Who composed the main musical score for The Godfather?

Nino Rota composed the main musical score for The Godfather.

Rota’s score is built around the memorable “Main Title,” often called “The Godfather Waltz,” whose flowing melody gives the film a distinctive Italian-American atmosphere. The music also supports the contrast between family celebration, romantic scenes, and organized violence.

The soundtrack became one of the most recognizable scores in cinema. Rota later received the Academy Award for Best Original Score for The Godfather Part II, which used themes associated with the first film and added new music.

A common mix-up concerns the song “Speak Softly, Love.” Rota composed its music, while Larry Kusik and Carlo Donida are credited with the English lyrics. The film’s soundtrack also includes songs performed by characters, which are separate from the orchestral score.