David L. Snell was a multifaceted musician, excelling as a pianist, conductor, composer, and music director. Born on September 10, 1897, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Snell's early education took place at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Wisconsin College, and the Meyer Conservatory of Music. He then went on to form his own orchestra and take on the role of musical director for several stage productions.
In 1937, Snell joined the music department at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM),where he would spend the next twenty-one years working as a conductor, composer, and music director. During his time at MGM, he worked on a wide range of films, from low-budget "B" movies to expensive features.
One notable instance of Snell's work at MGM was his collaboration with Franz Waxman on the 1938 film A Christmas Carol. With only five days to complete the score, Snell helped Waxman by writing the opening and closing credit cues, as well as several other cues based on themes provided by Waxman.
Snell's extensive filmography includes music for full-length films, shorts, and B-movie series, such as Dr. Kildare, Maisie, and The Thin Man. He also composed numerous songs, including Under The Stars, Downstream Drifter, Come Back Little Girl Of Mine, and Once Over Lightly.
Despite his impressive body of work, Snell's music has often been overlooked. This may be due in part to his tendency to focus on underscoring dialogue rather than contributing original musical ideas. However, his score for the 1947 film Lady in the Lake, based on the Raymond Chandler novel and set around Christmas time, showcases his ability to craft effective and memorable music.
For Lady in the Lake, Snell chose to use a choir singing a cappella, creating a stark and moody score that complemented the film's black and white cinematography. The music echoed Christmas carols, adding to the overall sense of atmosphere and tension.
Tragically, David L. Snell passed away on March 27, 1967, leaving behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated by film enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
