Elmer Bernstein: To Kill A Mockingbird Suite at ASCAP 100th Anniversary Gala

Elmer Bernstein: To Kill A Mockingbird Suite; Sara Andon, flute
ASCAP 100th Anniversary Gala, Krakow
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Arranged by Austin Wintory
Sara Andon, flute
Beethoven Academy Orchestra, Conducted by Diego Navarro
ASCAP 100th Anniversary Gala, Krakow, Poland; September 28, 2014

[@Brough1111]

When ever I hear this I am again 12 years old On a farm in Kentucky, my brother and I are running a foot race bare foot through a field of lush green alfalfa hay, he always wins quite the athlete he was, RIP Joseph I loved you and still do may my love revertebrate some how through the cosmos and you'll know.

[@maxparrish01]

I am 72 and probably first saw it when I was 12. I this opening music has haunted me and brought tears throughout my life. It is one of only three compositions that can do that, and this is probably the most powerful of them. This, and the Magnificent Seven, will endure and echo through eternity as "perfect".

[@geraldhunter356]

Exactly what I have been telling people for decades. And I am 71.

[@RitaAnne]

Me as well and I am now 73!

[@saraandon4639]

Thank you, ALL. Thank you for being so kind to listen and share your encouraging words- means a lot to me. Hope you are all well and feel inspired to continue to bring good energy to this world. Music brings us all together and has the power to heal.

[@anap847]

Beautiful performance..thank you.

[@saraandon3078]

@@anap847 thank you, Ana!

[@arnie8604]

..... takes me to a different place.

[@rcanoli99]

"and has the power to heal." I don't know much but I *do* know that is true! Thank you.

[@keith9482]

This is incredibly beautiful 🙏🏻❤️thank you

[@lounar482]

Has there ever been a melody that so perfectly fit the theme, message, and hope of a film?

[@karolyndorsee4538]

God Bless Elmer Bernstein. Sara was wonderful. This is so perfect for this movie.

[@arnie8604]

I watched this movie as a boy ..... now at 49 I make a point of watching it with my 12yr old daughter, curled up on the sofa, in front of the fire ...... something tells me she will remember ..... childhood is so, so precious ..... I adore u Faye.

[@bravaLiz]

Love, Love, and LOVE. this comment.

[@rozann9223]

.....I am nearly 70 years of age....and the precious love that my sweet father gave me as I was growing up still brings me to tears...even now. I miss that beautiful heart of his still.....give your daughter all the love you can....all too soon it’s gone.....she will never forget it..ever

[@ilovehoneytg]

@@rozann9223 I could have written the exact same words, Maggie. At 70 years old, I also am brought to tears thinking of my Dad. Miss him every day.

[@wendycrawford1792]

I did the same with my daughter when she was very young. We watched it several times together. She knows all the lines. Lol. Our favourite film of all times. I waited all my life to have this baby girl. Had her when l was 38. She is now 29 and works for a film production company. Bless you and your daughter. We are indeed blessed❤️

[@steviem8117]

I'm 38 years old and used to spend childhood summers with my lovely Grandma (she just turned 80 this July; the one true perk of Grandma's teenage pregnancy as we like to joke lol) at her cozy house in the woods with a lake in the backyard, a child's paradise. As soon as I got old enough to endure the scary parts, she introduced me to this classic and we'd watch cuddled up together (that and Night of the Hunter, another classic scary one that I still carry a torch for because of the sentimental nature of it all...) every single summer until summers meant a preference for hanging out with my ~totally rad~ friends at home in the city at somebody's pool or the mall instead. Faye will remember how safe she felt in your arms, and this music will forever bring a tear to her eye...trust me, @Dynamite ❤ Hell, if I could ever get some time off to take the long trip back to her house, I'd have zero problems watching this again just to cuddle up with her again and feel that wonderful, unconditional love just like the old days. I HOPE that we get a chance one last time, dang adulthood always getting in the way of my adorable dreamlike plans.

