Far from Heaven – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack cover

Far from Heaven – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Elmer Bernstein · 2002

46 min · 22 tracks

A lush orchestral score that evokes nostalgia through sweeping melodies and delicate instrumentation, perfectly capturing the film's emotional landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Turning Point — This track encapsulates the emotional climax of the film with its soaring strings and poignant harmonies, underscoring a moment of profound character realization.
  • →
    Autumn in Connecticut — Opening the album, this track sets a nostalgic tone with its gentle melodies that mirror the film's exploration of longing and social constraints.
  • →
    Revelation and Decision — This piece highlights a pivotal moment in the narrative with its dramatic build-up, reflecting characters' internal conflicts as they face societal pressures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Bernstein's orchestration and melodic development create a rich listening experience that resonates emotionally.

What we noticed

  • The score features a consistent use of strings and woodwinds, creating a lush soundscape that supports the film's emotional themes.
  • Many tracks are structured around sweeping melodic lines that develop gradually, often building to a crescendo before tapering off.
  • Several pieces incorporate subtle variations in instrumentation, such as adding brass or percussion, to enhance the emotional impact of key moments.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic reflections on love
  • gentle ambiance for introspection
  • evocative soundscapes for daydreaming
  • short pieces for focused listening
  • lush orchestral warmth

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context
At the time of this release, Elmer Bernstein was a celebrated composer in his late seventies, having built a prolific career spanning six decades. 'Far from Heaven' arrived as part of his later work, following his Oscar-winning score for 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' and numerous other iconic film scores, showcasing his enduring relevance in the film music landscape.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Autumn in Connecticut 3:10
  • 2 Mother Love 0:43
  • 3 Evening Rest 1:54
  • 4 Walking Through Town 1:51
  • 5 Prowl 2:39
  • 6 Psych 1:02
  • 7 The F Word 1:14
  • 8 Party 0:55
  • 9 Hit 2:44
  • 10 Crying 1:13
  • 11 Turning Point 4:49
  • 12 Cathy and Raymond Dance 2:03
  • 13 Disapproval 1:01
  • 14 Walk Away 2:36
  • 15 Miami 0:59
  • 16 Back to Basics 1:49
  • 17 Stones 1:46
  • 18 Revelation and Decision 4:23
  • 19 Remembrance 1:59
  • 20 More Pain 4:06
  • 21 Transition 0:56
  • 22 Beginnings 2:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata