Page "Bernard Herrmann" Paragraph 38

Early in his life, Herrmann committed himself to a creed of personal integrity at the price of unpopularity: the quintessential artist.

His philosophy is summarized by a favorite Tolstoy quote: ‘ Eagles fly alone and sparrows fly in flocks.

' Thus, Herrmann would only compose music for films when he was allowed the artistic liberty to compose what he wished without the director getting in the way.

Most famously, after over a decade of composing for all of Hitchcock ’ s films, Hitchcock requested a more “ pop ” score from Herrmann.

Herrmann ’ s score was not what Hitchcock had requested, and since Herrmann was so committed to having artistic liberty and would not compromise his values, the two went their separate ways, never to collaborate again.

This shows Herrmann ’ s persistence in being able to compose as he saw fit to represent the film.