Cinema

Pianist Alexandre Tharaud’s fascination with film music began in childhood, watching movies on his grandparents’ television. This double album catalogs his love of cinema, with 51 selections penned by 19 different composers. Tharaud’s native France is strongly represented, including Georges Delerue’s haunting “Camille” from *Le Mépris* and Yann Tiersen’s mesmeric waltz “La valse d’Amélie” from *Amélie*. International cinema is also surveyed, with John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Philip Glass among the composers featured. Tharaud’s playing is fastidiously tasteful throughout, with supporting artists Vanessa Paradis, conductor Antonio Pappano, and soprano Sabine Devieilhe adding an additional sprinkling of star quality to this classily curated collection.

Pianist Alexandre Tharaud has offered a praiseworthy variety of recordings, ranging from Bach and Rameau to contemporary music, jazz, and now a double album of film music where he has to strike a balance that will satisfy both listeners looking for a wash of cinematic sentiment and those interested in a wider range of expression.