Posted on 01/26/2019 8:08:09 AM PST by EveningStar
Michel Legrand, three-time Oscar winner and composer of such classic film songs as “The Windmills of Your Mind,” “I Will Wait for You,” “You Must Believe in Spring” and “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?,” along with the groundbreaking musical score for “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” has died. He was 86.
Legrand died at his home early Saturday in Paris, his publicist told Agence France-Presse. His wife, French actress Macha Meril, was at his side.
His most recent film score was “The Other Side of the Wind,” composed for Orson Welles’ last film, which was finally completed and released in 2018. Decades ago, after their 1974 collaboration on “F for Fake,” the legendary director had asked for another Legrand jazz score. “I take it as a gift from Orson, through the clouds,” he said early last year.
(Excerpt) Read more at variety.com ...
ping
Sad to say I’ve never heard of him. Unlike too many other FReepers I’m not bragging about my ignorance. RIP Mr Legrand.
One of the giants. RIP.
“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is both charming and heartbreaking.
“The Windmills of My Mind” is a truly great piece of music. Legrand wrote wonderful, romantic music. It always brings a smile of enjoyment to my face.
Dusty Springfield covered “Windmills of Your Mind” in the 60s. A true classic!
About a year ago I added a section on movie music composers in my college Music Appreciation courses. I wish I had done it 20 years ago; the students relate to the movie music, and it has the serendipitous benefit of leading a number of them to watch classic movies.
RIP Monsieur LeGrande. You added artistic beauty to human life.
I’ve never heard of him either but I am familiar with at least one of his works.
Remember his music in the original Thomas Crown Affair (1968). Truly one of the most memorable, attention-grabbing movie soundtracks I’ve ever heard. R.I.P.
Artemis,
If you are in your 40’s or younger, I’m not surprised that you have not heard of him. His prime for movie theme writing was the late 50’s through the early 80s. You might recognize some of his music, such as “Windmills of Your Mind” from the original Steve McQueen & Faye Dunaway movie “The Thomas Crown Affair.” He also wrote the music for the original made for TV movie “Brian’s Song” about Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears.
G-F
“Unlike too many other FReepers I’m not bragging about my ignorance.”
Thank you!
One of the greats. His music reminds me of better times. RIP.
The song "Windmills of My Mind" is based on the melody from the 2nd movement of W. A.. Mozart's sublime Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola.
Listen here for this inspired piece of genius: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8S2Mup2Ic
“The Thomas Crown Affair”.
A true genius. RIP.
I think he wrote the score for Summer of 42 which is beautiful.
Hearing the Brian’s Song theme immediately gets my eyes blurry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ITvY8sPeWk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ND-MuuGog
RIP
Michel Legrand and Phil Woods Quartet at Montreal Jazz Festival 2001, “Watch What Happens” Live performance 9:21
He wrote some great music. Off the beaten path from some of his film scores was “The Three Musketeers” from 1973. Great score that added a lot to the film.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.