Context:

Lalo Schifrin, the renowned Argentine-born composer, passed away at the age of 93 due to complications from pneumonia. Known for his iconic 'Mission: Impossible' theme, Schifrin's career spanned multiple genres, including classical, jazz, Latin, and more, composing over 100 film and television scores. His work in film included collaborations with notable directors and actors, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and an honorary Oscar in 2018. Schifrin's eclectic style was influenced by his early exposure to classical music and jazz, despite restrictions during his youth in Argentina. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children, leaving behind a legacy of diverse musical contributions.

Dive Deeper:

• Lalo Schifrin's most famous work, the 'Mission: Impossible' theme, was characterized by its unusual 5/4 time signature, creating a sense of suspense and urgency that matched the espionage theme of the series. His ability to craft music with a recognizable style and distinct purpose was likened to that of John Williams.

• Schifrin's diverse career included conducting symphony and philharmonic orchestras worldwide and arranging for the Three Tenors. He composed music for various movies, including 'Cool Hand Luke,' 'Bullitt,' and 'Dirty Harry,' and was known for his ability to evoke a 'rebellious cool' in his compositions.

• Born in Buenos Aires, Schifrin was immersed in classical music from a young age, learning piano at 6. His exposure to jazz was transformative, despite the Argentine government's restrictions on American jazz, which he circumvented by smuggling records.

• Schifrin's move to the United States was initiated by an invitation from Dizzy Gillespie after hearing his big band in Buenos Aires. He later worked as a pianist, arranger, and composer with Gillespie, leading to a successful career in film scoring after moving to Los Angeles.

• Throughout his career, Schifrin was nominated for six Academy Awards but never won. Nevertheless, he received an honorary Oscar in 2018, presented by frequent collaborator Clint Eastwood, recognizing his significant contributions to film music.

• His work was not only limited to film scores; Schifrin won Grammy Awards for jazz compositions and a Latin Grammy for a classical contemporary composition. He was known for pushing musical boundaries, as demonstrated in the film 'Bullitt,' where he famously used silence as a musical element.

• Schifrin was proud of his eclectic style, resisting labels and believing that music should not be confined to specific genres or perceived as belonging to a museum. His legacy is one of innovation, diversity, and a profound impact on film and television music.