A special screening of two films created by masters of film music has been announced!
On April 19th, the "Eternal Film Maestro Ennio Morricone Special Selection" will begin at Shinjuku Musashinokan and other venues. A master of film music, Morricone worked on over 500 films and other visual works throughout his life.
As depicted in the documentary "Morricone: The Musician the Movie Loved" (2021), he not only uses orchestral music, but also experimental methods to accompany the sound, such as using a jaw harp, which makes the memorable "byn, byn" sound that is prominently used in spaghetti westerns, to further enhance the appeal of the visual works with music.
Film composer Shogo Kaita, who has publicly stated that "I am a combination of Morricone and Bernard Herrmann," spoke once again about the talent of this master, whose talent is somewhat difficult to fathom.
"The first Morricone film that made a big impact on me was 'Once Upon a Time in America' (1984), which I saw when I was 12 years old. I was mesmerized by the power of the orchestra's main theme when I heard it in the cinema's acoustics. 'Cockey's Song' in particular was played with a tone I had never heard before, but the melancholic melody never left my head. I immediately bought the soundtrack and, upon researching, found that it featured a woodwind instrument called the pan flute.
After that, I became obsessed with watching all the films Morricone had composed the soundtracks for, but I found so many tones and instruments I had never heard before. As I dug deeper, I discovered that the soundtrack for "Generation Zero" (1964) was composed using everything from ethnic instruments to non-musical instruments. Having studied classical piano and violin from a young age, I thought that playing exactly as written was everything. However, I was so inspired by Morricone's free-thinking approach to music that I decided to become a film composer myself."
Experimental in turning anything into an instrument
Morricone has left behind many famous songs, from "A Fistful of Dollars" (1965) to "Cinema Paradiso" (1988). What are his distinctive features as a composer?
"Sometimes, a strong piece of music can completely define the individuality of a film, as in the famous opening theme of 'For a Few Dollars More.' I'm sure he consulted with director Sergio Leone before using it, but it's rare to find music that has had such an impact on an entire film. It was a very bold and responsible undertaking, but it has now become a venerable classic. Morricone is also, of course, a brilliant arranger. He actively incorporates leitmotifs, where the same melody is repeated for the same character or situation. I think 'Lolita' (1997) is a particularly clear and easy-to-understand example. He creates melodies by replacing the same melody with an instrument that suits the character's personality, such as the cello for the protagonist and the flute for Lolita, and music plays an important role in the storytelling. Another characteristic of Morricone's work is the use of woodwind instruments that are played directly with breath, such as the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe. This is effective in scenes where he wants to convey emotion directly."
His loving consideration for movies has also had an impact on Kaita.
"Morricone has composed the soundtracks for a truly wide range of works, but I believe he always adds purposeful sounds to any image. From action to comedy, regardless of the genre, I believe all of his soundtracks are 'music of love'. I think he is always thinking about the film as a whole, and what sounds will have an effect on the work. In human dramas, he sometimes plays the music back a little so that it doesn't overlap with the dialogue or sound effects. I feel that he takes care to compose so that even small sounds can stand on their own as a piece of music. I myself recently composed the soundtrack for the film Horizon (2024), and added the sounds of pounding and rubbing charcoal to the piano and violin melody to complete the piece. I believe that by consciously playing certain sounds, like Morricone did, I can subconsciously add depth to the scene and the work."
"The Eternal Film Maestro" will screen two films: "Melody of the Gallows (4K Remastered English Version)" (1971), a suspenseful masterpiece based on a true case of wrongful conviction, and "La Califa" (1970), which depicts the forbidden love between a factory manager and a female worker who is leading a strike.
"Both are unique, but first of all, the American folk singer Joan Baez is featured in "Triumph," the main theme of "The Gallows." Movie theme songs are commonplace these days, but it's extremely rare for a film by Morricone to feature them. This is probably because he thought that repeating lyrics with a strong message would be effective, based on the theme of the film itself. And "La Khalifa" has three themes musically that are also the themes of the film: "feminine strength," "peace," and "love." By allocating "feminine strength" to the love scenes, it is clear that the scenes are portrayed from a woman's perspective. Apart from that, the soundtrack is used quite directorially. This film was never released in Japan, and I only saw it on an imported DVD when I was a student, so there were some scenes I didn't understand. I'm personally happy to finally be able to watch it with subtitles (laughs)."
