James Bernard

James Michael Bernard (20 September 1925 – 12 July 2001) was a British film composer. He was a pupil at Wellington College which had previously been attended by the future actor, Christopher Lee, who starred in many of Hammer's horror films, for which he wrote the score. James Bernard undertook national service in the RAF from 1943 to 1946. Benjamin Britten kept in touch with him during this period and encouraged him to learn the principles of co... more

James Michael Bernard (20 September 1925 – 12 July 2001) was a British film composer. He was a pupil at Wellington College which had previously been attended by the future actor, Christopher Lee, who starred in many of Hammer's horror films, for which he wrote the score. James Bernard undertook national service in the RAF from 1943 to 1946. Benjamin Britten kept in touch with him during this period and encouraged him to learn the principles of composition. After being demobbed he went to the Royal College of Music, studying under Imogen Holst and Herbert Howells. He graduated in 1949. In 1950 Britten approached him to copy out the vocal score of his new opera Billy Budd for his publishers Boosey & Hawkes. While doing this he stayed with Benjamin Britten at Aldeburgh. He went to the opening night with Benjamin Britten's housekeeper and the librettist, E. M. Forster. Around the time Bernard graduated from the RCM, he met the writer and critic Paul Dehn with whom he started a... less