Alex North Quotes

Powerful Alex North for Daily Growth

About Alex North

Alex North (1929-1991) was an influential American composer known for his significant contributions to film music. Born in New York City on April 15, 1929, North's passion for music developed early, with piano lessons beginning at the age of seven. His formal education included studies at The Juilliard School and Columbia University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition in 1950. North's career took off when he was hired by MGM Studios as a film composer in 1952. Over the next few decades, he scored numerous films, working with renowned directors such as Elia Kazan, Martin Ritt, and John Huston. Some of his most famous works include "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951), "On the Waterfront" (1954), "Marty" (1955), and "Exodus" (1960). In 1963, North won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the film "Hud." This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and cemented his place among the great film composers. Despite this success, North remained somewhat of an enigma within the music world due to his preference for working behind the scenes. In addition to film scores, North also composed concert works, including symphonies, chamber music, and ballet scores. His unique style blended elements of jazz, classical, and contemporary music, creating a sound that was both innovative and emotionally resonant. North's life was cut short by complications from AIDS in 1991, at the age of 62. However, his legacy lives on through his groundbreaking film scores and concert works. His influence can still be felt today, with many modern film composers citing North as a key inspiration.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"In music, as in life, it's the unexpected that is the most satisfying."

This quote suggests that the element of surprise or unpredictability adds depth and richness to both musical compositions and human experiences. It posits that the satisfaction we derive from these domains often comes not from adherence to predictable patterns, but rather from encounters with novel ideas and unexpected twists. In other words, the quote encourages us to seek out and appreciate the moments of surprise in our lives and art, as they have the power to enrich and elevate our overall experiences.


"Music should take you places emotionally that you can't get to any other way."

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of music, suggesting it has an emotional depth capable of accessing and navigating inner realms inaccessible through conventional means. Essentially, Alex North posits that music is a unique medium for exploring and expressing human emotions, offering a distinct pathway to personal growth and understanding.


"The key to good scoring is to not call attention to itself, but to serve the picture and heighten its emotional impact."

This quote by Alex North emphasizes that effective scoring in a film or media should complement, rather than distract from, the visual story being told. The music or sound design should amplify the emotional intensity of the scene, making it more profound, not draw attention away from it. In other words, good scoring is a tool that intensifies the emotional resonance and impact of the visual narrative.


"I think a good score should always be subservient to the film. It should never draw attention away from it or detract in any way from the story being told."

This quote emphasizes that a film's score (music) should complement, not overpower, the movie itself. The music should serve to enhance the storytelling experience, not distract or overshadow it. In essence, Alex North believes that a good film score should be unobtrusive, yet impactful, and work harmoniously with the narrative to create an enriched viewing experience for audiences.


"Every note I write is a kind of adventure, an exploration into the unknown."

This quote by Alex North suggests that each musical composition he creates is a journey of discovery, venturing into uncharted territory. It implies a sense of curiosity, creativity, and innovation in his approach to music-making, where every note written offers an opportunity to explore new sounds, emotions, and possibilities within the realm of music.


The United States and Turkey are the only two countries that don't have some kind of subsidy for the Arts. The whole culture in society has made certain films more acceptable. I turned down so many films in the '60s and '70s.

- Alex North

Some, Acceptable, Turned, Subsidy

My best film composing experience was with Elia Kazan.

- Alex North

Experience, Best, Film, Kazan

Composers today get a TV script on Friday and have to record on Tuesday. It's just dreadful to impose on gifted talent and expect decent music under these conditions.

- Alex North

TV, Decent, Composers, Friday

There are scores you have to write objectively without getting involved.

- Alex North

Getting, Involved, Scores, Objectively

I like what I hear as a resulting combination of these two strands... something of a combination of familiarity and, for lack of a better word, strangeness.

- Alex North

Two, Like, Familiarity, Resulting

Today it's not culture; it's box office.

- Alex North

Today, Culture, Box, Box Office

Fear is a problem with film music and films; people want to be conventional, and there's more commercialism today. If you are not daring in your art, you're bankrupt.

- Alex North

Art, Films, Film Music, Bankrupt

When I decided to go to a country that subsidized music, I went to the Soviet Union for two years.

- Alex North

Country, Go, Soviet Union, Union

Being an old radical, I like films like Spartacus. I could relate to the hero.

- Alex North

Like, Radical, Films, Relate

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