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This is part two of the 12 Film Composers You Should Know (but probably don’t). Click here to read pt.1 of the article.
Bruce Broughton
A prolific film and television composer, Bruce Broughton has contributed scores to numerous projects. His music is often characterized by its eclectic blend of styles, incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and rock. Bruce Broughton is an American composer and his orchestral scores often feature rich, thematic writing, drawing inspiration from classical music traditions.
- Notable works: Silverado, The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland was an American composer who became known for his distinctive “American” style, incorporating folk music, jazz, and classical traditions. Although primarily a concert music composer, his work in film remains highly influential.
- The Heiress (1949)
- Of Mice and Men (1939)
Alex North
Alex North was an American composer noted for introducing jazz elements into film scores. His innovative approach combined classical techniques with modern, often dissonant harmonies, making his work stand out in Hollywood. Alex North is best known for his scores for films like A Streetcar Named Desire. His music is often haunting and atmospheric.
[A good musical analysis of Alex North’s work on multiple films is well written in the book abcde. The Art of Film Music]
- Notable works: Spartacus Love Theme (1960), A Streetcar named desire (1951)
Fumio Hayasaka
Fumio Hayasaka was a Japanese composer known for his collaborations with legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. His music often combines traditional Japanese elements with Western classical structures, contributing to the emotional power of Kurosawa’s films.
- Rashomon (1950)
- Seven Samurai (1954)
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Ernest Gold
Ernest Gold was an Austrian-American composer best known for his work in Hollywood. He is particularly remembered for his lush, sweeping orchestral scores that became emblematic of classic Hollywood cinema.
- Exodus (1960)
- It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
Lalo Schifrin
Lalo Schifrin is an Argentine-American composer known for his work in both jazz and classical music. His eclectic style incorporates a wide range of genres, including jazz, funk, and Latin music, which has made him one of the most versatile film composers.
- Mission: Impossible (1966)
- Dirty Harry (1971)
Michael Kamen
Michael Kamen was an American composer and conductor, widely known for his work in film and pop music. His scores often fuse rock music elements with classical orchestration, reflecting his background in both genres.
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
- Die Hard (1988)
John Addison
John Addison was a British composer noted for his work in both films and television. He often incorporated humor and irony into his compositions, making his music an integral part of the storytelling.
- Tom Jones (1963)
- A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Mikis Theodorakis
Mikis Theodorakis was a Greek composer and political activist, best known for his symphonic works and film scores. His music often reflected his deep connection to Greek culture, combining folk traditions with classical music.
- Zorba the Greek (1964)
- Serpico (1973)
Anton Karas
Antón Karras was an Austrian zither player and composer, famous for his singular contribution to film music. Despite his limited filmography, his music has had an enduring legacy, particularly for one iconic score.
- The Third Man (1949)
Jack Nitzsche
Jack Nitzsche was an American composer and record producer, known for his work in both rock music and film scores. His ability to combine rock influences with traditional orchestral elements gave his scores a distinctive, contemporary feel.
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
- An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Randy Edelman
Randy Edelman is an American composer known for his work in film and television. His scores often combine lush orchestral writing with memorable, sweeping themes that have become iconic in family and adventure films.
- Dragonheart (1996)
- The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games.
