Introduction to Lalo Schifrin
Lalo Schifrin, the acclaimed Argentine composer who created the iconic theme for “Mission: Impossible“, passed away at the age of 93 in the United States, according to local news reports.
Career Highlights
Schifrin, who worked on the soundtrack of over a hundred films and television programs, died at his home in California, as reported by the specialized publication Deadline.
Throughout his multi-decade career, he won four Grammy Awards. His credits include prestigious productions such as “Bullitt” (1968) starring Steve McQueen, “Enter the Dragon” (1973) featuring Bruce Lee, and the television series “Starsky and Hutch“.
He was nominated for the coveted music awards a total of 19 times, including three consecutive nominations in the 1960s for the unmistakable theme of the television series “Mission: Impossible”.
Variations of his composition have been performed by other musicians in the “Mission: Impossible” film franchise, starring Tom Cruise.
The multi-talented musician, also a pianist and conductor, was nominated six times for the Academy Awards for his contributions in films like “The Wild Bunch” (1967), “Satan in High Heels” (1979), and “The Sting II” (1983).
Schifrin, who also composed the soundtrack for “Dirty Harry,” starring Clint Eastwood, received an honorary Oscar from the veteran actor in 2018 for his illustrious career.
The Academy paid tribute to Schifrin’s “genius” on social media Thursday.
“He created tension, heightened adrenaline, and gave heartbeat to stories,” wrote the American film industry institution on Twitter.
Remembering Schifrin’s Impact
The Academy remembered Schifrin’s “genius” with a social media tribute, stating: “He turned every heartbeat into emotion and every silence into suspense.”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 21, 1932, Schifrin was of Jewish descent and the son of a violinist from Buenos Aires’ Teatro Colón. He pursued his musical studies in Argentina’s capital under the tutelage of Daniel Barenboim’s father, a renowned Argentine orchestra director and pianist who later became an Israeli national.
In Paris, Schifrin led a double life: while continuing his studies with Charles Koechlin and Olivier Messiaen, he frequented jazz clubs at night and participated in the 1954 Salle Pleyel Festival.
Upon returning to Argentina, he founded a large orchestra with Gato Barbieri among others and performed alongside Argentine bandoneonist and composer Astor Piazzolla. Eventually, he moved to Hollywood, where his fame grew.
As a jazz musician, he collaborated extensively with American trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, recording the album “Gillespiana” (1960).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Lalo Schifrin? Lalo Schifrin was a renowned Argentine composer, pianist, and conductor who created the iconic “Mission: Impossible” theme.
- What was Schifrin’s background? Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a Jewish family with a musical heritage, Schifrin studied under Daniel Barenboim’s father before establishing himself in Paris and later Hollywood.
- What were some of Schifrin’s notable achievements? He won four Grammy Awards, was nominated 19 times for the coveted music awards, and received an honorary Oscar from Clint Eastwood in 2018.
- How did Schifrin impact the film industry? Schifrin composed soundtracks for over a hundred films and television programs, including “Bullitt” (1968), “Enter the Dragon” (1973), and “The Wild Bunch” (1967).
- What was Schifrin’s collaboration with Dizzy Gillespie? Schifrin worked closely with American trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, recording the album “Gillespiana” (1960) together.
