The Piano

How can we forget this film?

The piano is a large romantic fresco which takes place in New Zealand. Jane Campion is the movie director. The film won The Cannes Palme d'or.

It's about a mute pianist and her daughter and the film sits during the 19th century. It features a score for the piano by Michael Nyman which has became a bestselling soundtrack album. Hunter plays her own piano pieces for the film, and also served a sign language teacher for Paquin.

Mickael Nyman succeeded in creating a brilliant composition.

The original score was composed by Michael Nyman and is his twentieth album release. Despite being called a "soundtrack", this is a partial score re-recording, as Nyman himself also performs the piano on the album (whereas the film version is performed by Hunter). The music is performed by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nyman.

The composer managed to write original music that sounds as if if could have been written in the mid-19th century and makes it sound contemporary at the same time. It worked wonderfully with the film and conveyed a sense of passion, fun, tragedy, and romance. The music is a delight to the ears and soulfully touching.

This music pulls you into the movie.

Now, Nyman's interview about his work.