Last updated by Molly Saxby on Tuesday 19th August 2025

Few composers have had as profound an influence on cinema as Ennio Morricone. Over a career spanning six decades, he created some of the most recognisable and emotionally powerful film scores in history.

From his iconic work on Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns to his later collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, Morricone’s music transcended film, becoming part of popular culture. His themes are not just background soundtracks – they are characters in themselves, shaping the emotional weight of every story.

Why Ennio Morricone matters

Ennio Morricone was not simply a film composer – he was a storyteller through music. His compositions are known for blending classical traditions with experimental techniques, often incorporating unusual instruments, vocal sounds and silences to heighten tension.

With over 500 film and television scores to his name, his work has left an indelible mark on cinema history. His music continues to inspire contemporary filmmakers and musicians, ensuring his legacy will live on for generations.

Key moments in his rise

  • Leone collaborations – Morricone’s partnership with Sergio Leone defined the spaghetti western genre. His scores for A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) revolutionised film music.
  • International acclaim – The haunting theme for Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) remains one of the most powerful cinematic compositions ever written.
  • Hollywood recognition – Morricone received an Academy Award nomination for Days of Heaven (1978) and continued to work on international productions throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Tarantino revival – Quentin Tarantino, a lifelong admirer, featured Morricone’s music in films such as Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained. In 2016, Morricone won his first competitive Academy Award for The Hateful Eight.

Famous compositions

Ennio Morricone’s “best songs” are inseparable from the films they elevated. Some of his most iconic works include:

  • ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, 1966) – Perhaps his most recognisable piece, used in countless films, advertisements and live performances.
  • ‘Man with a Harmonica’ (Once Upon a Time in the West, 1968) – A chilling and unforgettable motif that embodies Leone’s epic vision.
  • ‘Chi Mai’ (used in Maddalena, 1971, and later in The Professional, 1981) – A haunting melody that became one of his most beloved standalone pieces.
  • ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ (The Mission, 1986) – A soaring, spiritual theme that has become a concert favourite worldwide.
  • ‘L’Arena’ (Il Mercenario, 1968) – Later revived in Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), showcasing Morricone’s lasting influence on contemporary directors.
  • ‘Regan’s Theme’ (Exorcist II: The Heretic, 1977) – An atmospheric piece that demonstrated his versatility beyond westerns and dramas.

The legacy and impact

Ennio Morricone’s work changed how audiences experience film music. His use of leitmotifs, silence, and unconventional sounds made his scores unforgettable. Beyond cinema, his music has influenced genres from rock to electronic, with artists like Metallica and Radiohead citing him as an inspiration.

His scores remain as culturally significant as the films themselves, ensuring that Morricone is remembered not only as a composer but as a cinematic visionary.

What’s next for Morricone’s legacy

Even after his passing in 2020, Morricone’s music continues to resonate with new generations. His compositions are performed in orchestral concerts around the world, and his influence remains central to discussions of great film music. Documentaries and re-releases of his classic works ensure that audiences will continue to rediscover his genius.

How to experience the music of Ennio Morricone in style

To truly appreciate Morricone’s music, live concert performances of his work offer an unparalleled experience. Many orchestras continue to perform tributes to his scores, giving fans the chance to hear his compositions in grand settings worthy of his cinematic legacy.

Register your interest in VIP tickets for orchestral tributes to Ennio Morricone with Seat Unique!