Legendary composer, arranger, and pianist Jorge Calandrelli died on Monday at the age of 86. No cause of death has been revealed. The six-time Grammy winner, and 28-time nominee had worked with the who's who of the music business throughout his long career including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Yo-Yo Ma, Tony Bennett, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and John Legend.

Friend and collaborator, Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, confirmed the news in a lengthy Facebook post in which he paid tribute to the Argentinian star. "Today I receive with deep sadness the news of the passing of my dear friend Jorge Calandrelli. An extraordinary musician and a human being of immense quality is leaving us," he wrote. "I had the pleasure and honor to collaborate with him on many projects and I always admired not only his talent, but also his elegance, his integrity, his humility and such a special way to magnify music without ever losing sensitivity," he continued before reflecting on their collaborations.

He ended his message: "Personally, I will always be grateful for your friendship, your generosity, your respect, and everything I learned alongside you. Beyond the immense musician, Jorge was a gentleman, a noble human being, one of those who leave a mark not only on music, but also on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

"My deepest condolences to his family, his friends, his colleagues and his fans worldwide. Music loses a giant, but his legacy will live on forever in every note he wrote, every arrangement he elevated, and every emotion he managed to convey. Rest in peace, dear George. I will deeply miss you."

He enjoyed a long and fruitful collaboration with Barbra Streisand arranging and conducting on eight of her albums, including A Love Like Ours, Timeless: Live in Concert, The Christmas Collection and Walls. He was also credited on four Celine Dion albums, including A New Day Has Come and One Heart.

Alongside his work with popular artists Jorge was also an acclaimed film composer and was twice nominated for an Oscar for his work on The Color Purple and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Tributes flooded in for the star as friends and fans learnt the news of his death. "Received the incredibly sad news this morning that our music world has lost a giant. Arranger, composer, and producer, Maestrissimo Jorge Calandrelli. I fell in love with Jorge's writing when I heard a que that he had written for a scene in 'The Color Purple' he called 'The Separation"' It remains the most profoundly sad piece of music I've ever heard and it's depth is a demonstrative window into Jorge's genius and humanity.
We shall miss you more than words can say..." one penned on Facebook.

"My dear friend (Maestro ) Jorge Calandrelli has passed...His life's work is legendary all over the world. My sincere condolences to Marcia, his wife and all that may have known him or had to opportunity to work with this wonderful and talented man. A toast to you Jorge Calandrelli-as you are and will certainly be missed not only by me, but by the millions of people whose lives you touched and inspired throughout your lifetime," another added.

A third chimed in: "Today I received the very sad news of the passing of Maestro Jorge Calandrelli... and my heart is truly heavy...The love in his eyes and in his voice every time he spoke about his beloved wife Marcia. Today, my heart goes especially to her. Rest in peace, dear Jorge, It was an honor to meet you, to learn from you, and to work with you."

Meanwhile a fourth shared: "Heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend, the incomparable Jorge Calandrelli
A true master arranger, composer, and producer. Jorge helped shape some of the most beautiful music of the last decades... I was blessed to call him a friend...My deepest condolences to his beloved wife Marcia and family."