Australia (2008 film) Soundtrack

Recurring motifs
Harold Arlen’s song “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz (1939) — which is screened during the course of the story, as a new release — and Bach’s aria “Schafe können sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze)” from the Hunting Cantata BWV 208 serve as recurring motifs in the film. The Arlen song bonds Lady Ashley and Nullah and relates to the Aboriginal concepts of Rainbow Serpent, Songs Lines, Dreamtime, and “magic men,” like Nullah’s grandfather and Nullah himself.

Additional music
David Hirschfelder composed the score. Interpolated musical numbers include the jazz standards “Begin the Beguine,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Sing Sing Sing (With a Swing),” and “Brazil.” The final scene receives a lift from “Nimrod” from Edward Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations. Luhrmann hired singer Rolf Harris to record his wobble board for the opening credits, and Elton John composed and performed a song called “The Drover’s Ballad,” to lyrics by Luhrmann, for the end credits. (more…)