Dario Marianelli's thoughts on the Quartet soundtrack

8 May 2013, 16:12

Working with Dustin Hoffman, re-imagining the music of Verdi, and winning Oscars - we caught up with the film music composer behind the soundtrack to Quartet.

Writing a soundtrack to one of the year's biggest cinema successes so far is a mammoth undertaking on its own. But what about when that film is inextricably linked with the compositional genius that is Verdi, and when it involves working with esteemed actor-turned-director, Dustin Hoffman?

Cue Oscar-winning composer Dario Marianelli. Speaking to Classic FM's Jamie Crick, he explained the inspiration behind the soundtrack to Quartet, in which his music sit happily alongside Verdi's songs as well as drawing on them.

It's not just the connection between the different musical styles that influenced the soundtrack, it's the relationship between composer and director. Dario shed some light on what it's like to work closely with Dustin Hoffman: "He's got a lot more experience than I have in terms of the years that he's been in the business," he said. "I suppose I bring my musical experience, but he's not bad in that respect either: he plays the piano quite well, he's a very sensitive person when it comes to music, so it's a nice collaboration."

Listen to the interview with Dario Marianelli

Quartet is out on DVD and Blu-ray now