Randy Kerber scores Cello
Posted on September 15, 2017 by Dan Goldwasser
Last fall and this spring, award-winning composer Randy Kerber recorded his score to the dramatic short film, Cello, featuring Grammy-winning artist (and the film’s star) Lynn Harrell on cello. A song Kerber co-wrote with Glen Ballard performed by Lara Fabian was also recorded, and we are delighted to bring our readers photos from the scoring sessions at Sony!
William Ross conducts the Hollywood Studio Symphony on Cello
Directed and written by Angie Su, the film stars Grammy-winning cellist Lynn Harrell as a man diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, who seeks to die with dignity rather than suffer the effects of the debilitating illness. Su based the story on her personal experience with her own grandfather, and Kerber tapped into that emotional connection between grandfather and granddaughter with his melodic and touching score.
Featured cellist Lynn Harrell
In the fall of 2016, the first recording session saw Kerber conducting the score – while also playing piano.
Composer Randy Kerber talks with the orchestra before conducting his score to Cello. Note he is standing at the piano which he also performed.
The cello section on Cello
The violins, led by concertmaster Roger Wilkie
Oboeist Jessica Pearlman Fields, clarinetist Stuart Clark and bassoonist Rose Corrigan
For the second recording date, William Ross was brought in to conduct the end credits song, "Remember Me".
Conductor William Ross, composer Randy Kerber and scoring mixer Adam Michalak discuss a cue
William Ross conducts the orchestra
William Ross conducts the cellos
The end credits song was written by Kerber with acclaimed lyricist Glen Ballard, and award-winning Belgian vocalist Lara Fabian was asked to perform it. She started out recording in the booth next to the control room…
Vocalist Lara Fabian
Conductor William Ross, lyricist Glen Ballard, vocalist Lara Fabian, director Angie Su, and composer Randy Kerber
Lyricist Glen Ballard discusses the song with producer Helen Nightengale
…but at the suggestion of Randy’s special guest, John Williams, they moved her out on the stage where she could perform in the same space as the orchestra. A difference that was quite palpable.
Lara Fabian sings on the stage with the orchestra as William Ross conducts
Composer Randy Kerber and scoring mixer Adam Michalak go over a cue
Scoring mixer Adam Michalak made sure everthing sounded spectacular. Producer (and studio violinist) Helen Nightengale gave feedback from the booth, and in the back, Keith Ukrisna handled the ProTools recording.
Producer Helen Nightengale and scoring mixer Adam Michalak
ProTools recordist Keith Ukrisna
Cello premiered at the Downtown Independent Theater in Los Angeles on September 8, 2017, and screenings will be taking place this fall. Be sure to check out the official website for details. A soundtrack album featuring Kerber’s score, as well as the song "Remember Me" is available digitally from Varese Sarabande, and a physical CD is coming on Sept. 29, 2017.
Director Angie Su, producer Helen Nightengale, featured cellist (and the film’s star) Lynn Harrell, conductor William Ross, vocalist Lara Fabian, composer/pianist Randy Kerber and lyricist Glen Ballard
You've only seen 17 images - click here for 32 more scoring session images for this project!