The Magnificent Seven theme was composed by Elmer Bernstein for the 1960 Western film of the same name, directed by John Sturges. Its galloping brass melody became one of the most recognisable pieces of film music, long outlasting the movie itself through television, trailers and later westerns. The theme has since become shorthand for heroism, teamwork and a dramatic arrival, which explains its continued use in edits, parodies and sports broadcasts. Even listeners who have never seen the film often recognise the tune instantly from popular culture.