Ennio Morricone, Celebrated Composer, Dies at 91

Ennio Morricone, famed composer, orchestrator, and conductor, passed away in Rome on July 6th. During his career, he composed over 400 scores for cinema and television, in addition to over 100 classical works. The 1966 film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly features his soundtrack and is now considered one of the most influential soundtracks in cinema history, following its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Morricone was born in Rome in 1928, where his father first taught him to read music and play instruments. He then entered a formal conservatory at age 12, completing a four-year harmony program within six months, and continued on to get his diploma in trumpet.

Morricone’s career reached all aspects of media, ranging from composing popular music for artists such as Paul Anka, Mina, and Andrea Boccelli, to composing music for  events such as the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Television series such as The Simpsons and The Sopranos have used Morricone’s works and musicians such as Muse, Metallica, and Radiohead have all credited Morricone as an inspiration.

As a final composition to the world, Morricone wrote his own obituary. In it, he announces, “There is only one reason that pushes me to send my farewell to all of you in this way, and for which I’ve decided to have a private funeral: I do not want to disturb.” A full translation of his obituary can be found here.

Morricone is remembered for his vast contribution to the music of films and the lasting legacy of his arrangements.

– Jori Bonadurer