Lalo Schifrin Dies: ‘Mission: Impossible’ Composer at 93
- Lalo Schifrin's "Mission: Impossible" theme, a signature tune recognized worldwide, originated from a blank screen.
- When Brian De Palma directed the first "Mission: Impossible" film, he insisted on retaining Schifrin's theme.
- Giacchino, a self-proclaimed fan of Schifrin's work, sought the composer's blessing before taking on the project.
Lalo Schifrin,the maestro behind the iconic “Mission: unfeasible” theme,has passed away,leaving behind a monumental legacy. His theme, born from an empty screen, resonated globally, winning Grammys and securing its place in music history. Schifrin’s creative genius, evident in diverse scores across genres, including the “Rush Hour” trilogy, “Dirty Harry,” and collaborations with jazz legends, solidified his role in shaping film music. discover his influence on the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, from the original television series to the big screen, exploring the theme’s evolution and the composers who shaped its sound.Learn about his honorary Oscar and how News Directory 3 remembers his contribution to the world of music. Discover what’s next …
“Mission: Impossible” Theme: Lalo schifrin’s Enduring Legacy
Updated June 27, 2025
Lalo Schifrin’s “Mission: Impossible” theme, a signature tune recognized worldwide, originated from a blank screen. Schifrin, tasked with creating a memorable piece, told the AP in 2006 that its success stemmed from its pure, internal creation. The theme’s journey from television to the big screen involved several composers, each adding their touch to the franchise’s musical landscape.
When Brian De Palma directed the first “Mission: Impossible” film, he insisted on retaining Schifrin’s theme. This led to a conflict with John Williams,who initially wanted to compose a new theme. Ultimately, Danny Elfman stepped in, agreeing to keep schifrin’s original composition. Hans Zimmer later took over scoring duties for the second film, and Michael Giacchino scored the subsequent two.
Giacchino, a self-proclaimed fan of Schifrin’s work, sought the composer’s blessing before taking on the project. He recalled a nervous lunch meeting with Schifrin, likening it to asking a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. schifrin’s advice was simple: “Just have fun with it,” Giacchino told NPR.
The “Mission: Impossible” theme has garnered critically importent accolades, including Grammys for best instrumental theme and best original score for a motion picture or TV show. In 2017, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place in music history. U2’s adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. also covered the theme for the 1996 film, earning a Grammy nomination and reaching No.16 on the Billboard 200.
Schifrin’s influence extended beyond film and television. A 2010 Lipton tea commercial depicted him composing the theme,drawing inspiration from sips of Lipton Yellow Label. Born in Buenos Aires to a musical family, Schifrin studied at the Paris Conservatory and later joined Dizzy Gillespie’s quintet in 1958, showcasing his versatility in jazz and classical music.
Throughout his career, Schifrin collaborated with luminaries such as Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, and Zubin Mehta. he earned a Grammy for “Jazz Suite on the Mass Texts” in 1965, the same year he received a nomination for “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” In 2018, he received an honorary Oscar statuette, recognizing his contributions to film music.The Latin Recording Academy also honored him with a special trustee award in 2017.
His later film scores included “Tango,” the “Rush Hour” trilogy, and “Bringing Down The House.” Schifrin also composed the score for “Dirty Harry,” focusing on the villain, Scorpio, rather than the hero. clint Eastwood presented him with his honorary Oscar.
Schifrin conducted renowned orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Israel Philharmonic. He served as music director of the Glendale Symphony Orchestra from 1989 to 1995. additionally,he wrote and adapted the music for “Christmas in Vienna” in 1992,featuring Diana Ross,José Carreras,and Plácido Domingo.
Schifrin’s diverse compositions include “Letters from Argentina,” a tango album nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2006. He also wrote the overture for the 1987 Pan American Games and composed the music for the 1995 final performance in Argentina. In 1988, he wrote and conducted “Songs of the Aztecs,” an opera performed in Nahuatl at Mexico’s Teotihuacan pyramids.
”I found it to be a very sweet,musical language,one in which the sounds of the words dictated captivating melodies,” Schifrin told The Associated Press. “But the real answer is that there’s something magic about it. … There’s something magic in the art of music anyway.”
What’s next
Schifrin’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and composers, ensuring his iconic themes and diverse compositions remain relevant for future generations.