One of the saddest news items to me today... composer Basil Poledouris has passed away, losing a battle with cancer.  I'd never read that he was even in poor health, but it explains why he's been so out of the picture in recent times.  I'm really quite sad about this - he was one of my absolute favorite film composers, and I always used to say when I was planning on trying to get into film that there's nobody I'd rather have do music for me than him.  My thoughts and prayers go to his family. 

http://www.basil-poledouris.com/

Wow, that's sad news.  He has contributed to many classic scores--one of which I am fortunate to own:  Conan the Barbarian.  The film as a whole was a run-of-the-mill fantasy flick in general, but his score was absolutely brilliant.

That we've lost another musical genius is saddening.  My condolences to his family and friends.

-Jon T.

I don't think I could imagine the score to Conan the Barbarian being used for another movie.  It has so many moments where the cinematography and the music tell the story without words.  That being said, it may be my all time favorite movie score.

This is sad news indeed.  He will be missed.

This is sad news.

Except for the Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time commerical...

Really?  Either I missed that one or I hadn't heard the score in a long time when it came out.  Do you have a link to the commercial?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u64cXrv_h7g

Ahh, the "Willst Thou Suck" commercial. I always wondered where the song behind that commercial came from. Now I know.

I noticed on his site that he scored the opening ceremony music for the '96 Olympic Games. That's a pretty hip accomplishment.

Sad indeed.

Ramza

Jerry Goldsmith, Michael Kamen, Elmer Bernstein, Basil Poledouris, David Raskin (an old time classic composer from the Golden Age. Trust me on this one) ...What a wretched couple of years or so for film music it has been with these kinds of critical and irreplaceable losses.

I agree... that list is full of wonderful composers who will never be replaced, but they certainly will be remembered and listened to! I'm certain they'll influence many future composers...

Quick note, you mean David Raksin, not "Raskin"

cheers,

-avatar!

Yup. Typed too fast.