Hollywood composer Ennio Morricone has died at the age of 91.
The Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, and former trumpet player was know for writing in a wide range of musical styles.
His score to 1966 film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is considered one of the most influential soundtracks in history.
According to Italian publication Ansa, Morricone was in hospital when for broken femur when he passed away during the night in Rome.
Confirming the sad news, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted: “We will always remember, with infinite gratitude, the artistic genius of the Maestro #EnnioMorricone.
Hollywood composer Ennio Morricone has died at the age of 91 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“It made us dream, feel excited, reflect, writing memorable notes that will remain indelible in the history of music and cinema.”
Throughout his long career, it is estimated that Morricone wrote a staggering 500 scores for both film and television.
The feat is believed to be a record in Western cinema for quantity of music.
The maestro bagged six Oscar nominations for his music.
He won in 2015 for The Hateful Eight.
His score to 1966 film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is considered one of the most influential soundtracks in history (Image: REUTERS)
In 1986 Merricone found worldwide acclaim thanks to his score for The Mission.
The music won both a BAFTA an a Golden Globe award, though despite being nominated failed to help him pick up an Oscar.
In 2006 Morricone was awarded a prestigious honorary Oscar for “his magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music.”
The award was only the second time in history than a composer was awarded an honorary gong.
Morricone is survived by his wife Maria Travia and their four children.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
