Paul Giovanni

Paul Giovanni (June 2, 1933 – June 17, 1990) was an American playwright, actor, director, singer and musician. New Yorker Giovanni is best known for writing the music for the 1973 British horror film The Wicker Man. The soundtrack, which was eventually released by itself in 2002, incorporates folk song, a setting of a poem by Robert Burns and new material composed by Giovanni, who also contributed some lyrics. The music was played by folk-rock group Magnet using a combination of traditional and modern (electric) instrumentation; some parts of the soundtrack were augmented by brass instruments.

After this Giovanni returned to New York where his play The Crucifer of Blood was performed. It was later filmed for TV. Giovanni also composed a musical entitled Shot Through The Heart, which is yet to be performed. He did graduate studies at The Catholic University of America Speech and Drama Department under Rev. Gilbert V. Hartke, OP. He died of pneumonia from HIV/AIDS related complications on June 17, 1990.

Discography

• 1970: Side Show - SD-8261 - LP with Greg Kreutz. Atlantic Records thought enough to provide strings and a rather lush production. Memorable songs include "The Duel", "Joe" and "Cold Coffee".
• 1973: The Wicker Man soundtrack with Magnet.

Plays

• 1978: The Crucifer of Blood