I first heard, or noticed at least, his music when I went to see Clint Eastwood in a “Fistful of Dollars” way back in the late 60’s. It was a good movie with Eastwood blowing away all the bad guys with his pistol, but the music composed by Ennio Morricone was haunting. I didn’t know his name at the time. I just loved the music in the background, which continued in more spaghetti westerns – “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Good, Bad and the Ugly.”
A few years later, I saw “Once Upon a Time in the West”. I didn’t much care for that movie, but the theme and music were special. Then I saw “The Mission” with Jeremy Irons and was blown away by the music, so much so that I immediately went out and bought the soundtrack and played “Gabriel’s Oboe” until I nearly wore out the CD.
After that, I was enchanted by the music in “Once Upon a Time in America” – absolutely beautiful.
Who is this guy? I wondered.
Ennio, of course.
Ennio Morricone was an Italian composer with over 400 scores for TV and movies and another 100 classical works to his credit. His score to “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” is regarded as one of the most recognizable and influential soundtracks in history. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.His best work, I believe, came from the score in a little-known film called “The Legend of 1900”. One selection is called “Playing Love”, and I believe it is the most beautiful piece of music ever written.
Some day when you have nothing to do, or if you want to relax totally, pull up Hauser, a cellist, as he does Morricone selections and listen to “Playing Love”. I guarantee you’ll want to hear it over and over. If you get the chance, see “Legend of 1900” – a great movie and great music by Ennio Morricone, maybe the best that ever was at his craft.
