Simple yet lovely
Dario Marianelli does a fabulous job of capturing the three eras of music that this film's setting finds itself surrounded by: Late Baroque (1700-1750), Enlightenment Era (1790-1800), and Classical Era (sometimes considered 1750-1820, sometimes 1800-1850). He also slips in some allusions to the nearing Romantic Era (1815-1910) with his Robert Schuman-like piano compositions, such as appears in the main theme. The dances borrow heavily from Henry Purcell (hence the track entitled "A Postcard to Henry Purcell"). And, of course, what musician could call himself a musician without putting some Bach influence in his music? (Theoretically, it's impossible not to, since apparently every musician since Bach is influenced by Bach whether or not he likes it!)

Jean-Yves Thibaudet plays with such elegance and grace, the soundtrack makes me wish my own inexperienced piano-playing could sound less like plunking and more like music - since he is one of the great pianists of today, who defines what "music" is when it comes to piano. Lovely.

Dario Marianelli usually writes quite dissonant, passionate music, so this album is a little out of the ordinary with its rare "tragic" episodes - yet is always a little curious and nostalgic even, if only for all of those famous composers he includes in his writing. Although the mood is entirely different than what I am accustomed to him writing, it is unmistakenly Dario Marianelli. That is evident of a great composer, and his versatility will surely serve him well in the years to come.

A personality of its own
I was slightly shocked when I read Amazon.com's review of this. "A monochromatic beige"? I think not. I have bought numerous other soundtracks in the past, hoping to love it as much as the movie it provided a background for; I have been, therefore, unhappily surprised when I couldn't even remember hearing the pieces from the soundtrack from the movie. This is what, to me, defines "failing to acquire a personality of its own." However, this soundtrack, I feel, is so integral to the beautiful spirit of the movie itself, one cannot help but be drawn back into the movie when they listen to it. I think it would be safe to say, though I am certainly not trying to put down any other part of this wholly fantastic movie, that the soundtrack made this movie what it was. It made the whole movie for me.

Love the music - wish there were more
I absolutely loved the music from the film, and I hardly ever buy soundtracks, but I had to have this one. The music seems too short, not that they cut any of the songs, but they are so good you wish there was more of it. It would have been nice to have all the music of the film on the track - you are just getting the original music made specifically for this film. The authentic music of the time (such as Mr. Belvedere's Maggot), most of what they dance to in the movie, are not included.

Awestruck
I love Jane Austen and this portrayal is packed with beautiful scenery and people, but after listening to the soundtrack I realized that's what I loved so much about the movie. Unlike so many soundtracks out there, this work really stands alone, taking on a life beyond the movie. I've bought it as a gift for anyone who loves beautiful music and I rate it as my favorite album of the year!

One of the best soundtracks
I was completely captivated with this soundtrack. The piano music was superb and dance numbers utterly delightful. Each time I listen and close my eyes I feel completely transported. With all due respect to the editorial review...I must ardently disagree with the description "monochromatic beige." It might seem that way if your sensibilities tend toward the overstimulation of the senses but there is such beauty found in the simplest melodies ("Dawn") and soaring polyphonies. I could not ask for anything better.