F is for Filmed Flirtation

F-Falling Slowly. My husband and I are big music nerds. I saw the movie Once and then I made him watch it. We both loved it, and if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on a unique cinematic experience. “Falling Slowly” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and for good reason. Songwriters Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard expertly execute this tune about the power of love, music, and hope. The piece begins with the simple melody of an acoustic guitar. Glen Hansard’s vocals then echo the melody, and Irglova voices a haunting harmony. Piano is also introduced, and there is a lovely crescendo leading into the chorus of the song. By the end, strings enhance the arc of this simple, well balanced, and beautiful tale. I cannot recommend Once or the accompanying soundtrack enough.

And games that never amount to more than they’re meant will play themselves out…

Glen Hansard featuring Marketa Irglova, “Falling Slowly,” Once Soundtrack, 2007