Cyrano (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the soundtrack to the 2021 film of the same name directed by Joe Wright, starring Peter Dinklage as the titular Cyrano de Bergerac. The film is scored by Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner, who also contributed the film's original songs performed by the cast and written by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser. The London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames and Dessner and Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, performed the score. The soundtrack, released by Decca Records on December 10, 2021, preceded with two singles: "Someone To Say" and "Somebody Desperate".
| Cyrano (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Soundtrack album / cast recording by Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner and the cast of Cyrano | ||||
| Released | December 10, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2018–2021 | |||
| Studio | Abbey Road Studios, London | |||
| Genre | Film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 78:00 | |||
| Label | Decca | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Aaron Dessner chronology | ||||
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| Bryce Dessner chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Cyrano (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | ||||
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Background
editErica Schmidt, Dinklage's wife directed the theatrical adaptation of 1897 Edmond Rostand play Cyrano de Bergerac in 2018. When plans for a film adaptation happened with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer acquiring the play's rights in August 2020, Schmidt wanted to collaborate with The National's Aaron and Bryce Dessner for the score as she had been a big fan of the band and while stating it her in a letter to songwriter Matt Berninger, Bryce happened to read the play earlier at her house upstate in New York, where he had given few sketches of the band's unfinished music and Schmidt sent her a playlist of the songs used in the background.[1][2] In an interview to Billboard in 2021, Bryce described about the contemporary adaptation where the songs "replace the letters and long monologues of 19th century poetry, which are so classic but for a modern audience it makes a lot of sense". Though they were not anticipated on writing musicals, and having no idea about it, both had an interest on how musicals are being adapted, hence they also took positions as songwriters with Berninger and Carin Besser.[3][4]
The recording process fragmented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where both the brothers (living in France and New York separately) had to virtually communicate through Zoom to supervise the score (also for C'mon C'mon). Bryce joined with Robert Ames to conduct the sessions performed by London Contemporary Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, and Víkingur Ólafsson recorded piano solos in Iceland. With COVID-19 restrictions eased at parts of Europe in September, Bryce went to Sicily (where the film was shot) to supervise the cast rehearsals onset for three weeks and recorded most of the score there. Bryce described the musical process as "Before they shot every scene the music was discussed, and they shot around the music – it’s woven in at a much, much deeper level than we’re used to".[1][5]
For the songs originally written for the stage play, Beringer and Besser reworked the tunes around four years, with Aaron claiming that the music evolved within the stage productions and the film version was elevated with Joe's work on developing further with Erica and focusing what he wanted to achieve. All the vocals and instrumentation were recorded live.[1][6] Schmidt felt the song lyrics were not intended to be propulsive, rather than being intimate and reflective, saying "It was actually what poetry is, that kind of window into the soul. As opposed to composing for the audience, or showing off, [the music was] much more soulful."[3]
Release
editCyrano's soundtrack was announced on October 6, 2021, which had 27 tracks (including both the original music and score).[7] It was set for release on December 10, 2021 by Decca Records, three weeks before the originally slated release date at United Kingdom.[8][9] The first single from the album, "Someone To Say" released on October 8,[10] and the second track, "Somebody Desparade" released on December 3.[11][12] The soundtrack was released exclusively at 180-gram double vinyl, through Target Corporation on April 1, 2022.[13]
Track listing
editAll lyrics are written by Matt Berninger and Carin Besser; all music is composed by Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner
| No. | Title | Performer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" | 0:37 | |
| 2. | "Opening" |
| 1:58 |
| 3. | "Someone To Say" |
| 4:21 |
| 4. | "When I Was Born" |
| 2:04 |
| 5. | "Dying" |
| 1:09 |
| 6. | "Madly" |
| 3:27 |
| 7. | "Ten Men Fight" | 1:44 | |
| 8. | "Your Name" |
| 3:12 |
| 9. | "Garrison Arrival" |
| 1:06 |
| 10. | "Not A Toy" |
| 1:56 |
| 11. | "Someone To Say (Reprise)" |
| 2:51 |
| 12. | "Every Letter (Radio Edit)" |
| 3:13 |
| 13. | "I Love You" |
| 3:23 |
| 14. | "I Need More (Radio Edit)" |
| 2:52 |
| 15. | "Overcome" |
| 4:26 |
| 16. | "The Kiss" |
| 1:37 |
| 17. | "Marry Christian" |
| 2:46 |
| 18. | "What I Deserve" |
| 2:52 |
| 19. | "Saying Goodbye" |
| 1:44 |
| 20. | "Close My Eyes" |
| 4:03 |
| 21. | "Wherever I Fall - Part 1" |
| 6:08 |
| 22. | "Wherever I Fall - Part 2" |
| 6:01 |
| 23. | "He Will Be Here" |
| 3:39 |
| 24. | "Cyrano's Message" |
| 1:29 |
| 25. | "No Cyrano" |
| 4:11 |
| 26. | "Somebody Desperate" | 3:55 | |
| 27. | "Saying Goodbye (Piano Solo)" |
| 1:26 |
| Total length: | 1:18:00 | ||
Reception
editJustin Velucci of Spectrum Culture wrote "As composers, the Dessners make beautiful and romantic music, but it’s really on Berninger and Erica Schmidt, who wrote the book for the stage production, to steal the day and carry the weight of making this thing sing."[15] Peter Debruge of Variety opined that the "lovely, wistful pop ballads restores the show’s sense of poetry".[16] Tim Grierson of Screen International complimented that the film "is especially aided by the original musical’s songs [...] For fans of the group’s guarded romanticism, Cyrano gives their music a bolder canvas".[17] Stephen Farber of The Hollywood Reporter felt that the music "never overwhelm the humor or the drama" with some of the songs were "likeable" and some being "forgettable".[18] Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood wrote "The score beautifully complements the story without ever overpowering it, and there are several highlights from a cast with real musical chops, as it turns out. Standouts include the stunning battlefield anthem 'Wherever I Fall', 'Close My Eyes' and an original for the film called 'Every Letter', but this is one score where each number has a purpose in moving the story along to a final act that is bittersweet, moving and quietly powerful in its sheer humanity and love."[19]
