Star Trek Composer Gerald Fried Dies at 95

Composer Gerald Fried. Image: Variety / Getty Images.

FEBRUARY 20, 2023 – His career was so wide ranging and prolific, it might be difficult to say what he is best known for, but Star Trek composer Gerald Fried has died at the age of 95.

According to Variety, the “prolific Fried scored approximately 40 films, some three dozen TV-movies and miniseries, and episodes of another 40 TV series during a career that spanned more than six decades.”

Star Trek fans will recognize Fried’s music in the fan-favorite season two episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, “Amok Time,” including “The Ritual/Ancient Battle/2nd Kroykah,” which is heard during the koon-ut-kal-if-fee fight scene between Kirk and Spock. He scored other episodes, including "Shore Leave," "Cat's Paw," “Friday’s Child,” and "The Paradise Syndrome." Fried explained his approach to his Star Trek music in an interview with the Television Academy Foundation.

Fried’s music was reused in many more episodes and was referenced in Star Trek: Into Darkness as well as other shows, such as The Simpsons and Futurama. He later reworked his Star Trek music into a mini concerto for oboe, his principal instrument. He played the concerto at a few Star Trek conventions.

On March 4, 2011, “The Ritual/Ancient Battle/2nd Kroykah” was used as the morning wake-up music for the crew aboard the STS-133 Space Shuttle Discovery mission.

Outside of Star Trek, Fried scored many films and television episodes, including The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible, Gilligan’s Island, and Roots, as well as the latter’s sequel. He worked with directors including his childhood friend, Stanley Kubrick, and Roger Corman. His last film credit was for the sci-fi spoof Unbelievable!!!!!, which featured cameos from numerous Trek actors.

Fried was born in Manhattan and grew up in the Bronx. He attended the High School of Music & Art and Juilliard. Prior to moving to California and beginning his film and television career, he became the first oboist for the Dallas Symphony and also played with the Pittsburgh Symphony and New York’s Little Orchestra. Upon his move west, Fried played one season with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Among his award nominations, Fried won a Primetime Emmy, shared with Quincy Jones, for Roots.

For more on the life and career of Gerald Fried, head over to Variety, and please join us in offering our condolences to his friends and family.

By the way, if you’re not currently a Paramount+ subscriber, we’ve got a special deal for you. Click through the link below and, when signing up for the service, enter the promo code PICARD for 1 month free! Offer ends on 4/30/23.