Zbigniew Preisner - THE SECRET GARDEN (1993) - Soundtrack Suite

Aside from the Three Colours trilogy, Preisner, a relatively unknown composer, creates a score for this magical Hodgson Burnett adaptation that uplifts the listener.
Traversing from the mystic India to the sweeping English countryside, Preisner's score for Agnieszka Holland's adaptation of the classic children's story The Secret Garden takes the listener on a journey, as any memorable score should, and gives each landscape and character a distinct theme. One can shut their eyes whilst listening to the score and picture the garden's progression from overhanging and unkempt land to a fertile, blossoming landscape wherein the protagonist, Mary, played with great naivety as well as intelligence by newcomer Kate Maberly, has the power and strength to grow.
The Garden Is A Character Itself, Elevating Preisner's Score To Great Heights

The garden is a metaphor both for Mary and Colin's progression from childhood innocents into mature adults as well as their individual barriers to overcome. Mary has the chance to be loved by her Uncle, Lord Archibald Craven (John Lynch) where she was abandoned by her neglecting parents. Presiner's score compliments the symbols and the allegories hidden in Holland's adaptation of the story. The main title invokes the echoing sounds of children, like soft crying, and the theme builds to match the sense of impending disaster as the earthquake ensues and parts Mary from her parents.

The score begins rooted in Indian culture before shifting the tone from the frenetic pace of India to the tranquility of the English countryside with soft piano melodies. First Time Outside and Entering The Garden invoke a release for Mary, held prisoner in a manor house by Maggie Smith's multi-facetted Mrs Medlock. In Walking Through The Garden a spoilt rich girl gains her independence and starts to grow. The garden is Mary's escape; her freedom to blossom. Moreover, there is both a delicacy and a strength within this piece of music that strongly echoes Mary's persona.
The Garden Unites The Three Of Them And Signals Full Growth

Changing Seasons represents a further growth of the garden and transformation of Mary and Colin. The middle track of the score, Awakening Of Spring, implies a sense of growth but not a full transformation. The theme appears to be a raw indication of Mary's maturity. Preisner's themes for Lord Craven, seen in the film clothed in black and hidden in the shadows, reflect his mysterious persona by the utilisation of a dramatic piano. Taking Colin To The Garden builds on the main theme, focussing on Colin's ability to walk and experience the beauty of the world outside the confines of his bed. Colin Opens His Eyes builds this theme into a crescendo.

The aptly named Happily Ever After concludes the soundtrack in a soft, comtemplative manner. The only absent track from the score is Linda Ronstadt's Winter Light which plays over the film's end credits and seems to fititngly conclude the story. Mary, Colin and Lord Craven are free from their constraints. The garden has brought them all together. Preisner's thematically rich yet delicate score represents a fine addition to a beloved story.
( www.suite101.com/content/the-secret-garden-1993-soundtrack-review-a109202)