Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema

Theme from “Back To The Future”Alan Silvestri

Theme from “Back to the Future”

Since John Williams composed the music for Star Wars, orchestral scores have come to almost uniformly define the style of American film music.

Back to the Future, a film whose title means “returning to the future,” is one example.

7 Uomini D’OroArmando Trovajoli

７ Uomini D’Oro（1965） – Seven Golden Men

One of the hit French films of the 1960s is “The Seven Golden Men.” Numerous sequels were also produced.

This film is said to have served as a motif for “Lupin the Third.” The composer Armando Trovajoli worked on the music for many French films.

Moon RiverAudrey Hepburn

Moon River by Audrey Hepburn

It’s the theme song from the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

In the movie, the lead actually plucks a guitar at the window while singing it.

The song begins with just a single guitar, and strings join in partway through to subtly lift the mood.

As you’d expect from a piece composed by Henry Mancini, the melody is simple yet beautiful.

It’s a timeless classic that lingers in the heart despite changing times.

Melody FairBee Gees

The Bee Gees - the film 'Melody' (Small Love Melody) - Melody Fair

For director Alan Parker’s film Melody, the music featured the popular group the Bee Gees.

At that time, the Bee Gees were not yet a disco act; they were a folk group releasing many beautiful songs.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods（Main Title Theme）Christophe Beck

Shazam! Fury of the Gods | Main Title Theme – Christophe Beck | WaterTower

Composed by Christophe Beck as the theme for the film “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” this piece features a large-scale, bold orchestral sound.

It follows the tradition of classic superhero films while offering a fresh appeal.

Written as a new main theme for Billy Batson and his team, it was released as a digital single in February 2023.

The music beautifully captures the characters’ innocence, bonds, and heroism, further enhancing the film’s world.

It’s a must-listen not only for fans of superhero movies but also for anyone who enjoys grand orchestral music.

Wandering WhistleEnnio Morricone

Per un pugno di dollari: Titoli

This is the theme song from the spaghetti Western film “A Fistful of Dollars.” Italian-made Westerns are called spaghetti Westerns.

The composer is Ennio Morricone, a master of Italian film music.

It may be the most famous of Morricone’s works.

A Man And A WomanFrancis Lai

FRANCIS LAI – A Man And A Woman [1966]

A Man and a Woman, which can be considered a quintessential romance film, is a French movie.

It was a blockbuster that made director Claude Lelouch’s name known worldwide, and at the same time the theme song composed by Francis Lai also became a global hit.

Many people may know the tune even if they haven’t seen the film.