Danny Elfman
Danny Elfman on his career in film, from his iconic collaborations with Tim Burton (Batman/Edward Scissorhands) to major Hollywood franchises (Men in Black/Fifty Shades of Grey).
Danny Elfman is one of the biggest names in film music. His numerous collaborations with Tim Burton include Batman, Edward Scissorhands, and Beetlejuice. He's scored Hollywood blockcusters Men in Black, 50 Shades of Grey, and Spider-Man, and been nominated for four Academy Awards. He's also worked extensively in television writing the themes for Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons.
From his home in Santa Barbara he talks to Matthew Sweet about starting out in the business, working with Tim Burton, and the challenges of 2020.
Last on
Music Played
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanThe Simpsons (Theme) Orchestra: Alf Clausen Orchestra. Conductor: Alf Clausen.- Elfman and Clausen: The Simpsons.
- EMI.
- 1.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanBatman (1989): The Batman Theme Orchestra: Sinfonia of London. Conductor: Shirley Walker.- Batman (Original Motion Picture Score).
- Warner Bros. Records.
- 1.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanEdward Scissorhands (1990): Main theme Orchestra: The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Nic Raine.- Classic Cinema. Part 2.
- Sony.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanForbidden Zone (1982): Journey Through The Intestines Ensemble: Oingo Boingo.- Forbidden Zone (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
- Varèse Sarabande.
- 4.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanDead Man's Party Ensemble: Oingo Boingo.- Dead Man's Party.
- MCA Records.
- 2.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanPee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985): Breakfast Machine Orchestra: National Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: John Coleman.- Pee-Wee's Big Adventure / Back To School - Original Motion Picture Scores.
- Varèse Sarabande.
- 2.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanBig Fish (2003): Titles Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Nick Ingman.- Big Fish (Music From The Motion Picture).
- Sony Classical.
- 9.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanFifty Shades of Grey (2015): Shades of Grey Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Pete Anthony.- Fifty Shades Of Grey (Original Motion Picture Score).
- Republic Records.
- 1.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanSpider-Man 2 (2004): Suite Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Pete Anthony.- Spider-Man 2 (Original Motion Picture Score).
- Columbia.
- 12.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanMILK (2008): Gay Rights Now! Choir: Reigate St. Mary's Choir School. Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Rick Wentworth.- Milk (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
- DECCA.
- 8.
 
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    ![]()  Bernard HerrmannPsycho (1960): Prelude Orchestra: National Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Bernard Herrmann.- Psycho (Complete Music For Alfred Hitchcock's Classic Suspense Thriller).
- Unicorn-Kanchana.
- 1.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanHitchcock (2012): End Credits Conductor: Rick Wentworth. Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.- Hitchcock (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
- Sony Classical.
- 25.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanPiano Quartet (5th mvt. Die Wolfsjungen) Ensemble: Philharmonic Piano Quartet Berlin.- Sony Classical.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanDumbo (2019): Train's A Comin' / The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½coming Choir: Metro Voices. Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Rick Wentworth.- Dumbo (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
- Walt Disney Records.
- 2.
 
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    ![]()  Danny ElfmanBeetlejuice (1988): End Credits Orchestra: Studio Orchestra. Conductor: William Ross.- Beetlejuice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
- Geffen Records.
- 19.
 
Broadcast
- Sat 16 May 2020 15:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 3
Moon River: The story of the 1962 Oscars Best Song winner
Podcast
- 
                                        ![]()  Sound of CinemaMatthew Sweet's weekly look at music for the screen 
 
                     
            
