‘Mission: Impossible’ Composer Lalo Schifrin Passes at 93

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    Renowned composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for crafting the iconic “Mission: Impossible” theme and over 100 other compositions for films and TV, has passed away at the age of 93. His son, Ryan Schifrin, confirmed that the cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Schifrin died peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his family.

    Schifrin’s illustrious career earned him four Grammy Awards and six Oscar nominations. His Oscar nominations included scores for films such as “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Fox,” “Voyage of the Damned,” “The Amityville Horror,” and “The Sting II.” Reflecting on his approach to film music in a 2018 interview, Schifrin emphasized the unique nature of each project, saying, “Every movie has its own personality. There are no rules to write music for movies.”

    In 1990, Schifrin composed the grand finale performance for the World Cup in Italy, marking the first collaboration of the famed Three Tenors: Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and José Carreras. This performance became one of the highest-selling pieces in classical music history.

    Schifrin, an accomplished jazz pianist and classical conductor, had a diverse music career that included collaborations with luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughan. Nonetheless, his creation of the instantly recognizable “Mission: Impossible” theme remains perhaps his most celebrated work, fueling the long-running TV series and the subsequent successful film franchise led by Tom Cruise.

    The theme, characterized by its unusual 5/4 time signature and the classic dum-dum DUM DUM dum-dum DUM DUM beat, became synonymous with the TV show’s opening sequence, which aired from 1966 to 1973. Esteemed critic Anthony Lane once described it as “only the most contagious tune ever heard by mortal ears.” Despite its lesser-known Billboard presence, ranking 41 in 1968, the theme’s cultural impact was significant. Schifrin recalled that he initially composed an alternate theme, but series creator Bruce Geller appreciated another piece more suited for an action sequence.

    When the decision came to adapt “Mission: Impossible” for the big screen, director Brian De Palma insisted on keeping Schifrin’s theme, opting for Danny Elfman to adapt it, leading to the departure of composer John Williams, who desired an original composition. Composer Hans Zimmer scored the sequel, followed by Michael Giacchino for the next installments. Giacchino, an admirer of Schifrin’s work, consulted him nervously for blessing to reinterpret the iconic theme.

    The “Mission: Impossible” theme received Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Theme and Best Original Score. It was enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017. U2’s Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. recorded a popular cover for the 1996 film adaptation, which was Grammy-nominated and peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard 200.

    Lalo Schifrin was born as Boris Claudio Schifrin in Buenos Aires. His father served as the concertmaster of the city’s philharmonic, grounding Schifrin in classical music early on, alongside law studies. After honing his musical skills in Paris under Olivier Messiaen, Schifrin’s career took flight back in Argentina before reaching the U.S. to join Gillespie’s quintet.

    Schifrin’s impressive portfolio includes collaborations with music legends Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and George Benson, as well as classical artists like Zubin Mehta, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Daniel Barenboim. Schifrin seamlessly transitioned between music genres, earning acclaim in jazz and television scores alike. Among his many accolades, he was honored with an Oscar statuette in 2018 and received special recognition from the Latin Recording Academy.

    Scores for films such as “Tango,” “Rush Hour” series, and “Dirty Harry” further solidify his legacy. Intriguingly, for “Dirty Harry,” Schifrin chose to musically focus on the antagonist, Scorpio, as opposed to Clint Eastwood’s hero Harry Callahan, a choice he described as paying attention to the narrative’s villain over its protagonist.

    Schifrin’s conducting credentials include prestigious orchestras worldwide such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. He helmed the Glendale Symphony Orchestra from 1989 to 1995. His work also celebrated his Argentine roots, like the Grammy-nominated “Letters from Argentina,” blending tango, folk, and classical music.

    Moreover, Schifrin contributed to significant cultural events, including the 1987 Pan American Games and 1988’s “Songs of the Aztecs,” performed at the Teotihuacan pyramids to support restoration efforts. The anticipatory efforts and artistry reflect Schifrin’s spread across diverse cultural experiences.

    Lalo Schifrin leaves behind a prolific legacy in music and is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children, Ryan, William, and Frances. His contributions to the music and film industry have woven a tapestry that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the globe.