The melody known as Lara's Theme, composed for the 1965 film Doctor Zhivago, became a global cultural fixture and established Maurice Jarre as a preeminent force in international cinema. Over a career spanning more than five decades, this French musician transitioned from early theatrical work in Paris to scoring the most ambitious epics produced during the twentieth century.
Early Career and Training
Born on 13 September 1924 in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon, Maurice-Alexis Jarre initially pursued engineering studies at the University of Paris. He ultimately abandoned this path to enroll at the Conservatoire de Paris, focusing on composition, harmony, and percussion. By the early 1950s, he had assumed the role of director at the Théâtre National Populaire and completed his first film score. His early recognition included the 1954 Prix Italia for his radio opera Ruisselle.
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In 1961, American producer Sam Spiegel commissioned Jarre to score the 1962 production Lawrence of Arabia. This project initiated a professional partnership with director David Lean that lasted until 1984. Jarre composed the music for every film Lean directed during this period, including Doctor Zhivago and A Passage to India. He earned three Academy Awards for his contributions to these films, marking his most significant achievement in the industry.
Orchestral and Electronic Innovations
While Jarre often utilized the full range of a traditional orchestra, he increasingly incorporated diverse instrumentation and electronic elements into his work. His score for the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome featured an unconventional ensemble including the digeridoo, fujara, and three ondes Martenot. In the 1980s, he experimented with synthesized soundscapes for projects such as Witness and Fatal Attraction, noting that these electronic compositions were frequently more technically demanding and costly to produce than conventional orchestral arrangements.
Later Work and Accolades
Jarre's prolific output spanned diverse genres, from Western television series like Cimarron Strip to supernatural thrillers like the 1990 film Ghost. His professional honors included four Golden Globe awards, three BAFTA awards, and a Grammy. In 1998, he was designated a Commander of the National Order of Merit. His final project was the 2001 television miniseries Uprising. Jarre died in Malibu on 28 March 2009 and is buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 September 1924, Lyon
- Died: 28 March 2009, Malibu
- Education: Conservatoire de Paris, University of Paris
- Academy Awards for Best Original Score: 1963, 1966, 1985
- Notable composition: Lara's Theme
- Burial site: Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery
- National Order of Merit rank: Commander (1998)
Questions readers ask
Which films did Maurice Jarre score for director David Lean?
Jarre composed the music for all of David Lean's films released between 1962 and 1984, including Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and A Passage to India.
Did Maurice Jarre use electronic instruments in his scores?
Yes, starting in the 1980s, Jarre frequently integrated synthesizers and electronic sounds into his scores, as seen in Witness, Fatal Attraction, and Dead Poets Society.
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