This is precisely why Ennio Morricone is a certified musical genius

10 November 2015, 17:30

Maestro Ennio Morricone turns 87 today. Here are some examples of him being an absolute legend.

He’s got an incredible work ethic

Morricone has written over 500 film scores. Most people probably haven’t even seen 500 films. Here’s an obscure one, Black Belly of the Tarantula:

He wrote Gabriel’s Oboe

Not many people can say that. Well, only one, obviously.

He’s stubborn

Maestro Morricone has never lived in Hollywood, preferring to stay in his native Italy to work. He also insists on doing all interviews in Italian.

Metallica are big fans

The notorious metal band use Morricone’s ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ as their entrance music. It is epic.

He’s 87 years old, but he’s just scored the new Quentin Tarantino theme

Is there a dreamier cinematic combo than these two? Tarantino’s been paying homage to (or stealing from, whichever you think works best) the films of Sergio Leone for most of his career, and now he’s roped in his composer of choice for The Hateful Eight. Woof.