Pride & Prejudice [Music from the Motion Picture]

Although I initially expected a much stronger score for the new "Pride & Prejudice", and was a bit surprised by the softer side it seems to take, I do really like the score. Having bought the soundtrack from Amazon UK over a month ago, and having seen two screenings of the new "Pride & Prejudice" film in the last two weeks, I can rightfully say that the music really flows well with the film, and never overpowers it. It circles, entwines, prods, calms and flows: always appropriate and always divine.

The beautiful tracks like "Meryton Townhall" or "Another Dance" where they dance a lively tune, or the aptly named "Militia Marches In" with a nice military feel..."The Secret Life of Daydreams" is beautiful: the wonderfully haunting "Your Hands Are Cold," and "Mrs. Darcy" has a nice build and feel...for those of you who do English Country Dance/Regency Dance like me, you find yourself looking for the tune for "Mr. Beveridge's Maggot" (which is what Elizabeth & Darcy dance to...Read more

I have not a single complaint about this soundtrack, save for the fact that much of the festive ball music is missing. Upon much research, I've discovered that many of them were authentic English Country dance tunes that can probably be found online or off another CD. For those interested, here's a listing:

1. Black Bess - Jane and Mr. Bingley's first dance at the Meryton Townhall and when Elizabeth asks Mr. Darcy if he dances ("Not if I can help it")

2. The Young Widow - Major ensemble dance at the Meryton Townhall while Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley stood watching. Included is when Charlotte was dancing with Mr. Bingley and when Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth.

3. Wakefield Hunt - After Elizabeth tells Mr. Darcy that the way to encourage affection is through dancing, and she turns and walks away.

4. Duke of Gloucester's March - The arrival at the Netherfield ball when Elizabeth is walking through the house looking for Mr...Read more

Just as the new film of "Pride and Prejudice" stands in stark contrast to all previous adaptations, so does its score break away from the mold of all previous Austen-adaptation scores. Oh, yes, there's the familiar trilling piano we've grown to expect, but this score is more along the lines of a Merchant-Ivory film; aching, moody, and transcendent.

Written by Dario Marianelli and performed by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, the brief score only clocks in at forty-two minutes and twenty-two seconds, but that is plenty of time for some great music. From haunting violin work ("A Postcard from Henry Purcell") to the beautiful theme for Lizzy herself ("Liz on Top of the World"), the music is rich and varied. "Arrival at Netherfield" has a jittery sense of excitement, and all the tracks composed for the dances in the film ("Meryton Townhall" and "Another Dance") are lively and joyous, as is "Can't Slow Down". "Your Hands Are Cold" is the true standout, however; sweeping,...Read more