[Malesherbes]

Indeed one of the great ones. I add to the list: Nino Rota, John Barry, and among the living the 79 year old Wojciech Kilar.

[dfwgator]

You mentioned Kilar, which immediately made me think of probably the most beautiful piece of music I’ve heard for a show, Andrzej Kurylewicz’s theme for Polskie Drogi. Unfortunately, he passed a few years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndHGef0WkZ4&feature=related

Pat Metheny did a beautiful rendition of this song.

[Emperor Palpatine]

Not to mention Elmer Bernstein, who's music for "The Magnificent Seven" is my pick for the greatest film score ever.