Stargate SG-1 [1997-2007], Stargate Atlantis [2004-2009] and Stargate Universe [2009-2011] composer Joel Goldsmith passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012. 
Joel had such an impact on my listening enjoyment particularly within the science fiction genre. His scoring of all three Stargate series left such a mark on me over the years. His music was majestic and beautiful and simply a thrill a minute to enjoy. 
A few years ago I jumped at the chance to purchase the accompanying soundtracks to both Stargate SG-1 The Ark Of Truth [2008] and Stargate SG-1 Continuum [2008]. Early on there was a window of opportunity to receive autographed liner notes to those scores. You can see his signature emblazoned in gorgeous gold marker in the image. They are a real treasure within the Fancave. 
I own five Joel Goldsmith discs as pictured including his sole release for the underrated Stargate Atlantis series. Goldsmith's mark can also be found on the soundtrack to cult sci-fi film Laserblast [1978], The Man With Two Brains [1983], Moon 44 [1990], Man's Best Friend [1993], Kull The Conqueror [1997], plus the TV series Witchblade [2001-2002], Helen Of Troy [2003] and Sanctuary [2008]. He also collaborated with his father, Jerry Goldsmith, on Star Trek: First Contact [1996] as well as the Main Title for Star Trek: Voyager [1995]. The greatest omission to date has been the unavailability of a score release for the impressive Stargate Universe. It should be issued posthumously our of sheer respect and part of his impressive cannon of music.
Stargate SG-1 creator Brad Wright even returned to Stargate SG-1, Children Of The Gods to edit the Final Cut and even restored Goldsmith's original score in full. Series star Richard Dean Anderson, who played Colonel Jack O'Neill, took to twitter and wrote, "Dear Joel, Heaven sounds so much sweeter now, but we'll forever miss you here. Play on, Friend." Amanda Tapping, who played Samantha Carter, followed suit and wrote, "RIP Joel Goldsmith. Very sad day. Stargate wouldn't have been the same without you. The music and the legend live on."
For me, Goldsmith has been a mainstay in my living room and car whenever I watch an episode of the classic Stargate franchise or listen to his scores on a science fiction mix disc. He will indeed be missed. Goldsmith passed from cancer and left through heaven's Stargate at the age of 54. His music will endure. Indeed.
It's such a shame to see the loss of this talent at such a young age. 54 is way too young to die.
ReplyDeleteI was just listening to some of his outstanding work on an SGU episode last night, called "Cloverdale." Fantastic work, as was par for the course.
Mr. Goldsmith will be missed, but I'm grateful we will always have his work to revisit.
Thank you for the tribute to a great composer, my friend.
best,
John
Gosh, what a loss. I mean, such a great composer really. Way too young.
ReplyDeleteMy father was 54 when he passed. What a shame.
nice to hear from you John
sff
SFF:
ReplyDeleteYour father passed when he was 54? I am so sorry to hear that. I didn't know. However, I do know this: were he here today, your father would be very proud of his son, as both a writer and as a human being.
best,
John
I'm very touched John. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYa know, he was a really god man, but traditional in the sense he did not express his feelings often, but I was fortunate to have received some of those rare moments from him regarding his pride for me. It was very moving.
But, thank you for saying that John. It means alot.
Joel Goldsmith... changed a few words with him via his forum back then. Asked him about the lyrics of "Arc of Truth". He wouldn't tell me... Great loss. Fantastic composer.
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