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Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy are visions that spring to mind, but Matthew Sweet’s playlist suggests there’s much more to Hammer Studios besides.

This weekend sees the relaunch of Hammer Studios and the release of a new telling of the Dr Jekyllstory, starring Eddie Izzard. Matthew looks back on Hammer’s contribution to cinema and to some of the often inventive and even experimental composers who have created music for the studios since its inception in 1934. Hammer Horror - the vibrantly colourful and distinctive engagements with terror that starred the likes of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Films that brought us recurring tales of The Mummy, Dracula and Frankenstein; and music from the likes of James Bernard. But there was so much more to Hammer. The programme includes cues from Doreen Carwithen for Robin Hood, Tristan Carey’s early electronic experiments for Quatermass, Franz Reizenstein’s parody score for The Mummy, Harry Robinson’s musical evocation of Carmilla, and Mario Nascimbene’s pioneering work for One Million Years BC. Plus, of course, classic Hammer moments from James Bernard. And Matthew also talks to composer Blair Mowatt about his score for the new Dr Jekyll film.

Available now

26 minutes

Last on

Sat 28 Oct 2023 15:00

Music Played

  • Max Harris

    On The Buses "It's A Great Life On The Buses"

    Ensemble: Quinceharmon. Conductor: Max Harris.
    • It’s A Great Life On The Buses (On The Buses Film Theme).
    • Hammer Film Productions.
  • James Bernard

    Kiss Of The Vampire "Vampire Rhapsody"

    Performer: Paul Bateman. Orchestra: Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Kenneth Alwyn.
    • Hammer - The Studio That Dripped Blood.
    • Silva Screen.
  • Charles Williams

    Dick Barton: Special Agent "Devil's Galop"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • On The Air.
    • Memory Lane.
  • Doreen Carwithen

    Overture: Men of Sherwood Forest

    Conductor: Gavin Sutherland. Orchestra: ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Concert Orchestra.
    • The Film Music Of Doreen Carwithen.
    • Dutton Epoch.
  • Tristram Cary

    Quatermass And The Pit "Electronic Music From The Pit No. 5"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • Quatermass Soundtrack.
    • Black Sheep Music.
  • Franz Reizenstein

    The Mummy "Main Theme"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: John Hollingsworth.
    • Hammer Horror: Classic Themes 1958-1974 (Original Soundtrack Recording).
    • Silva Screen.
  • Franz Reizenstein

    The Mummy "Egypt"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • The Mummy (Original Soundtrack Recording).
    • Red Bitch Music.
  • James Bernard

    Taste The Blood Of Dracula "Main Theme"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • Hammer Horror: Classic Themes 1958-1974 (Original Soundtrack Recording).
    • Silva Screen.
  • James Bernard

    She "Main Theme"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • Hammer Horror: Classic Themes 1958-1974 (Original Soundtrack Recording).
    • Silva Screen.
  • Blair Mowat

    Doctor Jekyll "Opening Titles"

    Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
  • Harry Robinson

    Twins Of Evil "Opening Credits"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • Hammer Horror: Classic Themes 1958-1974 (Original Soundtrack Recording).
    • Silva Screen.
  • Harry Robinson

    "Hoots Mon"

    Ensemble: Lord Rockingham's XI.
    • They’re Coming To Take Me Away! Funny Funny Songs.
    • 45 RPM Records.
  • Mike Vickers

    Dracula A.D. 1972 "Main Theme"

    Orchestra: Hammer Studio Orchestra.
    • Dracula A.D. 1972 – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
    • BSX Records.
  • Mike Vickers

    Dracula A.D. 1972 "Dracula Rising: The Blood Ritual"

    Orchestra: Hammer Studio Orchestra.
    • Dracula A.D. 1972 – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
    • BSX Records.
  • Mario Nascimbene

    One Million Years B.C. "Suite"

    Orchestra: The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Nic Raine.
    • Hammer - The Studio That Dripped Blood.
    • Decca.
  • Marco Beltrami

    The Woman In Black "Arthur's Theme"

    Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • The Woman In Black (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
    • Silva Screen.
  • Blair Mowat

    Doctor Jekyll "The Grand Estate"

    Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
  • Blair Mowat

    Doctor Jekyll "Jekyll And Hyde"

    Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Broadcast

  • Sat 28 Oct 2023 15:00

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