[@johnhirtle4300]

I cannot hear this without tears streaming down my face. Elmer created some kind of magic here that propels me back to a glipse of childhood, innocense and wonder that once lost can never be returned to.

[@jurgenr.4062]

You are right, but for this reason the past often is so precious.

[@wendycrawford1792]

Yes, well put…..

[@MustangBobby]

There are times when you hear a piece of music that you know will stay with you forever. That is the case with this score. I was nine years old when the film came out and I remember being rhapsodized by the simple but haunting strains when I first heard it, never to be forgoteen. Thank you for a beautiful memory.

[@wendycrawford1792]

You took the words right out of my mouth! I was around 10… haunted by this indescribable score all my life( now 67). We’ve been lucky, indeed!❤️

[@leslieackerman4189]

One of the most sublime main titles ever composed in Hollywood. For “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962)

[@scotnick59]

you are so right, Leslie!

[@paradise8876]

This is the sound of Heaven.

[@gaetanodragonetti3942]

It must be

[@rcanoli99]

wow what a great way to put it. thank you!

[@jenniferdonlin6627]

The theme is so evocative of childhood past, it brings a lump to my throat.

[@wendycrawford1792]

Jennifer Donlin. You are so right. Four of us sitting on the verandah on those balmy summer nights. The street lights, shaped like sea shells, the cicadas, the soft whispers and feeling so safe and loved. This score is so powerfully beautiful that sometimes the emotion it evokes is so happy and so sad. Haunted by this music since the first time l watched it as a child and the multitude of times l watched it after that and then the multitude of times l watched it with my daughter who too was very young the first time we watched To Kill A Mockingbird. The favourite film of both of us, my daughter took film studies at university and has worked for the past few years for Muse, a film production company. All those beautiful, sad, happy, poignant films and musicals we watched together, like l did as a youngster, teen, woman, with my parents and siblings on weekend nights. I’ve been so blessed. Thank you for your comment❤️

[@gaetanodragonetti3942]

@@wendycrawford1792what a beautiful comment. I was reading it as I was listening to this masterpiece and I couldn’t help but to smile with tears in my eyes. I’m glad you feel blessed, Wendy. May you always be 🙏🏻

[@paulaepstein9051]

Whenever I watch this film I'm in tears as soon as the title comes on....the most evocative music in all of film and that is saying something...

[@davidfisher8821]

Gorgeous music, one-of the best film scores ever written. Great performance.

[@kat030259]

This is easily one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard

[@Sarah-zr1nj]

2:40 gives me goosebumps every time. I remember falling in love with this score the first time I was shown the movie in my freshman year of high school. The flautist and orchestra here are absolutely amazing.

[@poopstainhotdog1]

I experienced the same thing being introduced to it in high school...never forgot the impact this music had on me and still does.

[@oldman4021]

It effected me the dame way when my parents took us to the theater to see the movie. Didn't get a lot of the plot but the song,,,,. Keeps alive in my mind, heart and soul the innocence of being a kid and truly happy.

[@wendycrawford1792]

I totally agree. From the time l was about 10, the music has moved me so profoundly, it’s hard to describe.❤️

[@wendycrawford1792]

@@oldman4021 Exactly how l feel.

[@oldman4021]

@@wendycrawford1792 Thank you.

[@BFWinn1956]

This I probably my Favorite Elmer Bernstein Score! It is so emotional, it stirs so many memories of my Mother and Me watching this Wonderful Movie! To this day I Admired Gregory Peck performance, standing Up for what Was Right!

[@rcanoli99]

Yes indeed. And I understand this was Gregory Peck's favorite character of all the roles he played.

[@billysoccerboypayne]

I strongly recommend the movie, with Oscar winning Gregory Peek.

[@davidwilliamson8861]

Instead Of AOC We Need More Like Atticus Finch in This World .

[@halfdraco7765]

Read the book too though. It's got more stuff in it. Plus my favorite line isn't in the movie.

[@edhawker2114]

Why would you thumbs down this?

[@1mespud]

I too agree. But people are not who you want them to be. Our individual tastes will never be unanimous. You can't share happiness because it's personal. There are all kinds, yet they are also entitled to there ignorance. Which leaves more for the rest us. Everyone be careful out there..

[@steviem8117]

Beautiful. I'm 38 years old and used to spend childhood summers with my lovely Grandma (she just turned 80 this July; the one true perk of Grandma's teenage pregnancy as we like to joke lol) at her cozy house in the woods with a lake in the backyard, a child's paradise. As soon as I got old enough to endure the scary parts, she introduced me to this classic and we'd watch all cuddled up together (that and Night of the Hunter, another classic scary one that I still carry a torch for because of the sentimental nature of it all...) every single summer until summers meant a preference for hanging out with my ~totally rad~ friends at home in the city at somebody's pool or hitting the mall instead. I want this played at my funeral, it makes me feel so safe and loved. ❤ Hell, if I could ever get some time off to take the long trip back to her house, I'd have zero problems watching this again just to cuddle up with her again and feel that wonderful, unconditional love just like the old days before I was too cool for school. I HOPE that we get a chance one last time, that dang adulthood always getting in the way of my adorable dreamy plans.

[@vineets16]

So beautiful ❤️

[@gaetanodragonetti3942]

I hope you go one day soon.

[@darondatoole7439]

At 80, grandmother will only be around for just one more fleeting minute. Work will keep. Go see her.

[@berthabridges3483]

This captures the South in its essence. Now we are revisting this era. How sad. Beautiful score.

[@alexkije]

She did wonderfully well! & she is also lovely!

[@JohnJApanovitch]

What an incredible performance. This deserves a standing ovation. The flutist and orchestra were incredible, and it was so heartwarming to hear something this majestic. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite stories in my life and throughout high school. Bravo to this orchestra and solo flutist. Congratulations!!!

[@Garflips]

I'd be standing with my eyes watering after that performance. I believe I got something in my eye just listening to this again...

[@Ruediger_Hasenpusch]

A masterpiece of film music! ❤😊

[@itsgleneaton4883]

Magnificent. What a piece of music this is. Ones whole life goes through them and how moving it is to see you play. Beyond words. How the wind makes such beautiful music and how the sound of the sun shines through you.

[@Thinkmacflythink]

They sure don't make'em (movies) like this any more.

[@sammygirl7760]

The most beautiful score written for a movie! ❤ Absolute food for the soul.

[@mikelosi2874]

Oh my thank you for this. I’ll come back here again and again. The book, the movie, this amazing music. My heart and soul are so touched by this music there are no more words I can find.

[@wendycrawford1792]

Mike Losi. It really is beautiful beyond compare…❤️

[@georgegoodyear9631]

This wonderful, haunting music brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear it.

[@myleswalsh6365]

Magmificent music, magnificent movie. Perfect in every way❤

[@Janadu]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful

[@robertcohn8858]

I have listened to this poignant Bernstein composition many times, yet hearing it and seeing it performed so beautifully gives it a whole new dimension. Thank you for posting this.

[@mikehanks1399]

It just doesn't get any better than that. Unbelievable.

[@BFWinn1956]

This Movie and Song really stirs me emotionally! My Mom and sisters watching it together as kids. Memories that I’ve cherished since my childhood. Many of us have childhood memories of playing like Jim and Scout, and even an eccentric old neighbor that owned a creepy old house in the neighborhood!

[@phiphirandolph4680]

I used to play with my cousins and my brother who is no longer with us, We all went to see this movie together when we were little. I will remember these days ❤❤💔💔

[@philipczaplowski8156]

One of the most beautiful movie themes--no, one of the most beautiful pieces of music.

[@wendycrawford1792]

Yes!!! Beautiful beyond compare…..❤️

[@matthewcostello3530]

cannot possibly love this more

[@GROOVYJOJO]

First watched this fell in love w this score as a child. I listen to it when i need to feel really good on a bad day. It soothes my soul...groovy!

[@steviel6345]

The sound on this video is Excellent!!!

[@keybistro4525]

every one of the rare chances that i would here this score i tear up. and i'm 39 yrs old. memories of hope and youth and humanity and of Sir Atticus Finch, the loving father, flows through me.

[@MVR326]

She plays the flute so beautifully ! And of course, this is such a great piece of music !

[@iceomistar4302]

If I could afford to hire her I would, she has been playing on films and various other media for years.

[@JonnyThreePiece]

That was so beautiful. Thank you so very, very much.

[@bryanwest4622]

a very calming piece of music and great movie !

[@foreverafanfilmmusic]

The lovely and talented Sara Andon!

[@faceface24]

This always moves me to tears.

[@PaulC394]

Beautiful, dear Sara. I think that this piece is one of the most inspiring pieces of music ever written. After all what I believe to be most inspiring is that this piece of music is as if seen through the eyes of a child. The end of poverty and overt racism being ended by the unconditional love of a child. A love that we once had when we looked through our own eyes as a child. Indeed, Sara I believe that more than inspiring words that the world will be healed by inspiring music. For that music can bring us all together from the source of all love. If we were all to remember the joys of being a child, the magic of being a child, to transport ourselves back to that time when all was good, when all was innocent, then the many ills that trouble the world would soon be forgotten. A world healed by our return to innocence, a world returned to the heart of a child, and inspired by the language of us all, the language of music, the language of love.

[@DebbieVinickHarpist]

Her playing is absolutely exquisite. Her phrasing, sound, and musicianship are perfect. She captures the essence of this gorgeous piece. I love this arrangement- just beautiful. Brava!

[@bravaLiz]

I love this performance so much, I can hardly stand it.

[@wendycrawford1792]

I hear you. ❤️

[@swkaushik]

Respect

[@tonycalderon2268]

Gorgeous, lovely, beautiful - the part starting at 4 :14 is ever so sweet to one's ears/heart. Thank You for this gift 👏👏👏💘💖💝

[@jazzyj.4745]

Breathtaking!!!!

[@swkaushik]

Peace

[@swkaushik]

Great Great Great

[@marcygore1626]

That intersection starting at 3:10brings me to tears everytime Bravo!!!!

[@mikecorda4585]

Stunning.

[@lynnfarrell5169]

Absolutely incredible!

[@LJG907]

❤️ Magnificent ❤️

[@randolphstephenson]

Experiencing this marvelous work yet again reminds me of just what transpires when Musical Master Angels channel thru their Heavenly inspired Compositions to lift our Spirits 🙏🤗😇 Thank you Elmer ❤

[@alexkije]

Have to know that the flute interpretation is not the same as the original piano. They are entirely different instruments. Winds are not pianos. :) She is lovely to look at, too. :)

[@johnjames6980]

What a beautiful, beautiful rendition of the score from such an extraordinary movie! Thank you for this.

[@tonywalters66]

Such a beautiful theme.

[@cherrymevavala5585]

B E A U T I F U L No Words... No Bits... no instruments... a flowing river of melody from Your f I n g e r s on the f l u t e

[@chorister20002000]

Of a class of 25 students. I was 1of 5 who got an ‘A’ for the essay on ‘to kill a mockingbird.’

[@michaelanthonyg3851]

Good job the lessons of atticus are needed more now than ever

[@chorister20002000]

Michael anthony g Thanks man. Never felt so confident in my life after getting that ‘A.’

[@chorister20002000]

GeorgiaWarBoy81 No problems.

[@candacejamison3021]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[@iceomistar4302]

Can I just say Austin Wintory arranged this so well, I don't think Bernstein himself coud have done it better, Austin is a composer who I admire a lot.

[@sandrawilson5906]

Simply wonderful ❤️

[@ilykawaii9111]

how does she play her flute so loudly? my section of 15 can’t even do that lol

[@hoonyny]

microphones

[@hudsondeal]

Bravo!

[@drsuecomedian]

So beautiful! I write lyrics & songs inspired by great classical composers.

[@lisacelen2579]

Perfection

[@iceomistar4302]

Fun fact a young John Williams was the pianist on the original recording. Back then Johnny as he was known was a studio pianist who played on a number of scores by other composers.

