Nebraska (soundtrack)

The Nebraska soundtrack is the official musical accompaniment to the 2013 film Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne. The soundtrack primarily features instrumental music composed by Mark Orton.

The music is characterized by its minimalist and melancholic tone, reflecting the film's black-and-white cinematography and themes of aging, regret, and familial connection in the American Midwest. Orton's score utilizes a blend of acoustic instruments, including piano, banjo, harmonica, and strings, to create a sparse and evocative soundscape. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and emotional resonance.

Beyond Orton's original compositions, the soundtrack also includes pre-existing songs, such as "The Big Parade" performed by The Golden Gate Quartet, which are carefully selected to complement the film's narrative and setting. The soundtrack aims to capture the feeling of the landscape and the interior lives of the characters depicted in the film. It has been praised for its subtlety and its ability to enhance the film's emotional impact without being intrusive. It was released on CD and digital download alongside the film's theatrical release.