Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

ScoreKeeper Says Goodbye To STAR TREK Composer Alexander Courage...

first by kamar	May 28th, 2008 06:20:20 PM
cool theme song
The music from Star Trek was incredible, iconic by Hercules	May 28th, 2008 06:23:04 PM
and really memorable. RIP
RIP by SpencerTrilby	May 28th, 2008 06:24:16 PM
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.
not really by tsfogg	May 28th, 2008 06:26:27 PM
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.
Wow by stuatfunnyordie	May 28th, 2008 06:27:26 PM
I hear his music and think of my childhood...thank you Mr. Courage, thank you.
you have to say it by hesky75	May 28th, 2008 06:31:05 PM
what a f$*king legend..... and thank you sir
Goodbye Mr. Courage... by Bones	May 28th, 2008 06:49:07 PM
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.
Totally agree with Bones... by LordPorkington	May 28th, 2008 06:54:23 PM
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.
Fantastic work, rest in peace by Heckles	May 28th, 2008 06:57:27 PM
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.
Godspeed good Sir by rectalscan	May 28th, 2008 07:01:43 PM
You will be remembered and missed....
I Shall Mourn by Tremane	May 28th, 2008 07:02:49 PM
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.
Well this sucks by DarthJedi	May 28th, 2008 07:03:14 PM
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.
DAMN . . . by SkidMarkedUndies	May 28th, 2008 07:04:35 PM
They do come in threes. Wow.
May 15? by kentrel	May 28th, 2008 07:04:42 PM
Why did it take 2 weeks for his death to be announced?
Off to the final frontier by Mace Tofu	May 28th, 2008 07:06:34 PM
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.
earliest memories are of his Trek theme by Sir Loin	May 28th, 2008 07:08:04 PM
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.
tsfogg it's ok... by RockMSockM	May 28th, 2008 07:08:50 PM
...it's Ok to admit you're "special." Society accepts you.
tsfogg by RockMSockM	May 28th, 2008 07:10:14 PM
Don't bother explaining things to tsfogg, Bones... it's obvious he's an idiot.
tsfogg by RockMSockM	May 28th, 2008 07:10:28 PM
Don't bother explaining things to tsfogg, Bones... it's obvious he's clueless.
Fucking sad a real talent!! by picardsucks	May 28th, 2008 07:10:30 PM

Paragon Complex by kentrel	May 28th, 2008 07:11:09 PM
Sorry, but its not true. Watch this special on him, and prepare to be astounded http://youtube.com/watch?v=vH0 aSwFKacw
... watching Trek... Re: two weeks by Mace Tofu	May 28th, 2008 07:11:44 PM
The family may of been waiting for a cause of death before listing the obit. Just a guess.
RIP by photoboy	May 28th, 2008 07:14:07 PM
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).
lol by Barricade	May 28th, 2008 07:16:37 PM
I agree with RockmSockM... looks like there were some posting issues there. :)
RIP by PowerRing	May 28th, 2008 07:22:17 PM
We have lost a monumental talent, I have all of his music. The maestro will be greatly missed! Rest in Peace, and thank you!
I remember seeing Star Trek II for the first time by Manos	May 28th, 2008 07:34:24 PM
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.
Extremely sad about this. by deathstar73	May 28th, 2008 07:35:15 PM
As a long time Star Trek fan the news of his passing saddens me greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Couple of days ago, composer Earle Hagen just died too by Pizza The Hut	May 28th, 2008 07:35:21 PM
Composer of many a great classic TV show. He made the "Andy Griffith Show" theme, and was the whistler.
Those old TV show themes were great... by wonderllama	May 28th, 2008 07:41:04 PM
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.
His music has been with me . . . by TommyShag	May 28th, 2008 07:58:35 PM
. . .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.
Spock bass music and fight music.... by CerebralAssassin	May 28th, 2008 07:59:00 PM
Was created by Gerald Fried, not Courage. Both from the same episode, Amok Time. Kroykah!
Very sad by rutgerman	May 28th, 2008 08:02:00 PM
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???
Thank you Mr. Courage. by TurboPervo	May 28th, 2008 08:08:13 PM
No man has ever had a better name for composing fanfares. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
To be honest... by Darkman	May 28th, 2008 08:29:45 PM
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.
May a true talent Rest In Peace... by Big Dumb Ape	May 28th, 2008 08:37:17 PM
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.
1960's Star Trek, please meet 2008's Doctor Who by Big Dumb Ape	May 28th, 2008 08:43:33 PM
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/4fp w2m
Fudge.... by Annie The Pod Racer	May 28th, 2008 08:47:53 PM
Good Music. Good Guy. You shall be missed....
Tastes vary by The StarWolf	May 28th, 2008 08:56:54 PM
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.
yep very sad loss. Iconic unforgettable music by G100	May 28th, 2008 08:59:17 PM
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.
oops! still the Theme was the show by G100	May 28th, 2008 09:04:37 PM
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... by Alen Smithee	May 28th, 2008 09:16:45 PM
Go boldly good sir, second star to the right, straight on 'til morning.
The passing of a legend.... by closeencounter	May 28th, 2008 09:22:35 PM
In whatever he did with music, he was a genius. R.I.P. Mr Courage.
Nuckedthefridge.com by THENIPPLESOFGOD	May 28th, 2008 09:37:21 PM
Yes it is a real site check it out! looks like AICN has a new run for it's money
A Star Trek director died recently by Ricky Retardo	May 28th, 2008 09:50:49 PM
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."
thank you sir by Mr_X	May 28th, 2008 10:01:17 PM
for your work. RIP
Star trek movie definatly nucked the fridge! by THENIPPLESOFGOD	May 28th, 2008 10:22:46 PM

