I have been immersing myself in the music of
Ennio Morricone all day, but want to slip in at the witching hour to pay my final respects here. It is impossible to fathom the history and progression of cinematic music without considering the almost incomprehensible genius of
Ennio Morricone. Music and movies have always been inseparable sources of inspiration for me. As a child in the 70s, his was the first “movie music” that caused me to stand to attention in front of the TV, and remain during the credits to learn his name. In fact, he was the first composer I ever knew by name...and such a strange name it was at the time! As a heavy metal kid in the 80s, his deceptively simple non-linear cadences with acrobatic scales, blaring horns, orgasmic breathy female intonations and wild drum solos erupting all over the place unlocked the gates to jazz and the strange music of
Sun Ra,
Moondog,
Milford Graves and even
Current 93. I happened to be revisiting Kenneth Anger’s
Lucifer Rising last night when the news of
Morricone’s death came to my attention, and, if you know me personally, you know that this was the best possible way to learn that such a prodigious flame had gone out. This is not a tragic moment for me.
Morricone lived a long and fulfilling life. The kind of life we should all hope to aspire towards. A life of intention and dignity, guided by discipline and devotion to craft. A life that inspired countless kindred souls to find our own muse, our own source and our own distinctive melody in the cosmic vibration of life. Your flame ignited the world, maestro, and burns on...eternally! Farewell.
Ennio Morricone
November 10, 1928 - July 6, 2020
