Bernard Herrmann, Concerto Macabre: Ben Dawson, Piano; BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

[@NyaNya_Uwu_Dahling]

I regret stating that in my 47 years I've never heard this composition before, but as soon as I saw his name and maestro Wilson's, I had to hear your performance. ASTOUNDING!! I'm in the U.S., but I know this is a segment from the BBC SSO & John Wilson's "Music to Be Murdered By" concert. Your execution of this piece sounded so dark, lush and haunting; as it should. At the same time it is seductive, lingering and the listener cannot help but be drawn in by the sweeping swells of the orchestra. I love that. Bernard Herrmann was, and remains, a master. Even when he collaborated with Hitchcock, he made Hitchcock's films "look" better. :) But your playing, sir, is indeed captivating. Macabre without being menacing or too muscular for such a strong piece for skilled pianists as yourself. Not ashamed to state that I've watched this clip repeatedly since you highlighted it on Twitter. Bravo! And for what it's worth, and in my 'fan girl' mode, I have to say you have wonderful hair. LOL. I'll have to Subscribe to hear more of your virtuosity. Well done

[@jimslancio]

Bernard Herrmann composed this concert piece for use in a film called Hangover Square. It's about a gifted young composer and pianist who had a mental problem. He temporarily went into trances, during which he did things, including committing crimes, which he would not remember after returning to his right mind. His new piano concerto was to be premiered in the great hall of a wealthy patron's mansion. During the performance, a fire breaks out. The orchestra and audience flee, and the final moments of the piece, for unaccompanied piano, are heard from outside as the building burns down. Hangover Square takes some finding, but is worth watching if you like this piece.

[@bendawson6181]

I've (shamefully) never seen the film despite playing the piece from it many times. Though a quick search reveals it has been uploaded to KZbin.

[@JackManiacky]

@@bendawson6181 did you watch it yet? Incredible ending

[@d.grouard6737]

I recently watched Hangover Square on TCM’s Noir Alley. The scene at the end featuring Concerto Macabre was spellbinding, I have rewatched it a few times. An interesting bit of information is that the actor portraying the composer/pianist/murderer, Laird Cregar, was shown quite obviously playing the piano himself. There wasn’t any visual trickery used to fake the playing; Cregar could actually play the piano. Unfortunately, the director chose to use a recording of the music rather than Cregar’s actual playing. I learned that Cregar was quite disappointed in the director’s decision as he was more than up to the task. I found the movie fascinating and would highly recommend it.

[@lisahagerman1587]

Hangover Square is a brilliant and haunting film!! I have both that film and The Lodger on blu ray. I have also recently completed the biography of Laird Cregar by Gregory William Mank....HOLLYWOOD TRAGEDY OF LAIRD CREGAR. Cregar was a fantastic actor who would have continued to give spellbinding performances had he lived!!!

[@Stigggs]

Excellent. Camera should have stayed on the pianist though.