As far as films are concerned, I'd say Stanley Kubrick.
While he was directing 2001: A Space Oddessy, a composer called Alex North - who also did Spartacus and Cleopatra amongst others - was slaving away on the score.
Meanwhile, Kubrick had used classical music for the temp tracks (which are supposed to give directors an idea of what the film will be like when scored).
Trouble is, many directors fall in love with the temp cues, which can cause problems for the composer. In North's case, his entire score was rejected and Kubrick kept in the classical stuff. North never got over it.
I reckon that a lot of orchestral film music can be considered a worthy successor to classical music. Indeed, in the 30s, 40s and 50s, European emigrees like Steiner and Korngold were steeped in classicalism. Indeed, Walton and Vaughn Williams wrote music for the silver screen as an addition to their concert works, and many contemporary film composers also dabble in concert works. Moreover, Michael Nyman's work for Peter Greenaway's films is heavily influenced by Purcell
For the novice, I'd recommend the double CD of Ennio Morricone's work (Virgin)...it's a corker.
While he was directing 2001: A Space Oddessy, a composer called Alex North - who also did Spartacus and Cleopatra amongst others - was slaving away on the score.
Meanwhile, Kubrick had used classical music for the temp tracks (which are supposed to give directors an idea of what the film will be like when scored).
Trouble is, many directors fall in love with the temp cues, which can cause problems for the composer. In North's case, his entire score was rejected and Kubrick kept in the classical stuff. North never got over it.
I reckon that a lot of orchestral film music can be considered a worthy successor to classical music. Indeed, in the 30s, 40s and 50s, European emigrees like Steiner and Korngold were steeped in classicalism. Indeed, Walton and Vaughn Williams wrote music for the silver screen as an addition to their concert works, and many contemporary film composers also dabble in concert works. Moreover, Michael Nyman's work for Peter Greenaway's films is heavily influenced by Purcell
For the novice, I'd recommend the double CD of Ennio Morricone's work (Virgin)...it's a corker.