The Big Country

Jerome Moross, born in Brooklyn in 1913, was a prodigious American composer whose musical journey began at the tender age of five when he started playing the piano. By eight, he was already composing his own pieces, showcasing a talent that would later define his illustrious career. Moross's versatility as a composer is evident in his extensive work across film, television, Broadway, and symphonic music. He is perhaps best known for his Oscar-nominated score for the epic Western film "The Big Country," a work that revolutionized the sound of Western movie scores and continues to influence the genre today. Beyond his film work, Moross composed for the stage, including the Broadway musical "Golden Apples," and created symphonic and chamber pieces that, though sometimes overlooked, are integral to his legacy. His innovative approach to music, blending folk and jazz elements, made his compositions uniquely American and always fresh. Moross's contributions to the world of music are a testament to his enduring talent and creative vision.