Charts
edit| Chart (2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[20] | 66 |
| UK Soundtrack Albums (OCC)[21] | 7 |
Accolades
edit| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Film Critics Society | December 6, 2021 | Best Use of Music | Cyrano | Nominated | [22] |
| Hollywood Critics Association | February 28, 2022 | Best Original Song | Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Matt Berninger, Carin Besser, Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr. — ("Every Letter") | Nominated | [23] |
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | November 17, 2021 | Original Song — Feature Film | Nominated | [24] | |
| Original Song – Onscreen Performance | Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Matt Berninger, Carin Besser, Glen Hansard, Sam Amidon, Scott Folan — ("Whenever I Fall") | Nominated | |||
| Houston Film Critics Society Awards | January 19, 2022 | Best Original Song | Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Matt Berninger, Carin Besser, Glen Hansard, Sam Amidon, Scott Folan — ("Whenever I Fall") | Won | [25] [26] |
| Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association | December 6, 2021 | Best Score | Aaron and Bryce Dessner | Nominated | [27] |
References
edit- ^ a b c Richards, Will (October 7, 2021). "Aaron and Bryce Dessner on their 'Cyrano' film soundtrack: "They're National songs in a way, and have an intimate feeling"". NME. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Welk, Brian (December 8, 2021). "How The National Got Cyrano Star Peter Dinklage to Stop Singing Like Matt Berninger". TheWrap. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (December 8, 2021). "How 'Cyrano' Scribe Erica Schmidt And Composers Aaron & Bryce Dessner Adapted Edmond Rostand Play As Musical For Stage, Then For Screen – The Process". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Havens, Lyndsey (November 19, 2021). "How Scoring Two Oscar Contenders Helped The Dessner Twins Stay Close In the Pandemic". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Rosen, Christopher (November 21, 2021). "'Cyrano' composers Aaron and Bryce Dessner on the long road to the Joe Wright musical [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW]". GoldDerby. Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Coates, Tyler (December 7, 2021). "'Cyrano' Writer Erica Schmidt Reveals One Thing Nixed From Original Play for Musical". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Richards, Will (October 6, 2021). "The National's Aaron and Bryce Dessner announce 'Cyrano' soundtrack". NME. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "The National's Aaron and Bryce Dessner Announce Soundtrack for Peter Dinklage–Starring Musical Film Cyrano". Pitchfork. October 6, 2021. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Kelly, Sharon (October 6, 2021). "'Cyrano' Soundtrack By The National's Bryce & Aaron Dessner Announced". uDiscover Music. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Pearis, Bill (October 8, 2021). "The National share 'Cyrano' musical song "Someone to Say"". BrooklynVegan. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (December 3, 2021). "The National Confront Insecurities on New Song 'Somebody Desperate'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "Listen to the National's New Song "Somebody Desperate"". Pitchfork. December 3, 2021. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "Bryce Dessner/Aaron Dessner/Cast of Cyrano – Cyrano (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2 LP) (Vinyl)". Target Corporation. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "Cyrano (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner & cast of Cyrano on Apple Music". December 10, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2022 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Aaron and Bryce Dessner – Cyrano: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Spectrum Culture. December 10, 2021. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Debruge, Peter (September 4, 2021). "'Cyrano' Review: A Dashing Peter Dinklage Offers a Fresh Spin on a Romantic Classic". Variety. Archived from the original on October 6, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Grierson, Tim (September 20, 2021). "'Cyrano': Review". Screen. Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Farber, Stephen (September 8, 2021). "Peter Dinklage and Haley Bennett in 'Cyrano': Film Review | Telluride 2021". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (September 3, 2021). "'Cyrano' Telluride Film Festival Review: Peter Dinklage Gives A Fresh Voice To Classic Lovestruck Role In MGM's Return To Musical Glory". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100 - 4 to 10 March". Official Charts Company. March 4, 2022. Archived from the original on March 5, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "Official Soundtrack Albums Chart Top 50 - 4 to 10 March". Official Charts Company. March 4, 2022. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
- ^ "Detroit Film Critics Society Announces 2021 Nominations". Detroit Film Critics Society. December 3, 2021. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
- ^ Meltzer, Lee (December 2, 2021). "Dune, CODA, and Belfast Lead the 5th Annual HCA Film Awards Nominations". Hollywood Critics Association. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
- ^ Grein, Paul (November 4, 2021). "Ariana Grande, Beyonce & More Vie for Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Complete Film Nominations List". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 9, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
- ^ Darling, Cary (January 3, 2022). "The Power of the Dog Takes a Bite out of Houston Film Critics Society's Nominations". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 3, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
- ^ Darling, Cary (January 19, 2022). "Power of the Dog Named Best Film of 2021 by Houston Film Critics". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on February 20, 2022. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
- ^ "2021 WAFCA Award Winners – The Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA)". Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2022.