John Scott: Petites Coupures (Small Cuts, 2003) / Philharmonia Orchestra

ABOUT THE SCORE: Throughout his lengthy career, composer John Scott's wide berth of scoring assignments has included the occasional arthouse title amidst larger (though not necessarily better) adventure-oriented fare. Easy to miss on his resume, 2003's "Petites Coupures" (Small Cuts) is a fine, understated French drama from director Pascal Bonitzer, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Daniel Auteuil. The story's focus on chamber-like melodrama amidst its small cast (and some well-photographed choice locales in the French countryside) inspired Scott to write an infectiously memorable score that has sadly never been released in any format. Written for flute, oboe/english horn, timpani and a modest string orchestra, the score is carried by variations around two primary themes: a highly intriguing and mischievous title melody (explored in this end title cue with wry Nino Rota-esque attitude) and a gorgeous, hauntingly gossamer love theme (not voiced in this cue) that recalls Michel Legrand's best efforts, or perhaps the more tender aspects of Scott's own "Man on Fire".
Recorded in early 2003 at the Sony Scoring Stage in London with the Philharmonia Orchestra, this terrific effort from a composer better-associated with his music for giant rubber monsters, Shakespearean epics or Jean-Claude Van Damme potboilers demonstrates his highly qualified and astute take on art house scoring, a genre in which I believe the man would thrive if further such opportunities were afforded to him.

[@dineshpandit3878]

Very awesome I loved it ever since I saw the movie 20 years back or so And I was searching for this end credits, only now saw this and listened this soundtrack. Thank you for sharing.

[@avilesbeach]

Beautiful theme.

[@carlosbarrios7369]

Big bang. Exquisita