[M4] A Perfect Ending

Beyond the Final Line (Original Soundtrack)
M4 A Perfect Ending
LINER NOTES
A broad statement of the Reconciliation Theme in Strings, Horns, and Clarinets calls out after Nancy as Mark tries to comfort her; but his attempt is futile, and as the characters do not find reconciliation, so does the music lose itself into thin and aimless wanderings around the I-iv alternation in high strings. Only once Ben speaks does the orchestra find itself again, and under his assertion that ‘not every poem gets that perfect ending’, we hear the Truth Theme in its grandest rendition, in full orchestra. But Nancy is not swayed, and the theme falls apart as she rushes off, dissolving into its darkest statement, in solo Clarinet, over a foreboding drone in Low Strings, Harp, Piano, and Tubular Bells. Finally, Ben realizes what needs to be said, and as his attitude changes, so does the music. A noble progression in Horns and Trombones-the only significant deviation from the scores I-iv scheme-accompanies him as he takes a seat next to Nancy. An old friend returns, the Nylon Guitar, spelling out the final rendition of the Reconciliation Theme. With the characters’ conflict resolving, the theme, too, receives its resolution, in the form of a simple chord progression suggesting the cadence of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s ‘Let it Be’ as Ben completes the sonnet with Beatles lyrics.
ALTERNATES
In the film, this cue fades out just before the first statement of the Truth Theme.
‘Beyond the Final Line’
Directed by Luigi Cogliani
Written by Alice Pafumi
Produced by Mohana Soman, Luigi Cogliani, and Anna Eadie
Starring Anna Eadie and Ben Lonergan
Original soundtrack composed and orchestrated by Michael M. Goessler
Sequenced in Dorico using EastWest Hollywood Orchestra (Opus Edition)
Additional instruments from EastWest Pianos, VSL Kontakt Orchestra, and NI/Drumasonic Session Guitarist - Picked Nylon
©℗ 2024 by Michael M. Goessler