film Review; "excellent...numerous fascinating black and white illustrations...highly recommended"-Journal into Melody.

About the Author

A musicologist and award-winning pianist, Sanya Shoilevska Henderson works as a performer, teacher, and composer in Los Angeles.