The Piano

The entire film’s sound is diegetic; it consists merely of a piano playing throughout, with several changes to the piece as the scene evolves.The first change in tone is just after the opening titles finish and it speeds up and adds other notes to the piece, it represents introducing the old man and entering his life story.The second change to the music comes as his deceased wife joins, again other notes are added as she joins in playing with him, this represents that although gone, she is still with him and alive in his memory.He then remembers his service in the war and the piece’s tempo increases as the pace of the film picks up and his friend is shot dead.Once again it slows back down as the his life goes full circle from seeing his self as a child, to his grandson now joining him on the piano.

Sound

The main theme of the film is remembering and celebrating a life. It also runs with the theme of love and togetherness.

Love with his wife who although deceased he still holds close to his heart and clearly misses from the emotion displayed throughout the scene

His friendship with those he fought with is still fresh in his memory even at his age, showing how important those bonds still are to him.

Themes/Messages