Lecture 9 - MUSIC246

Jerry Goldsmith

(1929-2004)

  • Born in Los Angeles, grew up with interest in film music.
  • Influenced by Spelbound (Rosza), studies with professor who composed it.
  • West coast - studied with Rosza at USC on how to write film music.
  • Starts working at CBS radio in 1950, gradually shifts to television.
  • Film work starting in 1957.
  • Association with Star Trek.
  • Wrote Universal Studios fanfare.
  • Made conscious decision to start out writing music for telelvision, like John Williams

Writes in tonal style, but also capable to write atonal pieces. Known for frequent use of electronic processing.