What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of some of the best movies ever made? For many people, the answer would be the unforgettable soundtracks. A good soundtrack can make or break a movie. It can set the mood and create an emotional connection with the viewer. In this article, we will take a look at some of the greatest piano soundtracks of all time!
A great movie soundtrack has the power to transport us to another world, or to invoke powerful emotions. In some cases, a particular piece of music can become synonymous with a film, and can stay with us long after the credits have rolled.
While many factors contribute to a great movie score, the choice of instrumentation is crucial. The piano, in particular, has the ability to convey a wide range of emotions, making it an ideal choice for scoring films.
From the heart-wrenching beauty of “Moonlight Sonata” to the eerie tension of “The Phantom of the Opera,” the piano has the power to create unforgettable cinematic experiences. So next time you watch your favorite film, take a moment to appreciate the music that helps to bring it to life.
There are few things as moving and emotionally powerful as a good movie soundtrack. And while many film scores are orchestrated, there is something special about the simplicity of a piano melody.
Whether it’s driving and energetic or slow and reflective, a good piano piece can stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you’re looking for some beautiful and memorable piano movie soundtracks to add to your repertoire, look no further than the list below.
From well-known classics like “The Godfather” to hidden gems like “Call Me by Your Name,” these pieces are sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment. So sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to another world.
American Beauty from the movie American Beauty
American Beauty is one of those films that stays with you long after you’ve watched it. The story, told through the eyes of suburban everyman Lester Burnham, is by turns heartbreaking and blackly comic, with a twist ending that will leave you reeling.
Thomas Newman’s score perfectly captures the film’s mood, veering from eerie to ironic to sentimental as the needs.
If you’re looking for a movie theme that’s both easy to play and sure to impress your friends, American Beauty is a great choice.
Love Theme from the movie The Godfather
The Godfather is one of the most popular and influential films of all time, and its love theme has become one of the most iconic pieces of music in film history.
Nino Rota’s haunting melody perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of love and loss, making it an essential part of the film’s emotional core.
The theme has been reused in countless other films and TV shows, always evoking the same powerful emotions. It is a true classic, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Rota’s skill as a composer.
Stuff We Did from the movie Up!
Michael Giacchino’s score for Up is one of the most touching and beautifully simplistic scores ever written for a film.
The main theme, “Stuff We Did”, is an absolute stunner of a melody that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
It perfectly encapsulates the emotional journey of the film’s central character, Carl Fredericksen, and his lifelong quest to fulfill his late wife Ellie’s dream of going to Paradise Falls.
Every time I hear this piece, it brings tears to my eyes and gives me goosebumps. It is a truly powerful and moving work of art.
Time from the movie Inception
The soundtrack “Time” from Inception is a work of art. Composer Hans Zimmer uses a solo piano to introduce the main chords of the piece, which are then joined by a full string section.
The result is a sweeping, epic sound that perfectly accompanies the film’s intense action scenes. The music swells and ebbs, creating a sense of tension and release that mirrors the emotional journey of the characters on screen.
Zimmer’s use of leitmotifs also adds to the richness of the score, as certain themes and motifs are associated with specific characters and events.
The Inception soundtrack is truly a masterpiece of modern film scoring, and it remains one of Hans Zimmer’s most iconic works.
Mia&Sebastian’s Theme from the movie La La Land
Composed by Justin Hurwitz, “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme” is a piece of music from the movie La La Land that has received widespread critical acclaim.
The melody is simple yet catchy, and the use of piano and strings gives the track a warm, nostalgic feeling. The song has been praised for its ability to capture the emotional arc of the film’s two main characters, Mia and Sebastian.
In particular, the climactic moment in which Mia and Sebastian finally meet again after being apart for some time is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and emotionally impactful scenes in the entire film.
“Mia & Sebastian’s Theme” perfectly encapsulates the hope and joy of that moment, making it an essential part of the La La Land soundtrack.
Una Mattina from the movie The Intouchables
Written in just three days, Ludovico Einaudi’s “Una Mattina” is one of the most beautiful and evocative piano pieces ever composed.
The simple melody is endlessly repeated, building in intensity as the piece progresses. However, it is the way that Einaudi varies the melody each time it is played that gives the piece its emotional power.
By adding new details and changing the dynamics, he creates a sense of yearning and longing that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
As a result, “Una Mattina” has become one of the most popular piano pieces of all time, with millions of people around the world finding solace and comfort in its simple beauty.