I will forever think of space with a latin beat. by Christopher3	May 28th, 2008 10:39:07 PM
Seriously, that theme was friggin brilliant.
Thank-you Maestro Courage by gengrievous82	May 28th, 2008 10:54:42 PM
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.
He gave voice to a dream. by robogeek.com	May 28th, 2008 11:17:20 PM
"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.
WHAT AN A HOLE POSTING "FIRST!" by eoneon	May 28th, 2008 11:27:16 PM
give the guy respect douchebag! may you rest in peace Mr. Courage
A shame. by Nasty In The Pasty	May 28th, 2008 11:47:37 PM
His score to Superman IV was FAR better than that turkey deserved.
Damn. by smallerdemon	May 29th, 2008 12:10:40 AM
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.
another legend leaves us by Gabba-UK	May 29th, 2008 02:10:51 AM
Thank you Sir. You gave me so many memories. You will not be forgotton.
REST IN PEACE! THANKS FOR ALL DREAMS by brando76	May 29th, 2008 03:39:25 AM
thanks a lot for alll dreams you have help to born, star trek the original series, shouldn't the same without your astonish theme!
Eloquently put, brando76. by RobinP	May 29th, 2008 04:48:00 AM
I'll play the Star Trek theme today and dream.
The Star Trek theme by kwisatzhaderach	May 29th, 2008 04:53:55 AM
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.
Robogeek... by Blanket-Man	May 29th, 2008 07:00:05 AM
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...
ricarleite by Come_ON	May 29th, 2008 08:36:19 AM
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.
:( by ManosTHOF	May 29th, 2008 08:54:47 AM
Rest in peace. An icon indeed.
Call it Courage by m2298	May 29th, 2008 08:55:24 AM
The original STAR TREK theme and beautiful music for the two TREK pilots (particularly THE CAGE) never fail to move me.
Sad to hear by tylermo	May 29th, 2008 09:10:35 AM
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.
corrections and added stuff by tylermo	May 29th, 2008 09:32:49 AM
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.
As the first sci-fi show that I ever loved by toadkillerdog	May 29th, 2008 10:00:21 AM
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.
Nice RIP , Now how about one for Sidney Pollack??? by jtp8000	May 29th, 2008 10:07:31 AM

Sorry LordPorkington by kamar	May 29th, 2008 12:57:40 PM
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.
John Williams, James Horner, Danny Elfman, Michael Giacchino... by ccchhhrrriiisssm	May 29th, 2008 02:05:10 PM
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!
Joseph Pevney, Havey Korman R.I.P. by PowerRing	May 29th, 2008 07:30:18 PM
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.
Oh, man... by Teddy Artery	May 29th, 2008 09:21:01 PM
I can't believe how many greats are leaving us. Awful. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Alexander Courage.
Thats a shame by proper	May 29th, 2008 10:19:33 PM
Thats the first time I've ever seen Mr Courage.The Star Trek Theme is an Iconic peice of music.Respect.R.I.P.
But is he on your MP3 Player? by Kentucky Colonel	May 30th, 2008 01:24:52 PM
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.
Kentucky Colonel by proper	May 30th, 2008 06:54:17 PM
I had to get that tune after your post,Thats Tremendous sir,Respect ;)
by theJackalope	May 30th, 2008 09:47:56 PM
'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.

Talkbacks

ScoreKeeper Says Goodbye To STAR TREK Composer Alexander Courage...

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks