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Ennio Morricone was a prolific Italian composer known for his remarkable contributions to film music, including his work on "Once Upon a Time in America." Here are some interesting facts about him and his work on the film:

1. Iconic Collaboration: Ennio Morricone collaborated extensively with director Sergio Leone, and "Once Upon a Time in America" marked their final collaboration. Their previous collaborations on the "Dollars Trilogy" (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) are considered classics of the Spaghetti Western genre.

2. Pioneering Soundtrack: Morricone's score for "Once Upon a Time in America" is often regarded as one of his finest works. It's a hauntingly beautiful and complex soundtrack that blends classical music elements with innovative use of synthesized sounds.

3. Lengthy Composition Process: Morricone spent a significant amount of time composing the score for the film. He reportedly started working on it before shooting began and continued to refine it throughout the production process. The result was a score that seamlessly integrated with the film's narrative and characters.

4. Unique Instruments: Morricone used a wide variety of instruments to create the distinctive sound of the film's score. This included the ocarina, pan flute, and various synthesizers, giving the music a haunting and ethereal quality that perfectly matched the film's themes.

5. Nonlinear Narrative: "Once Upon a Time in America" is known for its nonlinear narrative structure, and Morricone's music played a crucial role in helping to connect the different time periods and storylines. His score helped provide emotional continuity in a story that spans several decades.

6. Academy Award Nomination: Ennio Morricone's work on "Once Upon a Time in America" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score in 1985. Although he didn't win for this particular film, Morricone received an honorary Oscar in 2007 for his lifetime achievements in film music.

7. Lengthy Score: The film's score is quite extensive, with over 75 minutes of music. Morricone's ability to compose such a long and intricate score is a testament to his musical talent and dedication to the project.

8. Posthumous Recognition: Ennio Morricone passed away on July 6, 2020, at the age of 91. His work on "Once Upon a Time in America" and his contributions to film music as a whole continue to be celebrated, and he left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Ennio Morricone's work on "Once Upon a Time in America" remains a testament to his extraordinary talent as a composer and his ability to elevate the storytelling in film through his music.