Forrest Gump Suite from the movie Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is one of the most beloved films of all time, and its soundtrack is an essential part of the movie’s success.
Composed by Alan Silvestri, the score is full of heart and emotion, perfectly capturing the spirit of the film. The main theme, “Forrest Gump Suite,” is one of the most recognizable pieces of movie music ever written, and it perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of hope and determination.
In addition to the main theme, Silvestri also wrote a number of other memorable pieces for the film, including “Run Forrest Run,” “Jenny’s Theme,” and “Feather Theme.” Together, these pieces create a truly moving and unforgettable experience.
The Heart Asks Pleasure First from the movie The Piano
Michael Nyman’s “The Heart Asks Pleasure First” is one of the most beautiful and haunting pieces of music ever written.
It has been used to great effect in the film “The Piano”, and its popularity has only grown in the years since. The melody is both simple and complex, melancholic and hopeful, making it one of the most versatile and iconic pieces of music in recent memory.
“The Heart Asks Pleasure First” is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always some light to be found. Thanks to its stunning beauty and emotional power, it is sure to remain one of the most beloved pieces of music for many years to come.
Theme From Schindler’s List from the movie Schindler’s List
John Williams’ “Theme from Schindler’s List” is one of the most iconic and emotionally powerful movie themes of all time.
The poignant violin solo, set against a backdrop of the heartbreaking events of the Holocaust, is guaranteed to bring tears to even the most stoic listener.
The film itself is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever made, and Williams’ score is a huge part of that.
His use of music to heighten the emotional impact of the film is masterful, and “Theme from Schindler’s List” is undoubtedly one of his finest pieces. If you’re looking for a piece that will move your audience to tears, this is it.
Comptine D’un Autre Été : L’Après-Midi from the movie Amélie
Yann Tiersen’s “Comptine D’un Autre Été : L’Après-Midi” from the movie Amélie is an iconic and timeless piece of music.
It is one of the most famous movie soundtracks in film history, and it is also one of the most easy piano scores to learn.
There are many simple tutorials available online which can help any beginner piano player to quickly learn this beautiful piece.
“Comptine D’un Autre Été : L’Après-Midi” is an extremely popular piece of music, and it is sure to impress anyone who hears it played. Any piano player, regardless of skill level, should consider adding this famous soundtrack to their repertoire.
New Moon (The Meadow) from the movie The Twilight Saga
Alexandre Desplat’s score for the film New Moon is simple, beautiful, and emotive. The piano-driven soundtrack takes the listener on a journey of love and loss, highlighting the ups and downs of adolescence.
While the music is reflective of the film’s young adult audience, it has a universality that will resonate with listeners of all ages.
Though primarily piano-based, the score also features delicate strings and occasional electronica, creating a soundscape that is both haunting and hopeful.
Whether you are a fan of the Twilight series or not, Desplat’s New Moon score is sure to touch your heart.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence from the movie Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s beautiful and emotive score for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is one of his most well-known pieces of work.
The soundtrack won the BAFTA award for the Best Film Music in 1983, and it is easy to see why. The signature piano riff is both catchy and emotional, perfectly capturing the mood of the film.
Sakamoto’s use of different musical styles throughout the piece adds variety and interest, making it a true classic of film music.
If you’re a fan of Ryuichi Sakamoto or great film scores in general, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is a must-listen.
Morning Passages from the movie The Hours
Philip Glass is a minimalist composer who has written some of the most beautiful and impressive solo piano pieces.
One of his most well-known works is “Morning Passages”, which was composed for the film The Hours. This piece perfectly reflects Glass’s style, with its repetitious and minimalistic nature.
The music is incredibly beautiful, and it helps to set the tone for the film. Glass is a master of composing solo piano pieces, and “Morning Passages” is one of his best.
Together We Will Live Forever from the movie The Fountain
Clint Mansell’s “Together We Will Live Forever” is a haunting, beautiful piece of music that stirs something deep within the soul.
Capturing the essence of love and loss, hope and despair, it is a perfect accompaniment to the film The Fountain.
Whether listened to on its own or in the context of the movie, this track has the power to move listeners in a way that few other pieces of music can. It is little wonder that it has become one of the most popular film scores of all time.
Whether you are a fan of Mansell’s work or not, “Together We Will Live Forever” is a must-hear piece of music that will stay with you long after the last note fades away.