By Erin V.

The quiet and classical sounds of the score by Alexandre Desplat for The King’s Speech, provide a quality that brilliantly sets the tone for the movie.

With it’s strings and piano accents, I found myself enjoying the mood evoked by the music when viewing the film in theatres.  The main theme of the film, (featured prominently in track 2. ‘The King’s Speech’), is reprised on several tracks in different forms, and is usually played with a very light and gentle feeling, breaking through a hint of optimism.  This being said, there is often a gentle sadness and struggle presented throughout the score.  Repeated themes and notes are often also used to evoke the sense of struggling that it was for the king to speak publicly.

There is a piece later in the score, called ‘The Rehearsal.’  It is played very detached at first, matching the practicing of the speech.  Then towards the end, appropriately, the counterpoint played by the strings in the background get smoother.  Unlike the earlier detached melodies, this whole piece has a much lighter, bouncing feel to it.  More major than minor.

I would say in a way the score definitely does get more tense at times, as the responsibility is laden onto King George VI with the threat of war and leading up to the final speech.  This being said,the main theme does break the mood nicely at times though, and in a way has become more confident as it is recognized.

Also on the CD are two Beethoven classics, listed as tracks 12. Speaking Unto Nations, and 13. Epilogue.  These are respectively his Symphony no. 7 – II, and his Piano Concerto no. 5 “Emperor” – II.  There is also a version of the CD that includes a bonus track which is a selection from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro overture and Clarinet Concerto Mvt 1.

Initially temp tracks that worked too well to switch out, the two Beethoven pieces are a fitting end to the film, and the score.  I believe that besides the impeccable performance by Colin Firth, it is partially because of the Symphony no. 7, that we are held in such rapture through the final several minute long speech.  It is such an appropriate piece for this scene with it’s opening chords playing slightly detached, yet confidently and steadily moving along to a triumph of harmonies.  And what better feeling of successful completion can we get after that, than hearing the “Emperor” concerto (II)?  To me, it perfectly evokes the calmness you feel after finally achieving something of great difficulty, as the anxiety about it drains away.

I can’t wait to see The King’s Speech again, a film that I wholeheartedly believe would deserve to be named Best Picture.  From the music onwards, everything about this film just worked.

In conclusion of this article, this is a gentle and beautiful score to put on in the background.  I think if you enjoy a classical sound, you will like this one.  The entire regular ed. CD for The King’s Speech has 13 tracks and runs for approximately 41 minutes, 21 seconds.

The King’s Speech soundtrack was released on iTunes January 3, 2011 and in stores November 22nd.

To read more about the score for The King’s Speech, you can read my interview with composer Alexandre Desplat, here.