Ahead of our release of Ennio, find out more about the legendary Italian composer who wrote over 500 scores for film and television.
1) he was born in rome, italy
He was born in Rome (Italy) on 10th November 1928. He started his career as a film composer with Il Federale by Luciano Salce (1961). Since then, he has scored over 450 films. (Ennio Morricone - The Man)
2) once upon a time in the west is one of the best-selling instrumental scores worldwide
Once Upon a Time in the West is one of the best-selling instrumental scores worldwide (estimated 10 million copies sold). As of 2013, he has sold 70 million records worldwide. (Kronos Records)
3) he is the oldest winner of a competitive academy award
He became the oldest winner of a competitive academy award (Best Original Score for The Hateful Eight in 2016) at age 87. It is the only competitive Oscar he ever won. (LA Times)
4) he received numerous recognitions
As well as the Golden Lion and the honorary Oscar he was awarded in 2003, he won 8 Nastri D’argento, 5 BAFTAs, 5 Oscar Nominations, 7 David di Donatellos, 3 Golden Globes, 1 Grammy Award and 1 European Film Award. (Ennio Morricone - The Man)
5) he is knight in the order of the legion of honor
In 2009, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, signed a decree appointing Morricone to the rank of Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honor. (Ennio Morricone - The Man)
6) his intense concert activity
In 2001, he began a period of intense concert activity conducting more than 100 concerts across Europe, Asia, USA, Central and South America. (Ennio Morricone - The Man)
7) he composed music for the pope
On 12th June 2015, he conducted a mass composed in dedication to Pope Francis. (Ennio Morricone - The Man)
8) his first concert in london was at the barbican centre
In 2001, for the first time performing in London, Morricone conducted two symphonic concerts dedicated to his film scores at the Barbican Centre. For his 75th birthday in 2003, a concert of film music at London's Royal Albert Hall saw musicians conducted by Morricone playing music from a selection of his compelling scores. (BBC News)