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Richter-on-the-nature-of-daylight

Max Richter’s ‘On the Nature of Daylight’ in film and television

From The Last of Us to The Handmaid’s Tale, TV shows and films have often opted for the poignant Max Richter string orchestra piece to elevate the emotion in their scenes.

By Rosie Pentreath

Even if the name of this piece of music isn’t familiar right away, you might already know it.

On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter, which we’re performing in our A Musical Awakening tour in September, has been used to striking effect in some of the most emotive modern film and television moments of the last few years.

The piece seems to be a go-to for directors and music departments of shows and films across all genres reaching for a beautiful, meditative piece of string orchestra music, to make their scenes as poignant and memorable as possible.

And Max Richter’s piece really does pack an emotional punch. Here are nine of our favourite instances of the familiar piece of music being used for emotional affect, which you might have seen too.

 

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1. The Last of Us (2023)

In Season 1, Episode 3 of award-winning HBO dystopian drama, The Last of Us, Max Richter’s masterpiece scores emotional moments following the couple Frank and Bill as their backstory is revealed throughout the episode.

2. The Handmaid’s Tale (2021)

Richter’s sublime piece appears in another HBO dystopian drama series, The Handmaid’s Tale, in Season 4, Episode 9 when protagonist June has to part ways with her lover, Nick. Elisabeth Moss, who plays June, has spoken about her friendship with the composer and her love of his music

3. Eastenders (2020)

The 35th Anniversary Episode of iconic British soap opera, Eastenders, aired in February 2020, and used Max Richter’s On the Nature of Daylight to elevate its high drama.

4. Togo (2019)

Disney’s 2019 historical adventure film, Togo, is the tale of real-life Norwegian sled dog breeder and trainer, Leonhard Seppala, and his star pooch Togo. The music adds deep emotion and pathos to scenes of hardship.

5. Arrival (2016)

The opening of Denis Villeneuve’s 2016 science fiction film, Arrival, features On the Nature of Daylight as an underscore to the poignant voice over and scenes about, and featuring, lead character Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and her young daughter.

6. Sherpa (2015)

The award-winning Mount Everest documentary by ACO friend and collaborator, Jennifer Peedom, Sherpa, follows the Nepalese climbers who the film is named after in a particularly devastating year on the mountain, in which sixteen people are killed doing their hazardous work.

7. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

David Gelb’s documentary feature following 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono has a reflective and mediative soundtrack, including extensive appearances of music by Max Richter, Philip Glass, Mozart and Bach.

8. Shutter Island (2010)

This 2010 Martin Scorsese thriller, starring Leonardo Decaprio, is set around a psychiatric ward on a remote island, and Max Richter’s music makes an appearance when the lead character has memories of his late wife.

9. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

In 2006, Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah and Emma Thompson starred in the comical film asking what would happen if a bland bureaucrat from the IRS starts hearing a voice in his head narrating every development in his day. On the Nature of Daylight is used in a moment of complete disorientation and emotional turmoil in the film.

Hear On The Nature of Daylight in our upcoming concert, A Musical Awakening, touring 4–21 September. Click here to find out more and book tickets.