Program Note

My Encounter with Film Music

When my wife and I first began dating, she, a cinephile, introduced me to the original soundtrack of *Cinema Paradiso*. The “Love Theme” made me fall in love with Ennio Morricone’s music. That was when I first became fascinated by film music. Until then, I had been a devoted fan of jazz and rock.

At the time, we hadn’t been dating long, and she was preparing to move to the United States with her family. The only source of comfort in her absence was Morricone’s music. His melodies made me cry, but also gently comforted me. I could relate to Alfredo, who missed Toto from afar and wished only the best for his young friend.

To my surprise, I now realize that much of my own film music is rooted in the emotions I felt during that time. Perhaps the deep impression left by *Cinema Paradiso* became the wellspring of my musical sensibilities. If my compositions seem lyrical, melodious, sorrowful, or nostalgic, it’s because of the comfort and healing I found in Morricone’s music.
(CHO Sung-woo)

Director

• 
  • Giuseppe Tornatore
  • Born in Italy in 1956. He made his directorial debut with *The Minority of Sicily* (1985) and gained international acclaim with *Cinema Paradiso* (1988), which won the Grand Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival. His other notable works include *The Legend of 1900* (1998), *Malèna* (2000), and *The Best Offer* (2013).