The Legend Who Composed the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Theme and Won Four Grammys Has Died at 93!
Lalo Schifrin, the famous Argentine composer and jazz pianist, passed away due to complications from pneumonia at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family. His son, Ryan, confirmed the sad news.
Schifrin was known for his unique musical style and left an indelible mark on the world of music. He won four Grammys and was nominated for six Oscars. His music for films such as “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Fox,” “Voyage of the Damned,” “The Amityville Horror,” and “The Sting II” remains legendary.
However, perhaps his greatest contribution was the instantly recognizable theme for the “Mission: Impossible” film series starring Tom Cruise. The theme, written in an unusual 5/4 time signature, became one of the most iconic film motifs of all time. New Yorker film critic Anthony Lane described it as “the most addictive melody human ears have ever heard.”
Schifrin originally composed a different theme for the film, but producers preferred the music he wrote for an action scene, which later became the series’ signature tune. The theme won Grammys for Best Instrumental Theme and Best Original Score for a Film or TV Series, and in 2018 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Besides film music, Schifrin composed the closing musical performance for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, when the Three Tenors – Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and José Carreras – performed together for the first time. This piece became one of the best-selling classical music recordings in history.
He worked with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and recorded with Count Basie and Sarah Vaughan. His talent as a conductor and pianist was undeniable.
Although Hans Zimmer took over composing for the second “Mission: Impossible” film, and Michael Giacchino for the next two, Schifrin’s theme remains unmatched and beloved by fans and musicians alike.
This great artist passed quietly, but his music will forever echo in the hearts of millions.
If you’ve ever heard that catchy “dumdum dum dum dumdum dum dum” melody and couldn’t get it out of your head, now you know the genius behind it. So, drop a comment – what’s your favorite Schifrin theme? Or are you one of those puzzled by that weird 5/4 rhythm? Come on, don’t be shy, share your thoughts!
