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ScoreKeeper Says Goodbye To STAR TREK Composer Alexander Courage...
ScoreKeeper here with news regarding the silencing of yet another monster musical talent in the film and television world.
The man who penned the original theme from STAR TREK (1965) is no longer with us. Alexander Courage will be remembered for a large body of great film and television music. However, none can rival the iconic fanfare associated with the cultural phenomenon known as STAR TREK. Buried deep in a legacy of great film and television music spanning four decades lies Courage’s original theme that started it all.
Alexander Courage passed away on May 15, 2008, in Pacific Palisades, California.
Courage has composed scores for such films as THE LEFT HANDED GUN (1958), THE PLEASURE SEEKERS (1964), and SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE (1987) as well as volumes of episodic television scores for a variety of series including VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (1964-1966), LOST IN SPACE (1966-1968), STAR TREK (1966-1969), LAND OF THE GIANTS (1969), and THE WALTONS (1972-1981).
In addition to a successful composing career, Courage was also a highly prized orchestrator and arranger who worked for many great composers including Jerome Moross, Johnny Green, Alex North, John Williams, and most notably Jerry Goldsmith. He served as Goldsmith’s principal orchestrator throughout the 1980’s and 90’s for many of his classic scores including STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979), BABY: SECRET OF THE LOST LEGEND (1985), LEGEND (1985), BASIC INSTINCT (1992), RUDY (1993), FIRST KNIGHT (1995), L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997), AIR FORCE ONE (1997), and HOLLOW MAN (2000), just to name a few.
There are few composers who can claim to have written a theme so iconic it transcends its film and engrains itself in our culture. John Williams’ shark theme from JAWS (1975) and Bernard Herrmann’s macabre shower sequence from PSYCHO (1960) are two such examples. I think Alexander Courage’s theme from the original STAR TREK is a member of that exclusive club.
On behalf of Ain’t It Cool News I’d like to express our deepest condolences to the Courage family. He may no longer be with us in person but his spirit will endure forever through the wonderful music he left behind.
For more information on the Alexander Courage’s legacy click HERE.
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cool theme song
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and really memorable. RIP
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I'm not that familiar with his work (except Trek, and the Goldsmith orchestrations) but I still feel the loss. May he rest in peace.
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I think the theme to the Star Trek movie (and The Next Generation) is far more memorable and is the theme most associated with Star Trek (at least in the minds of non-Trekkies). And that was Jerry Goldsmith.
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I hear his music and think of my childhood...thank you Mr. Courage, thank you.
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what a f$*king legend..... and thank you sir
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Most people don't understand orchestration and what it means to motion picture scores. The Orchestrator takes the composition and arranges the music to fit each instrument, making the sound more rich and full. Jerry Goldsmith relied on him to make his score more complete--They were a team. Listen to the score for the Waltons--Goldsmith composed the theme music and Courage did the incidental music during the show.
The same is true of Golsmith's Star Trek scores.
So, TSFOGG - the music you like so much was arranged by Courage, as well as the classic Trek theme, which he composed. And for those of us old enough to remember when the original Star Trek was the only Star Trek, your comments are insulting to the memory of a great part of our childhood.
Come back when you know what you are talking about--and be more respectful of the dead. -
tsfoff you're an idiot. And Kamar, nice shouting 'First' on an obit article. Really classy. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Never knew what Alexander Courage actually looked like, so thanks for the pic Scorekeeper. May Mr Courage boldly go to a better place.
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When you hear a song and know what it is within two seconds, that is huge. Who can't identify the Trek theme? It transcends nerds and fanboys. His body of work is fantastic. Great talent.
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You will be remembered and missed....
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The TOS theme is a permanent part of our lives, and anyone that can create such a timeless and unique piece deserves our respect and praise. Rest in peace Alexander Courage.
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A HUGE body of work from this man, not just Star Trek. Although no doubt that's what he'll be remembered for. A great talent has left us. You'll be missed Mr. Courage.
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They do come in threes. Wow.
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Why did it take 2 weeks for his death to be announced?
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I was just watch some classic STAR TREK in HD DVD last night. Great music for a great show. Alex's gift to us will live on.
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Sitting in the living room with dad, watching STAR TREK in the early 70's. Courage's theme was implanted at a very young age, sorry to hear of his passing. RIP.
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...it's Ok to admit you're "special." Society accepts you.
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Don't bother explaining things to tsfogg, Bones... it's obvious he's an idiot.
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Don't bother explaining things to tsfogg, Bones... it's obvious he's clueless.
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Sorry, but its not true. Watch this special on him, and prepare to be astounded http://youtube.com/watch?v=vH0aSwFKacw
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The family may of been waiting for a cause of death before listing the obit. Just a guess.
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Damn, I wish this had been posted sooner.