[@phelan5387]

To kill a Mockingbird was Emer Berstiens most difficult move theme he ever composed. I read that he sat at his piano everyday for 6 weeks to come up with the theme. The theme sounds like it was Copeland inspired and so indicative of the innocence of children.

[@keltin2010]

Marvellous.

[@ChristopherORiley360]

Sara is a Goddess in all ways.

[@十蘭コメント]

フルートは、美しい形をしています。音色も美しい調べです。ソロの、女性のフルート演奏は、絵になりますね。

[@ishtarbabylon4869]

That's it I'm going to buy a flute and start playing again

[@LS-zq3td]

Wow! what a rendition!

[@carolseymour910]

Beautifully done

[@jeffgolladay5813]

This is fucking incredible

[@swkaushik]

Great

[@davidrives3313]

Hard to believe this music came from a human being. And ditto for Sara's playing.

[@leahsmith2078]

Cry every time

[@Canyonradio]

This is home in music form

[@diosmith]

Wonder🌹🌺🌼🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[@lisacelen2579]

It's morning where I am I just decided to pull this up while having my coffee

[@jeanguiney8214]

Brings tears to me

[@terryisaacs9944]

a parch of blue

[@grant1088]

This music is so beautiful aways reminds me of mr peck one of classes actors we ever had bring tears to my eyes i want this music to play at my funeral it touches my soul to the core ❤❤ 6:30

[@hremdldw]

This Score and the opening to “ How Green Was My Valley “ Maybe it’s the nostalgic reflections both story and Theme intermingled in perfect unison

[@michaelmangano1732]

Who are the 16 clowns who went 👎?

[@thomasrobbins3821]

Dope

[@wszystkiednitygodnia438]

arcydzieło/ teraz to za pózno zrozumienie fi,mu tez jest słabe. zamówie na NA WŁANY POGRZEB, PRZEKAZ RACZEJ LOKALNY

[@britandlauriebarr2352]

spellbinding...

[@uileagmacamhairghin5333]

I'm going to sound like an absolute bastard here, but I really love this soundtrack, and from the terrible arrangement through the honestly shocking performance for someone of Sara Andon's fame and calibre (poorly-placed & extremely loud breaths, far-too-heavy vibrato, and failure to realise the soft nature the flute solo (especially) should be treated with - and before someone asks, yes, I actually *could* give a better performance than I heard in this piece, just point me to an orchestra and I'll grab my flute), I find this interpretation lacks everything that makes the original piece so great and so moving. And then, into the mix, the whole things is rushed by the conductor. Give the original soundtrack a listen. That is truly magnificent. Try as I like, I just can't bring myself to like this particular performance.

[@giovanna722]

One of my favourite movie scores ever. I agree that this misses the mark by being extroverted, not meditative . And oh, do I miss the piano and accordian for rustic nuance!

[@saxster]

I agree with you.

[@shyguy23000001]

I agree about the flute but the orchestra is phenomenal.

[@rancorlutner4186]

I think that I will disagree with you, but I wouldn't call you a "bastard" for your opinion of this performance. In my opinion, the style/interpretation of this performance is appropriate. It's a different setting for the piece, being played as an orchestral presentations instead of as the delicate incidental music to what I consider one of the best movies ever made. If you remember when Copland rearranged "Appalachian Spring" from a 13 instrumental work to a grander orchestral voicing because of it's popularity(and Rodziński's commission) he also changed a lot of the dynamics(and removed a part that was relevant to a ballet piece, but not for a symphonic presentation) to bring forth and dramatize elements that had been more subtle in the ballet score.

[@markcutshall1658]

Agree. It's too fast.

[@TheworldofAR15]

Her breathing really bothered me

[@keithwilson6060]

Bladeaficionado The breathing brings the music to life.

[@elizabethker2663]

I agree, and I’m a flutist. Really distracting.

[@paulaepstein9051]

I have to agree, as beautiful as this is I personally have never heard a flutist sound so breathy.

[@dalegreer3095]

Kind of frenetic and overblown.