Leonard Rosenman (Star Trek 4, Lord of the Rings 1978), RIP

[acroyear]

The Music of the Lord of the Rings Films: Leonard Rosenman, 1924 - 2008:

Leonard Rosenman, 1924 - 2008

Renowned film composer Leonard Rosenman, who wrote the score to Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, passed away today at the age of 83.

Lenny was known for his forward-looking musical language, his innovative oft-imitated technique and his wry (and occasionally acerbic) wit... but, to those who were lucky enough to know him in person, he was a sweet-natured, wildly enthusiastic music-lover. Rest in peace.

Rosenman was also responsible for Star Trek 4, as well as two of the five "Planet of the Apes" movies where his own avant-garde language, while different from Goldsmith's original, still fit the films beautifully.  He was one of the first to incorporate 12-tone techniques to film scoring back in the 50s.  Years later, he would win an Oscar for Kubrick's Barry Lyndon.

His LotR score has been a fav orchestral work since it first came out, and really is the biggest saving grace of the film.  The extensive parallel development of ideas from 2 note and 2 measure fragments up into their final fully developed "theme" by the end of the film is I think a brilliant concept, when contrasted with the "here's the theme, I'll vary it later" approach that many other composers use.

Comments

[ladyaelfwynn.livejournal.com]

Wow! Bummer!

Now, I'm beginning to freak a bit. That's two serious geeks in a week. I'm worried which big name geek is next.