Emmy-winning composer dies
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Harvey Cohen

Harvey R. Cohen once said the Hebrew word beshert, which means "destiny" in English, was the one word that characterized his life. The two-time Emmy awardwinning composer, conductor, orchestrator, arranger and songwriter died Jan. 14 at his Agoura Hills home.

For the scores of people who knew and loved him, Cohen met his destiny far too soon. Cohen was 55 when he suffered a fatal heart attack at his home.

"He's had a history of heart trouble for a long time," said Cohen's friend and attorney Ivan Rothberg. "Unfortunately it finally caught up with him."

Cohen was a fivetime nominee and won two Emmy awards for his musical scores in the television series "The Adventures of Batman and Robin," "Aladdin" and "Casper." He orchestrated many films for composer Marc Shaiman, including "Down with Love" and "The Cat in the Hat," and worked with John Williams on "Sabrina" and "The Patriot."

As an arranger, Cohen worked with Kenny G. and vocalists Monica Mancini and Nnenna Freelon, among others.

Cohen scored numerous episodes of animated shows throughout the 1990s, including "Little Mermaid," "Tiny Toon Adventures," "Superman" and "Goof Troop." He also contributed music for a variety of television hits, from "Dallas" and "Knots Landing" to "Growing Pains," "Murphy Brown" and "The Wonder Years." He also worked on many "Movies of the Week," and orchestrated many specials, including the Academy Awards and the Emmys.

Cohen's diverse musical talent was realized in his first symphonic commission, "Columbia Suite for Orchestra." The three-movement composition was a tribute to the astronauts who lost their lives aboard the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia. The premiere performance of "Columbia Suite for Orchestra" was presented in 2003 by the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra of San Diego.

Cohen was selected by writerdirector Steve Oedekerk ("Bruce Almighty," "Jimmy Neutron") to score "Santa vs. the Snowman 3D," the first animated feature in the developed IMAX 3-D process, which premiered in 2002.

Cohen's life was full outside of his work in Hollywood. He led his own 18-piece big band, playing at venues throughout Los Angeles. He also worked for many years as a part-time band instructor at Agoura High School.

"(Cohen's) work at Agoura High School is responsible for not only increasing the numbers in the program, but for sending many students to universities on a full ride in music," said John Mosley, Agoura High School's music director. "We will truly miss him. He was an excellent friend, colleague and instructor."

Rothberg, who characterized Cohen as "the neighborhood star," said he believed Cohen knew his health was failing. "He wasn't himself for the past couple of weeks," he said.

A memorial service was conducted for Cohen last Thursday in Mission Hills.

Cohen is survived by his mother, Flora, and his longtime partner, Marilynn Musikier-Roth, and her four children.