Pride And Prejudice

Dario Marianelli

Rating: 7.0


With the numerous adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride And Prejudice, for the big screen, it seemed as if there was nothing more to add, and many Austen fans considered the 1995 A&E TV mini-series to be unsurpassable. But with the all-star cast of actors assembled for this production, a new take on the story could be of interest. And with the collaboration of composer Dario Marianelli and acclaimed solo pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, soundtrack collectors were sure to be in for a treat.

In an interview with SoundtrackNet, Marianelli says, "In our very first conversation (with director Joe Wright) we ended up talking about Beethoven early piano sonatas: they became a point of reference, and their spirit (or my understanding of that spirit, at least) became a starting point for the score." He then goes on to talk about the piano pieces written to be played by characters in the movie, which, because of this, needed to be written before the shooting, and how these "contained the seeds of what I developed later on into the score, when I abandoned historical correctness for a more intimate and emotional treatment of the story." It is true that tracks such as "Georgiana" are somewhat in the style of the early Beethoven's sonatas, but on the whole this album is very heavy on the side of the "more intimate and emotional treatment". Certainly classical strains run throughout, with maybe one quarter of the tracks dominated by the style, but on the whole a more romantic melodramatic feel prevails.

"Dawn", "Leaving Netherfield" "The Secret Life Of Daydreams" and "End Credits (Pride & Prejudice)" are all very subdued, usually containing slow moving piano melodies over very homophonic orchestral scoring. The dance music of the time is well represented in "Meryton Townhall", and "Another Dance". "A Postcard To Henry Purcell" also underscores a dancing scene in the movie, but is certainly not a period-correct piece. It begins with a slow, stately solo on the violin, which, though it continues for a long time, contains enough interesting melodic characteristics to be hold attention. But then, while the violin continues, the complete string section begins harmonizing the melody, creating a wonderfully transcendental moment. It is certainly a standout on the album. My personal favorite,"Your Hands Are Cold", is perhaps the most melodramatic of them all. Beginning with a cello melody, the music then moves into the closest that this album gets to "action" music. Ending with soaring piano and orchestra, it is, no matter how over-the-top, very moving.

This album definitely provides an enjoyable listening experience, and the brooding qualities are sufficiently broken up by the dance music so that it is not overbearing. Jean-Yves Thibaudet's performance is very solid. His control and technique show pianistic maturity, while his romantic style fits perfectly. Marianelli's composition is good, and while the orchestrating could be considered "boring", most of the time it's purpose is to underscore the piano, and so should not bring too much attention to itself. Although nothing really great is done, much is done quite will. If you seek a creative and groundbreaking score, look someplace other than the soundtrack for the adaptation of an 18nth century novel. Marianelli understood the material, and scored accordingly. The product is an easily listen-able, tasteful experience, with moments of very powerful emotion.

-Colin Thomson

Track List:

Dawn
Stars And Butterflies
The Living Sculptures Of Pemberly
Meryton Townhall
The Militia Marches In
Georgiana
Arrival To Netherfield
A Postcard To Henry Purcell
Liz On Top Of The World
Leaving Netherfield
Another Dance
The Secret Life Of Daydreams
Darcy's Letter
Can't Slow Down
Your Hands Are Cold
Mrs. Darcy
End Credits (Pride And Prejudice)