Nowadays, film soundtracks have become a hot topic due to the popularity of subscription services, and many of them are being released on vinyl. What is the reason behind the increase in people listening to film music?
"From a composer's perspective, theme songs can be a bit overbearing, but the music used in films is composed in a more detached way to highlight the characters and scenes, which may make it easier for the music to blend into the listener's everyday life. Also, recording contemporary music with an orchestra requires a budget, but this can be met with a film soundtrack. Perhaps there is a growing desire for dynamic music."
Film composer Shogo Kaida selects Morricone's top 5 soundtracks
"Once Upon a Time in America Original Soundtrack"
Produced in 1984, this is the final work of director Sergio Leone, who collaborated with Morricone on numerous films, and is an acclaimed masterpiece that is said to be the best work of both men. The soundtrack, which includes many famous songs such as "Deborah's Theme," was also a huge hit. "When the film was released, I listened to the soundtrack record until it was worn out. I currently have the third one. It's the film I'm most familiar with in my life." (Kaita)
"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: A Fistful of Dollars Original Soundtrack"
Produced in 1966, this was the third collaboration between Morricone and director Sergio Leone. Clint Eastwood continued his role in this film, following "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More," and it became a worldwide hit, earning it the nickname "The Dollar Trilogy." "The simple phrases played on the guitar are casual yet incredibly cool," says Kaita.
"The Legend of 1900 Original Soundtrack"
This 1998 film was directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, who collaborated with Morricone on Cinema Paradiso (1988) and directed a documentary about him after his death. It tells the story of a pianist who ends his life on a ship. "At that time, the film industry was dominated by non-melody soundtracks. However, Morricone boldly went his own way and showcased a brilliant leitmotif," says Kaita.
"Lolita Original Soundtrack"
The original work is a controversial work by Nabokov, which deals with the theme of love for young girls. Director Adrian Lyne adapted it into a film in 1997, taking a more faithful approach to the original than Stanley Kubrick's work. "The leitmotifs that reveal the characters' true selves are amazing. It's a controversial work, but if you're a fan of Morricone, it's one you should definitely watch, even if you're prepared for it," says Kaita.
Bugsy Original Soundtrack
A 1991 blockbuster directed by Barry Levinson and starring Warren Beatty. It tells the story of the legendary gangster who built Las Vegas. "Just when you think there's a beautiful theme playing, it adds dissonant notes. Despite being a Hollywood blockbuster, it has a bold and challenging attitude. I was inspired by that courageous style of filmmaking," says Kaita.
Ennio Morricone Special Selection Screening
"La Califa"
This is a 1970 Italian-French co-production. It was directed and written by Alberto Bevilacqua, and stars Romy Schneider. It is a social melodrama depicting the forbidden love between a former colleague, a factory manager, and a female strike leader. "The highlight is how the story is guided by the effective use of leitmotifs. If you're watching it a second time, it might be interesting to pay attention to the music," says Kaita.
"Melody of the Gallows 4K Remaster English Version"
This Italian film was released in 1972. It was directed and written by Giuliano Montaldo, and stars Gian Maria Volonte and others. It is a drama depicting a false accusation that actually occurred in Boston in 1920, caused by discrimination against Italian immigrants. "Morricone often uses voice in tandem with instruments, but it is rare for him to use song in his direction. Joan Baez also sings the song 'The Ballad of Sacco and Vanzetti' in the film," says Kaita.
Ennio Morricone, a master of film music, passed away in 2020 at the age of 91, bringing his long film career to a close. During his career, he composed music for over 500 films and TV shows, and two of his works will be screened: "La Khalifa," which will be shown for the first time in Japan, and "Melody of the Gallows 4K Remastered English Version." The show is scheduled to tour from April 19th at Shinjuku Musashinokan and other theaters around the country.
