Ennio Morricone (1928–2020) was an Italian composer, orchestrator, and conductor who wrote more than 400 scores for film and TV and over 100 concert works, earning two Academy Awards (Honorary 2007; Best Original Score 2016 for The Hateful Eight) along with multiple Grammys, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. His partnership with Sergio Leone redefined the relationship between image and sound—often composing before filming and using unusual timbres (whistling, ocarina, electric guitar, wordless choir). He also pursued avant-garde experimentation with “Il Gruppo,” and remained a central figure in global film music for seven decades