Beyond the Screen: Film Works On Piano - Rachel Portman [CD]

'Beyond the Screen: Film Works On Piano' is an album by Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman OBE comprising some of her most cherished film music for solo piano. She refers to the piano as her best friend, adding 'I spend all day with it, most days. I think probably I'm pianistic in my soul'. Hence, piano miniatures are a natural second life for her highly melodic scores. The album comprises various solo piano arrangements based on her well-known soundtracks such as 'Chocolat', 'The Cider House Rules' and 'The Dutchess'. Portman was very selective, however, about which pieces would translate best without an orchestra: 'I wanted them to be pieces that work in their own way, that are satisfying'. 'Beyond the Screen' was recorded in Berlin, with occasional accompaniment by cellist Raphaela Gromes and consists of 20 curated pieces that span Portman's illustrious career, arranged to form an emotional and musical journey. It was also important to Portman that she did everything herself, from arrangement to performance. Portman has been scoring films and television for 40 years and has composed over 100 scores for film, TV and theatre, becoming the first woman to win an Academy Award in the category of Best Musical or Comedy Score in 1996 for 'Emma' and the first woman to receive a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Mini Series, Movie or a Special in 2015 for 'Bessie'.

Track-listing:

1. Piano Suite (From 'The Cider House Rules') - Various Performers
2. Piano Suite (From 'Chocolat') - Various Performers
3. The Pier (From 'Never Let Me Go', Arr. For Piano & Cello) - Various Performers
4. Piano Suite (From 'One Day') - Various Performers
5. Good Night You Kings (From 'The Cider House Rules') - Various Performers
6. Piano Suite (From 'The Duchess') - Various Performers
7. Letter Box (From 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan', Arr. For Piano & Cello) - Various Performers
8. Piano Suite (From 'Girl Rising') - Various Performers
9. Piano Suite (From 'Still Life') - Various Performers
10. Vianne Sets Up Shop (From 'Chocolat', Arr. For Piano & Cello) - Various Performers
11. Piano Suite (From 'Emma') - Various Performers
12. I'd Miss You (From 'Their Finest', Arr. For Piano) - Various Performers
13. Snow Story (From 'Smoke', Arr. For Piano & Cello) - Various Performers
14. Passage of Time (From 'Chocolat', Arr. For 2 Pianos) - Various Performers
15. Frozen Lake (From 'The Frozen Stain', Arr. For Piano & Cello) - Various Performers
16. Piano Suite (From 'Life Is Sweet') - Various Performers
17. Book of Photographs (From 'Still Life', Arr. For Piano) - Various Performers
18. The Last Dinner (From 'Despite the Falling Snow', Arr. For Piano) - Various Performers
19. Piano & Cello Suite (From 'Never Let Me Go') - Various Performers
20. Good Night You Kings (A Calm Version) [from 'The Cider House Rules'] (Bonus Track) - Various Performers