The film scores we listen to again and again

I often feel intimidated and out of my depth when it comes to classical music, until I realise I actually listen to it all the time in the form of film scores. There is such beautiful, interesting, creative classical work happening in the world of soundtracks and scores.

Additionally, while we love a family disco (no one can escape Golden's catchy vice grip), I really find these albums and playlists create a lovely chilled vibe that supports deep, open-ended play.

Here are some we have on loop. 

Family film scores we love

• Everything René Aubry has done for the BBC’s Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptations is beautiful, but Snail and the Whale is a consistent favourite. (We recently enjoyed The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child with a live orchestra at The National Concert Hall and it was magic).
• The Little Prince by Hans Zimmer and Richard Harvey is absolutely gorgeous, but I'm particularly obsessed with Equation featuring Camille.
• Joe Hisaishi scores for two of our favourite Studio Ghibli films Kiki's Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro are beautifully bright and mellow listens.

• Rug Island by Bluey. Definitely a bit more upbeat but lots of gorgeous tracks here. We listen to most Bluey albums on rotation (and you can even get some on vinyl!)
• Little Women (2019) by Alexandre Desplat is on in the background a lot – there's a lovely bright energy to it.

What I listen to while I work/clean/cook/potter

• Jamie Beck's gorgeous Provence Work Music playlist, which contains tracks from lots of beautiful film scores, has been on repeat for years.
• Little Women (1995) by Thomas Newman. Such gorgeous, cosy vibes. My go-to in winter!
• Chef. A perfect accompaniment for cooking (and eating). Alas, the soundtrack itself is very gappy now, as I think the rights expired on lots of the tracks, but people have kindly created playlist versions (Qobuz/Spotify) that work a treat.
• The Social Network by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is still what I stick on for headphones on, head down focus time.

Four beautiful family playlists

These aren't film scores, but the Beautiful Childhood playlists by Eloise Rickman (spring / summer / autumn / winter) are ones we listen to every season, and have been listening to for year – they are the soundtrack to snack time and sensory play.