Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema

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.

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.

THE GALAXY EXPRESS 999Godiego

Godiego ♪Galaxy Express 999♪

It was the theme song for the movie Galaxy Express 999.

Since I’m from a different generation, when I heard “999” I only pictured “a little boy traveling through space,” so I was surprised when I first saw this film.

Tetsurō is actually pretty cool.

On top of that, when this song played over the ending, my adrenaline was pumping.

It’s amazing that even though it’s from quite a while ago—and it’s a song from an animated film—the chorus is fast-paced English.

The Japanese translation is pretty much literal, but the music had a strangely cool vibe.

Singin’ in the RainGene Kelly

Gene Kelly Film: “Singin’ in the Rain” Singin’ in the Rain

It’s the theme song from the 1952 musical film “Singin’ in the Rain.” As a musical film, it received some criticism from film critics, but the music was highly acclaimed.

Nowadays, it feels like the song has endured on its own more than the film itself.

James Bond ThemeJohn Barry Orchestra

James Bond 007 Theme Tune (original)

It’s the theme song commonly used in the 007 film series, which features James Bond, a spy with the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), as the protagonist.

It is one of the most famous pieces of film music, and its arrangement varies slightly from one movie to another.

The main guitar phrase remains unchanged throughout the series.

The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes BackJohn Williams

John Williams – The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back (Audio)

One more piece from Star Wars: the familiar theme of Darth Vader.

In Episodes IV and V, which were released earlier, Lord Vader was the most formidable enemy.

The terrifying feeling of this piece—like, “He’s coming! He’s coming!”—is exquisite.

When I had just started working, there was a hot-tempered boss, and all the employees used to say, “That’s his theme song.” Sometimes the boss himself would even make an entrance while humming it.