Italian composer Ennio Morricone is dead at the age of 91. He passed on Monday due to complications from a fall last week in which he broke his femur according to his lawyer, Giorgio Assumma. Notable figures in film and beyond have reflected on his profound influence – including several in electronic music.
“I saw with great sadness that one of my musical heroes, Ennio Morricone has passed away today,” tweeted Bernard Sumner of New Order. “His music introduced me to albums and the first album I ever bought was one of his.”
“Sad to hear about the passing of the incredible Ennio Moricone,” tweeted Chris Liebing. “One way or the other he had a huge influence on all musicians I know.”
“I saw with great sadness that one of my musical heroes, Ennio Morricone has passed away today. His music introduced me to albums and the first album I ever bought was one of his. He made beautiful emotional music and was the master of melody.”
– Bernard Sumner pic.twitter.com/yBBK5GYDLe
— New Order (@neworder) July 6, 2020
Sad to hear about the passing of the incredible #EnnioMoricone. One way or the other he had a huge influence on all musicians I know. RIP
— Chris Liebing Ⓥ (@ChrisLiebing) July 6, 2020
Remembering Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone was born in Rome to Libera Rodolfi and Mario Morricone in 1928. The latter, a musician himself, taught him to read music, and he entered him into a conservatory at the age of 12 in 1940.
Although he had composed music since the age of six, Morricone officially started his career as an arranger in 1950. Perhaps best known for highly influential scores for such films as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars, he leaves a legacy of over 400 soundtracks for television and film.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella offered condolences to Morricone’s surviving family members.
