Jerry Goldsmith, American composer and conductor (d. 2004)

Jerry Goldsmith: A Pioneer and Master of Film and Television Scoring

Jerrald King Goldsmith (February 10, 1929 – July 21, 2004) was an iconic American composer and conductor whose profound influence on film and television scoring remains unparalleled. Known for his remarkable versatility, innovative techniques, and ability to perfectly capture the essence of any narrative, Goldsmith crafted unforgettable musical landscapes across nearly every genre, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history. His work transcended traditional orchestral boundaries, often incorporating electronic elements and world music, making him a true trailblazer in the field of film music.

A Prolific Career Across Genres and Iconic Franchises

Goldsmith's extensive filmography showcases his extraordinary talent and adaptability, spanning over five decades and contributing to some of the most memorable motion pictures and television series. His ability to compose compelling scores for diverse genres, from epic historical dramas to intense sci-fi thrillers, solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's most sought-after composers. He masterfully created unique sonic identities for a vast array of projects, including:

• The Star Trek Franchise: Goldsmith composed scores for five films, most notably the majestic and Oscar-nominated score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), which defined the cinematic sound for the franchise for decades. He returned for sequels like Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek: Nemesis.
• The Rambo Franchise: His powerful and emotionally charged scores for three films in the Rambo series, beginning with First Blood (1982), became synonymous with the character's struggle and heroism.
• Science Fiction and Fantasy Masterpieces: Goldsmith's groundbreaking and avant-garde score for Planet of the Apes (1968), featuring unconventional instrumentation like inverted bongos and ram's horns, remains a benchmark in sci-fi scoring. Other notable works include Logan's Run (1976), Poltergeist (1982), Gremlins (1984), and Total Recall (1990), each demonstrating his capacity for both terror and wonder.
• Historical Epics and Dramas: His Oscar-nominated score for Patton (1970) remarkably utilized only brass and percussion, including innovative echoplex effects, reflecting the general's complex personality. He also contributed to Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) and Hoosiers (1986).
• Thrilling Action and Suspense: Goldsmith crafted the suspenseful and iconic noir score for Chinatown (1974) under immense time pressure, delivering a timeless classic. His work on Alien (1979) pushed boundaries in horror scoring, while films like Air Force One (1997) and L.A. Confidential (1997) showcased his ability to heighten tension and drama.
• Animated and Adventure Films: Demonstrating his incredible range, Goldsmith also composed the enchanting score for Disney's animated epic Mulan (1998) and the thrilling music for The Mummy (1999).
• His Sole Academy Award Win: He won an Academy Award in 1976 for his chilling and groundbreaking score for The Omen, featuring the iconic Latin choral piece "Ave Satani," which remains one of the most terrifying and recognizable horror themes in cinema.

Crafting Iconic Studio Identities and Theme Park Magic

Beyond his extensive film work, Jerry Goldsmith also left his signature on two of Hollywood's most recognizable studio fanfares. His majestic 1997 opening fanfare for Universal Pictures, debuting with the release of The Lost World: Jurassic Park, quickly became an auditory symbol for the studio. This enduring piece was later re-arranged by composer Brian Tyler for Universal's 100th-anniversary celebration in 2012, ensuring its continued legacy. Furthermore, Goldsmith composed the distinctive 1976 fanfare for Paramount Pictures, initially utilized for their television division and predominantly associated with their home video label for many years. His talent also extended to theme park attractions, most notably providing the captivating and soaring musical score for the beloved Disney attraction Soarin', a staple at Disney California Adventure Park and Epcot since its debut in 2001.

Enduring Collaborations and Creative Challenges

Jerry Goldsmith's illustrious career was marked by significant collaborations with some of cinema's most acclaimed directors, including Robert Wise (Star Trek: The Motion Picture), Howard Hawks (Rio Lobo), Otto Preminger (In Harm's Way), Joe Dante (Gremlins), Richard Donner (The Omen, Air Force One), Ridley Scott (Alien), Steven Spielberg (Poltergeist), Paul Verhoeven (Total Recall), and Franklin J. Schaffner (Patton, Planet of the Apes). These partnerships often yielded some of his most celebrated works. However, his career also encountered creative challenges and industry interferences. A notable instance was his score for Richard Donner's film Timeline (2003), which was ultimately rejected and replaced. More famously, his original score for Ridley Scott's seminal horror film Alien (1979) faced controversial editing by the studio. Goldsmith's proposed end titles were replaced with a piece from Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2, and music from Goldsmith's earlier score for Freud: The Secret Passion (1962) was controversially inserted into several scenes without his consent, a decision that remains a point of discussion among film music enthusiasts.

A Legacy Adorned with Accolades

Jerry Goldsmith's immense contributions to film music were widely recognized and celebrated by his peers and the industry. His vast array of nominations across prestigious awards ceremonies underscores his consistent excellence and innovative spirit. Throughout his career, he garnered an impressive eighteen Academy Award nominations, making him one of the most nominated composers in Oscar history, ultimately winning in 1976 for his iconic work on The Omen. Beyond the Oscars, Goldsmith received six Grammy Award nominations, five Primetime Emmy Award nominations, nine Golden Globe Award nominations, and four British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) nominations, testifying to the breadth and enduring impact of his extraordinary musical genius.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jerry Goldsmith

What was Jerry Goldsmith most known for?

Jerry Goldsmith was most known for his prolific and versatile contributions to film and television scoring, particularly his innovative and genre-defining work in science fiction, horror, and action films. His scores for the Star Trek and Rambo franchises, Planet of the Apes, Alien, Chinatown, and The Omen are among his most celebrated.

Which film score earned Jerry Goldsmith an Academy Award?

Jerry Goldsmith won his sole Academy Award in 1976 for his terrifying and groundbreaking original score for the supernatural horror film The Omen, which featured the iconic choral piece "Ave Satani."

Did Jerry Goldsmith compose any iconic studio fanfares?

Yes, Jerry Goldsmith composed the memorable 1997 opening fanfare for Universal Pictures, which debuted with The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and was later re-arranged by Brian Tyler. He also created the 1976 fanfare for Paramount Pictures, primarily used for their home video releases.

What were some notable controversies in Jerry Goldsmith's career?

One of the most notable controversies involved his score for Alien (1979), which was heavily re-edited by the studio, with his original end titles replaced by Howard Hanson's music and existing music from his score for Freud: The Secret Passion used without his approval. His score for Timeline (2003) was also famously rejected.