A compilation of film music played on the piano / that I want to play on the piano
Music is essential to films, whether it heightens a scene with a poignant melody or builds excitement for what comes next with a bright tune.
Many film scores feature the piano, whose beautiful timbre adds rich color to the cinematic experience.
In this article, we’ll introduce film music performed on the piano, as well as popular movie pieces that will make you want to play them on the piano yourself.
Revisit your favorite movie memories by listening to the music, try playing it on the piano, and enjoy film music in a variety of ways.
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A collection of film music played on—or I want to play on—the piano (11–20)
Theme of Love
When it comes to the music from the 1988 film “Cinema Paradiso,” most people think of the main theme, but equally beloved is the “Love Theme,” which plays when the protagonist falls in love.
The composer is the Italian maestro Ennio Morricone.
In the original piece, various orchestral instruments take turns carrying the melody, expressing the protagonist’s heartrending emotions.
The poignantly sorrowful melody pairs perfectly with the sound of the piano, so be sure to practice it and make it your own!
Star Wars Main TitleJohn Williams
Among the works by the master of film music, composer John Williams, the biggest hit is probably “Star Wars Main Title.” It’s the theme from George Lucas’s blockbuster film Star Wars, a famous piece that everyone knows.
The original is performed by a grand orchestra, and just listening to it is exhilarating.
To play it on piano, you’ll need techniques and expressiveness to convey power and flair.
It’s quite a difficult piece, but do practice and try to master it!
Around the World
Around the World is the theme song used in the film Around the World in 80 Days, which won five awards including Best Picture at the 29th Academy Awards.
Composed by American composer Victor Young, its elegant, dignified style is the perfect sound for a journey around the globe.
It’s often used in travel-related TV programs and commercials, so even if you haven’t seen the movie, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the song.
It also sounds wonderfully luxurious on the piano, so give it a try!
Over the Rainbow
“Over the Rainbow” is the song Judy Garland, who played the protagonist Dorothy, sang in the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz.
Coinciding with the film’s success, “Over the Rainbow” also became a major hit and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939.
It has been covered by countless artists and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Known as a jazz standard, it’s a piece you can stylishly enjoy performing in a jazz piano style.
Hedwig’s ThemeJohn Williams
When the novels in British author J.K.
Rowling’s Harry Potter series were adapted into films, the piece selected as the theme was Hedwig’s Theme.
The composer was John Williams, known for works such as Star Wars, E.T., and Jurassic Park.
Its eerie, mysterious melody perfectly matches the magical world depicted in the story.
Let’s make good use of the piano’s upper register to vividly express the world of Harry Potter!
Beauty and the BeastAlan Menken
The theme song of Disney’s animated film Beauty and the Beast—nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, a first in the history of animated films—is “Beauty and the Beast.” It was released as a single in 1991 as a duet by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson.
“Beauty and the Beast” became a worldwide hit, and in 1992 it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
It’s a duet with beautiful harmonies, so it’s a piece where you’ll want to bring out those rich harmonies when playing it on the piano as well.
Collection of Film Music to Play on Piano / That I Want to Play on Piano (21–30)
Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline
Composed by Leigh Harline as the theme song for Disney’s 1940 film Pinocchio, this piece celebrates the precious belief in dreams through its simple motif of wishing upon a star shining in the night sky.
Its universal message—that anyone can cherish any wish—resonates with children and adults alike, and it has long been beloved as a jazz standard.
It won Best Original Song at the 13th Academy Awards and ranked seventh on the AFI list of the 100 greatest songs in film history, shining brightly in the annals of film music.
With its gently ascending melody and sophisticated harmonies, played softly on the piano it creates a magical atmosphere perfect for a starry Christmas night.
It’s also an ideal choice for moments spent playing at home with family, or for leading listeners into a dreamlike world at a party.