When watching a movie, there is always a specific song in the movie that stands out. Sometimes it appears for a split second and sometimes it is repeated throughout the entire movie. Piano songs in movies are usually that most memorable because they attach a sort of feeling to the movie based on musical notes and not words. Below is a list of 10 famous piano songs in movies.
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“Bella’s Lullaby” from Twilight
For any teen or tween girl or boy that grew up during the Twilight Saga phase they will certainly remember this piano piece. This stunning piece of music was made famous when the main character, Edward Cullen (portrayed by Robert Pattinson) played this song on the piano. The movie version of Bella’s Lullaby was really played by actor, Robert Pattinson as opposed to the Carter Burwell version. Click here to listen to Bella’s Lullaby.
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Epilogue from La La Land by Justin Hurwitz
Even though La La Land did not win an Oscar for Best Picture, it did win Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures for both Original Song and Original Score. The amazing piano piece from the Epilogue of La La Land intrigues the audience to listen to a vibrant piece of music. The A major is played very slowly and freely throughout the beginning of the piano solo.
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Piano Theme Song from Forest Gump
“Life’s like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get” unless you are watching Forest Gump. This amazing movie starring Tom Hanks has touched hearts around the world. The added touch of a peaceful and contrasting piano song has helped draw in a larger audience to watch this classic movie.
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“City of Stars” from La La Land
So, La La Land makes it on this list twice because the movie is jam-packed with amazing musical talent. There are two versions of City of Stars including a duet with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and a piano version. The latter is much more romantic and captures the attention of people with its simplicity. You can almost hear the “La La La La” of the City of Stars piano version while reading this. Click here to listen to City of Stars.
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Theme for Jaws (Piano Solo) by John Williams
When this movie was presented in theaters in 1975, composer John Williams probably didn’t think his piano solo would be the highlight of the movie. Well, maybe his piano solo wasn’t the highlight by it sure kept people in suspense throughout the movie. As a kid, there is no doubt that you played a trick on someone at the beach by humming “Da Na Na Na” in the water to scare them. The slow start of this piano solo intrigues the audience into the world of Jaws. The Middle C and B sequence is just perfect for this original score.
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“Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This iconic film starring Audrey Hepburn has been capturing the hearts of people for many years. Although the song Moon River includes lyrics and guitar, it is the piano solo within this song that makes it worth listening to. Composer, Henry Mancini created a classic arrangement of musical notes including falling quavers.
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“Clair De Lune” from Ocean’s 11 and Ocean’s 13
This piano song is famously known for appearing in the musical backgrounds for Ocean’s 11 and 13. However, this piano song has also made appearances in several movies including but not limited to: Atonement, Frankie and Johnny, Schindler’s List and Twilight. The softness of the musical notes originally written by Claude Debussy creates a dream like atmosphere to help engage the audience into the movie. Click here to listen to Clair De Lune.
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Main Theme from Cinema Paradiso
This original film score composed by Ennio Morricone was recorded in 1988 and helped introduce the opening to the famous Cinema Paradiso. The original Bb Major is the leading musical note in this theme song. This piano solo is simple but includes a rubato that has captured the ears and hearts of listeners around the world.
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Beauty and the Beast (Live Action 2017) (Piano Solo)
Alan Menken has been composing and producing musical scores for Disney films for many years. It is no shock that he was able to compose an amazing piano solo for the live action version of Beauty and the Beast. Throughout the film there are over 13 different piano solos for songs including: “Something There” and “Be Our Guest”. The entire movie soundtrack is on this list because it was difficult to choose only one song for having the best piano solo.
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“A Thousand Years” from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2
The Twilight Saga movies had an abundant number of musical scores throughout its franchise by none more popular that the piano version of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. The original music included C Major as the main musical note and it is apparent throughout the piano song. This piano song is very recognizable and comforting for people to listen to. Click here to listen to A Thousand Years.