 Print this article
FMS FEATURE...
March 20, 2006
Tiomkin Web Site Launched
New site provides personal images, unique research features
  Tiomkin, 1951 (photograph by Ernest Bachrach, RKO)  Tiomkin with Vodka, 1955 Details on the life and works of Dimitri Tiomkin can now be researched on an official web site dedicated to the renowned composer, at http://www.dimitritiomkin.com.
The Tiomkin site includes a comprehensive biography and filmography, along with nearly 200 photographs of the prolific maestro. One of the site's unique features is a finding aid for archival material in the Tiomkin Collection and the Warner Bros. Archives (both housed at USC), including manuscripts, music sketches and scores, orchestra parts, and disc recordings. Information from film music production cue sheets is presently being added as a research aid. In the future, a large collection of movie posters, lobby cards and press book images from Olivia Tiomkin Douglas' collection, all relating her husband's film work, will be digitally photographed and added to the site.
Orchestrator Patrick Russ conceived the site and brought it to fruition with the support of Douglas. Much of the text content was contributed by composer/archivist and FMS Secretary Warren Sherk, with design by Gabriel Nordyke.
Russ, who has orchestrated for Elmer Bernstein among others, explains, "After the launch of www.elmerbernstein.com, I sensed a growing need for official composer sites on the Internet. Olivia was receptive to the idea for Dimitri and we moved ahead. Gabe [Nordyke] has done a wonderful job bringing a classic look to the site."
Nordyke, who also designed the website for research products publisher ABC-CLIO, says, "I'm pleased to have the opportunity to work on another project rooted in history, because I believe our history is what defines us," and adds, "It's been a pleasure to collaborate with such a knowledgeable and amicable group."
A web site launch party hosted by Douglas recently took place in Santa Monica, California at the offices of Greenberg Traurig, where attorney Jay Cooper represents Tiomkin's music publishing and catalog. Coordinated by Lisa Edmonson, the gathering drew archivists, composers, orchestrators, recording artists, and soundtrack specialists, many of whom have been involved with the restoration of Tiomkin's musical works.
 Archvist James D'Arc (left), Olivia Tiomkin Douglas and composer/arranger John Morgan 
|
