The Cinematic Piano Playlist

In honour of the books we stock here at Piano Traders, we are beginning a series where each month we dedicate a book that we know everyone will love. We kick off this series by reviewing Faber’s brand new book, “The Cinematic Playlist.”

About the Book

The Cinematic Piano Playlist is a beautifully curated collection of 38 songs drawn from the biggest film soundtracks, movies, and video games! When this book first arrived in the shop we got really excited when we read the contents. All pieces are arranged for intermediate piano solos with the occasional tearjerker piece. The Cinematic Playlist offers a fresh take with a contemporary song list in comparison to some of Faber’s previous books. While other books do offer great options, the Cinematic Playlist has a range of fun and dramatic pieces with exciting arrangements.

The song list:

• A Choice from Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture (Jessica Curry)
•  A New Era from Downton Abbey: A New Era (John Lunn)
•  Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII (Nobuo Uematsu)
•  Beautiful Lie from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Hans Zimmer/Junkie XL)
•  Beth’s Story from The Queen’s Gambit (Carlos Rafael Rivera)
•  Catwoman from The Batman (Michael Giacchino)
•  The Ceremony from Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (James Newton Howard)
•  Concerning Hobbits from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Howard Shore)
•  Cornfield Chase from Interstellar (Hans Zimmer)
•  The Departure from The Leftovers (Max Richter)
•  Emma Piano Suite from Emma (Rachel Portman)
•  Doctor Who Theme (Ron Grainer)
•  Evenstar from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Howard Shore)
•  Every 27 Years from IT (Benjamin Wallfisch)
•  Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Main Theme) (Alexandre Desplat)
•  Ezio’s Family from Assassin’s Creed II (Jesper Kyd)
•  Fallen Soldier from Operation Mincemeat (James Morgan)
•  Fresh Paint from Elle (Anne Dudley)
•  Harry and Ginny from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Alexandre Desplat)
•  I Promise from Westworld Season 2 (Ramin Djawadi)
•  The Imperial March Darth Vader’s Theme from Star Wars Episode V The Empire Strikes Back (John Williams)

Additional Songs

•  Innocence from Free The Mind (Jóhann Jóhannsson)
•  The Kingdom of Dreams from The Sandman (David Buckley)
•  Main Title from Chocolat (Rachel Portman)
•  Mia & Sebastian’s Theme from La La Land (Justin Hurwitz)
•  Never Forget from Halo 3 (Martin O’Donnell)
•  New Moon (The Meadow) from Twilight (Alexandre Desplat)
•  Newt Says Goodbye to Tina /Jacob’s Bakery Medley from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) (James Newton Howard)
•  Romantic Flight from How To Train Your Dragon (John Powell)
•  Theme from Superman (John Williams)
•  Sweden from Minecraft) (Daniel Rosenfeld)
•  Swim Piano Hymn from Conversations With Friends (Stephen Rennicks)
•  Table For Two from Nocturnal Animals (Abel Korzeniowski)
•  Time from Inception (Hans Zimmer)
•  Together We Will Live Forever from The Fountain (Clint Mansell)
•  Victor’s Piano Solo from Corpse Bride (Danny Elfman)
•  What Else Do You Love? from The English Patient (Gabriel Yared)
•  Zanarkand from Final Fantasy X (Nobuo Uematsu)

Our Thoughts

One of our personal favourites is the piece “Time” composed by Hans Zimmer from the film Inception. Although originally arranged for orchestra, the arrangement does not sacrifice any of the expression and power of the piece – despite being limited to just piano solo. As a comparison stylistically, a piece that shows off a quirkier side to the list is “Concerning Hobbits” from the film the Lord of The Rings. The piece is an upbeat yet nostalgic classic. Overall, these pieces show a good example of the contrast in what the book’s repertoire has to offer and that’s what makes it so interesting and unique.

Soundtracks from Games

Recently we’ve been getting asked more frequently if we have songs from video games – Minecraft is a particular favourite! This book has got you covered – with over four options from your favourite video games. “C418” from Minecraft’s earliest soundtrack is unmistakable – with an instantly recognisable tune and beautiful flowing chords. Furthermore, it is an especially good challenge for the younger pianists who can connect with what they are playing because they enjoy the games and have mastered the basics of piano.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the “Cinematic Piano Playlist” is our top pick at the moment for all piano players – an amazing collection that will keep you entertained and challenged. Come and have a browse today, take the book over to the piano and have a go! This book is perfect as a gift or for your own collection. It is now in stock in store and online! If this book doesn’t sound like you or you have other queries visit our website or give us a call if you have any questions!