He died at dawn in a Rome hospital after falling and breaking his leg, his lawyer, Giorgio Assumma said.
Morricone is best known internationally as the composer behind the instantly recognizable melodies of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”.
The Rome-born composer earned over 500 films, was a winner and nominee for numerous BAFTAs and Golden Globes, in addition to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Although arguably best known for creating music for westerns, the composer also developed soundtracks for film classics like “The Mission” and “Cinema Paradiso”.
Composer Ennio Morricone poses with the Oscar for Best Original Score, for “The Oteful Eight”. Credit: ROBYN BECK / AFP / Getty Images
Morricone requested a private funeral, Assumma said.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte paid tribute to the composer on Monday and wrote on Twitter: “We will always remember, with infinite gratitude, the artistic genius of Maestro #EnnioMorricone.”
“It made us dream, move, reflect, write memorable notes that will remain unforgettable in the history of music and cinema,” he added.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella offered his condolences to the family of the “distinguished” artist.
“Both a refined and a popular musician, he has left a deep mark on the history of music in the second part of the 20th century,” he said. “Through his soundtracks, he has contributed greatly to spreading and reinforcing Italy’s prestige throughout the world.”
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