At first glance, it looked like a doddle. Compose the movie soundtrack for a documentary on two of New Zealand's finest opera singers: Amatai and Pene Pati.
The music will look after itself right?
But how do you strike the correct balance when your 'incidental music' comes between sublime arias by the likes of Mozart or Verdi?
Composer and jazz pianist Dr Andrew Faleatua. Photo: Supplied / Andrew Faleatua
Dr Andrew Faleatua says it was a challenge to get the mood right but he's pretty happy with the result.
Tenor: my name is Pati is directed by Rebecca Tansley, with music by Dr Faleatua. It opens in New Zealand cinemas at the end of this week.
Amitai Pati (left) and Pene Pati, from the documentary Tenor: My Name is Pati. Photo: Supplied / Rialto Distribution
Dr Faleatua spoke with RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump about the process of writing the music and the challenges of creating a score which underlies the mood of the movie, but doesn't "get in the way".
He says the fact that he and the Pati brothers share Samoan heritage made the assignment all the more special.
In fact, Pene Pati sang at Dr Faleatua's wedding.
Dr Faleatua also talked about his career as a jazz pianist, which began with him playing keyboard in his father's church. Initially, that led to his parents arranging for him to get classical piano lessons, something the young Faleatua did not enjoy.
On the other hand, he says learning classical music notation has come in mighty handy in his career as a composer.
In the jazz world, Dr Faleatua's output has expanded to creating jazz pieces which also feature traditional Samoan instruments. There's an album due out later this year.
Composer Andrew Faleatua. Photo: Supplied / Andrew Faleatua
