Nicola Piovani

Item: Pinocchio
Author: Marie Asner

Pinocchio

(2002)

Reviewed by Marie Asner

Discogs YouTube

Label Virgin RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

classical world

Actor Roberto Benigni (Life Is Beautiful) decided his next film venture would be a remake of the classic children's story, "Pinocchio." Benigni plays the title character and his real life wife, actress Nicoletta Braschi, is cast as the Blue Fairy. The story is centered on the puppet, Pinocchio, who longs to be a real boy and goes through countless adventures to try to achieve this goal.

Composer Nicola Piovani has designed a score that includes a circus-atmosphere, plus themes for Pinocchio and the Blue Fairy. Pinocchio's theme, brought in by various instruments, including the accordion, has a bounce to it. One can visualize the puppet walking to this music with the antics of a child, especially when the baritone has a section.

The Blue Fairy, on the other hand, is identified by harp and flute with a lush sound. One can almost see wings overhead in the breeze. The Blue Fairy theme comes in at the beginning of the soundtrack, track ten: "The Fairy's Kiss," and at the end when composer Piovani plays the melody on piano.

Other characters that Pinocchio meets on his travels include a cat and fox, recognizable by the xylophone and other percussion instruments. Once again, the baritone horn is used for comedy and you can tell where the pratfalls are. The character Lucignolo has solo accordion in a minor key so you can tell that this person better be wary of life.

When Pinocchio comes to Funforeverland, the trumpet and glockenspiel play for a circus mode again and the "Finale" brings the themes together for the end performance. This CD isn't finished, though, without Roberto Benigni singing "Pinocchio's Song;" Mr. Benigni should not give up his day job.

As a soundtrack, Pinocchio is a light-hearted CD, well scored by a talented craftsman. This film is one of the highest rated films in Italy now; unfortunately, it is not doing well at the box office in the United States.

2.5 tocks