I hope he had a chance to at least hear a rough version of his theme as it was going to be used in the new JJ Abrams film (the quality of which I will not debate at these proceedings). -
I agree with RockmSockM... looks like there were some posting issues there. :)
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We have lost a monumental talent, I have all of his music. The maestro will be greatly missed! Rest in Peace, and thank you!
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When those 8 notes were first played at the beginning, the crowd went wild. It was one of the most memorable movie going experiences of my life. Horner might have written the theme, but that original series fanfare set the tone for the entire movie.
Thanks, Mr. Courage, for a great memory. -
As a long time Star Trek fan the news of his passing saddens me greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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Composer of many a great classic TV show. He made the "Andy Griffith Show" theme, and was the whistler.
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RIP fella.
I really enjoy the old TV show themes without the cheesy lyrics, just good old-fashioned compositions without Alan Thicke or some muppet singing.
I'm going to go home and break out my TV tune CD and listen this evening. Yes...I'm special like that dammit. -
. . .my entire life. I am one of a countless number of geeks who will forever whistle and/or hum his music.
Thank you, Mr. Courage. -
Was created by Gerald Fried, not Courage. Both from the same episode, Amok Time. Kroykah!
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His music was excellent, goes without saying. I always remember the story of how Gene Roddenberry stole half the music royalties by writing lyrics to his music that were never used.
But this news is 2 weeks old - why report on now??? -
May 28, 2008 8:05:30 PM CDT
think in 30 years anyone will be humming the theme from lost?
by bacci40
some may say that writing music for tv series is hack work...to that i say balderdash...courage and hagen were artists and great composers...this is really the bad part about getting older...the people who provided you with the best memories in childhood and growing up start going away
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No man has ever had a better name for composing fanfares. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
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I thought he died long before this.
His "Star Trek" theme is good, but I think I'll remember him best as Goldsmith's orchestrator. He helped bring a lot of great scores to fruition. -
There is just NO denying the fact that as a behind the scenes figure, Alexander Courage's work impacted geeks in every corner of the world. And the irony once again is that it's people like him...who DID work behind the scenes for no fanfare or acclaim...who simply went to work each day with a smile on their face and who then put out their best effort...who then created iconic bits of history that we'll all never forget since we all grew up on it, and even now future generations are still growing up on it.So Rest in Peace, Mr. Courage. And thanks for all the great memories, all the influences you left on us, and rest assured your work is iconic for the impact you truly left behind on so many.
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I happened to stumble on this a short bit ago and it cracked me up. So since some here have mentioned the classic 1960's STAR TREK "Fight Music theme", here it is meeting 2008's DOCTOR WHO. The result? Nearly 50 years later, I guess sci-fi TV really has NOT changed all that much!http://tinyurl.com/4fpw2m
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Good Music. Good Guy. You shall be missed....
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Yes, Goldsmith was very good, and I can understand how some people might prefer him. But one of the things I most regretted about NEXT FABRICATION was how they weren't able to get Courage to do the soundtrack. I think the series would have been better if he'd been on board as actual composer.
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AS has been said not just the themem but all the scoring was Drama personified and you truly looked forward to hearing some of the great stuff like the fighting and Spock themes.
He will be missed but he will never be forgotten. -
Apologies to Gerald Fried. The Theme music set the tone for all that followed and did it with Gusto.
So again I apologise for my idiocy in thinking those other bits were Courage too. -
Go boldly good sir, second star to the right, straight on 'til morning.
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In whatever he did with music, he was a genius. R.I.P. Mr Courage.
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Yes it is a real site check it out! looks like AICN has a new run for it's money
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Has it been mentioned on this site that director Joseph Pevney died this month? He directed the greatest Star Trek TOS episodes such as "The City on the Edge of Forever," "Amok Time," and "The Trouble With Tribbles."
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for your work. RIP
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Seriously, that theme was friggin brilliant.
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Those first seven notes of the original Star Trek theme are part of my childhood. As a French horn player I always got goosebumps whenever I heard that ten note intro horn solo. Thank-you for every note you ever put to sheet music.
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"Marvelous malarky music" he called it -- composed, orchestrated, conducted in a mere week. And yet it catapulted him into immortality.
Obviously, Courage had an incredibly accomplished career, but he captured lightning in a bottle with the Star Trek theme -- particularly the opening fanfare, which I dare say is as well known as Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss, and maybe even the opening of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. It is iconic, and unforgettable.
It so perfectly distills the spirit of Star Trek in that it crystallizes the majesty of it. I'm sure I've heard it over a thousand times, and it still gives me chills every time I hear it.
It is a call to adventure -- one I'll be thrilled to answer once more next summer. -
give the guy respect douchebag! may you rest in peace Mr. Courage
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His score to Superman IV was FAR better than that turkey deserved.
