Three time Grammy-nominated composer Joel Goldsmith passed away at the age of 54 on Sunday, April 29, from cancer. The composer was prolific, having written the music not only for over 330 episodes of the Stargate franchise, from the original series through SGU: Stargate Universe, but the music for several other TV series, TV movies, films, and the video games including Call of Duty 3. He also co-wrote with his father, famed Star Trek: The Next Generation composer Jerry Goldsmith, including their work together on Star Trek: First Contact.

Stargate Atlantis star Michael Shanks tweeted “Joel Goldsmith. Words cannot describe. Rest easy friend. See you on the other side…xxoo” while David Hewlett tweeted “So sad to hear about Joel Goldsmith. His music made our adventures through the Stargates truly magnificent!” and SGU‘s Lou Diamond Phillips tweeted “RIP Joel Goldsmith. His music will never be silenced. His work for #SGU was atmospheric, epic and emotional. A true artist.”

His work is his most eloquent epitaph; below are just two of so very many examples. First is the theme song from SGU: Stargate Universe, followed by the closing credits from Sanctuary, Season 2, the music that Amanda Tapping has said always makes her feel like dancing.

Joel Goldsmith – Countdown to Destiny
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y7mL2OzJEE[/youtube]

Joel Goldsmith – Symphony for a Strange World
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlNXWh00UNk&hd=1[/youtube]

On behalf of the writers and Mob of readers here at SciFiMafia, our hearts go out to Joel Goldsmith’s family, friends and fans. His beautiful, stirring work will continue to draw new fans for generations to come.