When I was growing up, the film music of Ennio Morricone — who died Monday at 91 — was always playing in my family's home, blasting from a reel-to-reel tape on my father's massive console stereo system.
The music came via conductor Hugo Montenegro's pop-oriented arrangements of the Italian composer's work, on an album that topped the charts in the late 1960s. But while they weren't the originals, those often-cheesy recordings became my gateway to one of the greatest film composers in history and what I still feel is the best score ever written, Morricone's groundbreaking music for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Listen now to music from that 1966 film, along with some of Morricone's other memorable scores, including Once Upon a Time in America and The Mission. Oh, and these recordings are all the original — just like Morricone.
Playlist
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Main Title
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly “Il Tramonto” (“Sundown”)
The Mission: “On Earth as It Is in Heaven”
The Mission: “Gabriel’s Oboe”
A Fistful of Dollars: Main Title
For a Few Dollars More: Main Title
"Chi Mai" (used in several films, including Maddalena [1971] and Le Professionnel [1981])
Cinema Paradiso: Main Title
In the Line of Fire: Main Title
The Untouchables: End Title
Two Mules For Sister Sara: “Sister Sara’s Theme”
Once Upon a Time in the West: Main Title
Once Upon a Time in America: Main Title
Orca: Main Title
Days of Heaven: Main Title
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: “The Ecstasy of Gold”
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
