Jerry Goldsmith, I have to say, is my single favorite composer of all time. He was one of the most innovative guys ever to do it. You go back to 'Planet of the Apes' and it is just a monumental score - the sound design and approach to percussion was just so extraordinary. One of his great scores for me was 'Alien.'

The quote by James Newton Howard expresses his admiration for Jerry Goldsmith, whom he calls his favorite composer of all time. Howard praises Goldsmith’s innovation, emphasizing that his approach to film scoring went beyond traditional orchestration. By citing “Planet of the Apes” as an example, he highlights how Goldsmith’s groundbreaking use of sound design and percussion created an entirely new sonic landscape that redefined what a film score could achieve.

Howard describes the Planet of the Apes score as “monumental”, underscoring its influence on both the film industry and music itself. Goldsmith’s experimentation with unconventional sounds and rhythms elevated the film’s atmosphere, making the score an essential part of the storytelling rather than just a background element. His extraordinary creativity pushed the boundaries of how audiences experience music in cinema.

In addition, Howard points to Goldsmith’s score for “Alien” as another masterpiece. The music’s unsettling textures and haunting orchestration perfectly matched the film’s themes of suspense, fear, and isolation. This score demonstrated Goldsmith’s ability to adapt his style across genres while still maintaining a sense of originality and emotional impact. For Howard, this versatility cemented Goldsmith’s place as one of the greatest composers in film history.

The origin of this quote lies in James Newton Howard’s own career as a celebrated film composer, known for scores such as The Dark Knight (with Hans Zimmer), The Hunger Games, and The Sixth Sense. As someone deeply embedded in the art of film scoring, Howard’s praise carries particular weight. His words reflect not only personal admiration but also recognition of Goldsmith’s enduring influence on generations of composers through his innovation, experimentation, and emotional depth in music.