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Considering the degree of beauty he so sublimely created in his music, I was struck by his humility and self deprecating astonishment that anyone would find value in his work. Steve
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You've reminded me, Steve, of the golden moment when I opened my mailbox on Hickory Lane in New Canaan, Connecticut, and found therein a letter of reply from Hans J. Salter in Studio City, California... Many thanks for sharing your own golden moment. I first met Tony Thomas when he was organizing a film music series of film-clip/Q&A/audience participation evenings at the annual Filmex Festival. Each event was tied to a theme (no pun intended) and featured 4-6 major composers, everyone from Henry Mancini to Miklos Rozsa. One evening, a composer who had been invited to participate -- you can see where this is going -- demurred, sending a letter from which Tony read aloud, "Leave me out of it!" Of course, Tony announced to the absent Mr. Friedhofer, "Sorry, Hugo -- we CAN'T leave you out of it!" and proceeded to show some great clips to the enthusiastic crowd. It would seem, obviously, that Mr. Friedhofer's reticence and shyness were with him his whole life.
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Thank you for these nostalgic reminiscences, Steve and Preston. They brighten up this Forum considerably.
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Thank you for saying that! What say, Steve -- shall we hold hands and do a curtain call bow? (Incidentally, God is in the details, and I just realized I'd left out one important word in the Tony Thomas quote, so I've edited it in where it belongs.)
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I've found over the past half century that the larger talents within the film and music industries have the smaller ego's. Miklos Rozsa possessed an old world dignity that shone through his cultured persona. David Amram, a hugely talented composer and musician, has both charm and enthusiasm to match his artistic gifts, and is still performing well into his eighties with the joy and energy of a twenty five year old. He remains, however, a kind and humble soul. James Bernard of England's Hammer Films was an uncommonly gentle and generous artist. Lee Holdridge continues to earn well deserved recognition for his newest opera and lifetime of achievement and yet remains, above all else, a gentleman. Mark McKenzie is another sublimely gifted composer whose personal dignity and humble persona set him apart from the social climbers, and ego driven hordes proliferating Hollywood. Hugo Friedhofer remained humble and self effacing throughout his life. It has been a joy to have known and interacted with these wonderful composers. Their warmth and wisdom have often equaled, and even surpassed their sublime artistry. Steve
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