Cinematic Sound Radio

During a seven-decade career that spanned from 19th century Vienna to the golden age of Hollywood, Max Steiner did more than any other composer to help introduce and establish the language of film music. In July 2020, the book MUSIC BY MAX STEINER: THE EPIC LIFE OF HOLLYWOOD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPOSER was published interweaving the dramatic incidents of Steiner’s personal life with a highly accessible exploration of his composing methods and experiences. In June 2021, for TALKING SOUNDTRACKS, Jason Drury talks to author, four-time Emmy nominated journalist, writer, and producer of over 200 documentaries about music and cinema, Steven C. Smith, via Zoom at his home in Southern California. In part one of this two-part interview, Smith talks about the genesis of the book and delves into the musical career of Max Steiner. You’ll also hear selections from such Steiner scores as KING KONG, GONE WITH THE WIND, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME, THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, NOW VOYAGER, and much more. If you are not