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I am sadly unfamiliar with him but his music was the music of many of the greatest shows of my childhood. My great condolences to his family and friends and fans. Thank you for posting this.
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Thank you Sir. You gave me so many memories. You will not be forgotton.
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thanks a lot for alll dreams you have help to born, star trek the original series, shouldn't the same without your astonish theme!
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I'll play the Star Trek theme today and dream.
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Absolutely legendary. Where is today's equivalent? That's right, there isn't one. The poster above talking about the 8 notes at the start of Star Trek II is spot on, really sends a shiver down the spine.
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Perfectly stated. Is there any show out there more closely associated with its theme music than Star Trek? Maybe Andy Griffith (irony, thy name is "60s TV Themes" this week)... RIP Mr. Courage...
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wow, way to be a complete douche bag. "I don't like what he's done recently so it won't be sad when he dies" I guess you were raised by trash. Hopefully no one will be sad when your worthless, do-nothing life comes to an end.
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Rest in peace. An icon indeed.
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The original STAR TREK theme and beautiful music for the two TREK pilots (particularly THE CAGE) never fail to move me.
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about Alexander Courage. A great theme, not to mention others that he contributed to. I remember the story about Gene getting some of the cut for the TOS theme. Ah, Roddenberry. Sounds like he had a few things like that up his sleeve, or up his pant leg(where Nichelle Nichols was concerned). Off topic-Read Star Trek: The Real Story about Herbert Solow and Robert Justman. Great stuff. Anyway, I couldn't help but notice the post about John Williams. To each his own...but, let's face it. Williams, Goldsmith, Lucas, Spielberg, etc. are no different than pop, rock, or country stars who have a string of hits, or maybe just a few big ones, and the rest of their themes, movies, etc. might be inferior. Just a fact of life. It's not an apology for the later works, but reality. Some will complain about no memorable themes with some of J. WIlliam's later work. I would imagine not, considering some of us are in our 30's and 40's and don't have as much time to watch, and listen to things like Star Wars, I. Jones repeatedly as we might have in the late 70's-early 80's glory years. Williams' death will still be sad when that day comes. And, for what it's worth, I though Schindler's was pretty good, not to mention Duel of the Fates from TPM(may have been the best thing about that movie). In the end, J.W., Goldsmith, etc. are going to hit Jaws, Star Wars, Waltons, ST:TNG paydirt every time. I'm way off topic. ANyway, farewell to Alexander Courage. Hell, I even enjoyed a lot of the Walton's and Lost in Space music, as well.
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These composers are NOT going to hit paydirt everytime. As for the directors, I have to admit(murky story aside) Spielberg must have phoned it in for KOTCS. That was somewhat shocking on his part.
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Mr. Courage's music left an indelible mark on me. It is iconic, and remarkable. If you were out of the room but heard the music, you knew immediately which scene was taking place. The battle music, being the most rousing and infectious of all.
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I didn't mean to offend you.
I've been a huge fan of Mr. Courage's work since I was a child and was excited to be first one to post on his talkback.
I didn't have enough time to post anything meaningful so I just typed a blurb.
Thanks for the chastising ... You are so much better than me. One day I hope to attain the level of higher consciousness that you have obviously attained, but if I cannot I will always suffer the knowledge that I can never measure up to your high expectatios.
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May 29, 2008 2:05:10 PM CDT
John Williams, James Horner, Danny Elfman, Michael Giacchino...
by ccchhhrrriiisssm
These guys owe a lot to Mr. Courage. There are still some great composers, but they all shoot for the same ICONIC status for a theme that was exemplified by Alexander Courage!
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PALM DESERT, California (AP) -- Joseph Pevney, who directed some of the best-loved episodes of the original "Star Trek" television series, has died. He was 96. Comic actor Harvey Korman has died at 81, according to the UCLA Medical Center.
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I can't believe how many greats are leaving us. Awful. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Alexander Courage.
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Thats the first time I've ever seen Mr Courage.The Star Trek Theme is an Iconic peice of music.Respect.R.I.P.
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I've got the three "Star Trek TV Soundtrack" CD's on my Zune. The Spock fight music makes for a great workout at the gym.
Godspeed, Mr. Courage. -
I had to get that tune after your post,Thats Tremendous sir,Respect ;)
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'Course let's not forget how the 'great bird of the galaxy' Gene Roddenberry screwed Mr. Courage over by writing his 'brilliant' lyrics to the Star Trek theme WITHOUT Courage's knowledge & them submitted them for copyright along with the music so he'd receive half of the royalty money. When Courage confronted him about it Gene's reply was "the show isn't going to make any money so I've got to get it from somewhere." God rest you, Mr. Courage. And may Roddenberry continue to roast in Hell.
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