The Pianist

Label: Sony Classical
Released: 2011
Barcode: 5099708773922
Country: Europe
Product Type: CD (Pre-owned)
Score or Soundtrack: Score
Composer: Wojciech Kilar

"The Pianist" is a 2002 biographical war drama film directed by Roman Polanski, based on the autobiography of Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman. The film stars Adrien Brody as Szpilman, who survives the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  

The narrative follows his harrowing experiences as he evades capture by the Nazis, enduring starvation, isolation, and the horrors of the Holocaust. Polanski’s direction, combined with Brody’s poignant performance, brings to life the brutal reality of war while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. "The Pianist" received critical acclaim and won several awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Brody.

The soundtrack of "The Pianist" is a profound and emotive collection of classical music, primarily featuring compositions by Frédéric Chopin, whose pieces play a crucial role in the film's narrative. The music, performed by Polish pianist Janusz Olejniczak, includes some of Chopin’s most beautiful and haunting works, such as the "Nocturne in C-sharp minor," "Ballade No. 1 in G minor," and "Grande Polonaise brillante in E-flat major."

The soundtrack not only underscores the emotional depth and poignancy of Szpilman's story but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of music amidst the darkest of times. The carefully chosen pieces reflect the protagonist’s internal world and the cultural loss experienced during the Holocaust, making the soundtrack an integral part of the film's powerful impact.

Track Listing

Grande Polonaise for Piano and Orchestra (preceded by an Andante Spianato), Op. 22
Frédéric Chopin

Nocturne in C-sharp minor (1830)
Frédéric Chopin

Nocturne in E minor, Op. 72, No. 1
Frédéric Chopin

Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48, No. 1
Frédéric Chopin

Ballade No. 2 in F Major, Op. 38
Frédéric Chopin

Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
Frédéric Chopin

Waltz in A minor, Op. 34, No. 2
Frédéric Chopin

Prélude in E minor, Op. 28, No. 4
Frédéric Chopin

Andante spianato in G Major. Tranquillo
Frédéric Chopin

Grande Polonaise in E-flat Major. Molto allegro
Frédéric Chopin

Moving to the Ghetto Oct. 31, 1940
Wojciech Kilar

Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17, No. 4
Frédéric Chopin

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