Remembering Jerome Moross, Hollywood Symphonist

Jerome Moross was born in Brooklyn 100 years ago, on August 1, 1913. He started composing at a young age, and when Moross was 18, Aaron Copland invited him to join Copland’s Young Composers’ Group, which included Moross’ high school friend Bernard Herrmann. Moross was also encouraged by composers George Gershwin and Charles Ives.

Stylistically, Moross was drawn to melody and rhythm, and after trying out a more atonal approach in his music, committed himself to composing robust, friendly music influenced by American folk and jazz as well as classical traditions.

Moross was a natural for film score composing, and after some success in New York writing for concert halls and Broadway, he began composing for movies in 1948. He died in 1983.

David Garland presents an overview of Moross’ joyful and dramatic music for films such as "The Big Country," "The Proud Rebel," "The War Lord," "Rachel Rachel," "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and "The Cardinal," as well as some of his music for the Broadway show "The Golden Apple."