Iconic 1970s Film Scores Redefined the Art of Movie Music

The 1970s marked a golden era for film music, as legendary composers pushed the boundaries of the art form. In the past two years, a remarkable confluence of instruments, genres, and musical philosophies emerged, ranging from the final masterpiece by Bernard Herrmann ("Taxi Driver") to the first American masterpiece by Ennio Morricone ("Days of Heaven").

What was most exciting was the radical explosion of what movie music was allowed to be. Filmmakers collaborated with unconventional musicians like Sun Ra, Wendy Carlos, and Tangerine Dream, creating scores that evoked emotion, tension, and wonder. From the haunting synths of "A Clockwork Orange" to the sweeping romanticism of "Ryan's Daughter," these composers redefined the possibilities of film music.

Iconic scores like Jerry Goldsmith's "Alien" and John Williams' "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" became synonymous with their respective franchises, while Nino Rota's work on "The Godfather" has become a timeless classic. Even lesser-known gems, like Pino Donaggio's score for "Don't Look Now," have left an indelible mark on the industry. These 1970s film scores continue to inspire and influence movie music to this day.