Play It Forward – Cambria Tingley
Meet Cambria Tingley, a film post-grad and one of All Classical Radio’s Summer/Fall 2025 interns. Below, Cambria shares her favorite classical pieces that have become nostalgic, recognizable works and explains why she feels they are integral to the cherished films.
“Dawn” from Pride and Prejudice by Dario Marianelli
This story has been told in many ways, including a zombie film version, but I think the score of this particular style is one that has stayed with me long after the first time I ever heard it. To choose only one piece from this film was difficult, yet I have to say “Dawn”, as it is a level of peace only music could achieve. With the fluidity and grace of each piano key gliding into our ears, it is a song I hold onto tenderly with fondness. I can feel the hesitancy in each note that reminds me of the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, the softness of falling in love is shown through this piece.
“The Shark Theme” from Jaws by John Williams
The music in Jaws is full of intensity and with this specific piece it comes across very stressful for the audience listening and watching. As pure panic grips our ears, the instruments build and build on top of each other in a way that is hard to ignore, forcing the viewer to dive into the chaos. I grew up watching this movie with my family time and time again, it has become a piece that I can recognize anywhere as many others can too.
“Coward” from Interstellar by Hans Zimmer
If the name Hans Zimmer is not enough to entice you then I am unsure what would, but this song perhaps might. There is a near constant ticking in the background of this piece for the first half that also works as a metaphor for those who love the film and know the story. This movie as well as the music is something that brings out so many emotions for me, as space and the vast unknown is something I am afraid of. Yet the brilliance of this work is something that I personally cannot turn away from, keeping me at the edge of my seat, still watching.
“The Shire” from The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore
As a fan of fantasy and adventure this was one that could not be missed from my list, another deeply impressive score that had many options to choose from. I think ultimately “The Shire” is a piece that captures the hope and perseverance that is a common theme throughout the story. It feels like I stepped into the story listening to this piece, there is an uplifting feeling while preparing us for the heaviness to come.
“The Awakening of Jacob” from The Shining by Krzysztof Penderecki
This is a piece that takes its time, I am fascinated by how Penderecki uses time as a tool to create beats and suspense for the listener. This was one of the first horror/thriller films I have ever seen and still holds a high bar for me. Blatant unease is ripe within this creation, using the instruments in a way that mirrors screams or nails on chalk board. I think that the score of a horror/thriller is the most important part of the genre as it often foreshadows or sets the tone for the audience (sometimes before you even know it).
“He’s a Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer
I appreciate how the orchestra is fully utilized to create a dynamic work of art with this piece, jumping off the page with every twist and turn. It feels to me that the music is another character, key to the story. As a listener it pushes you right over the cliff into the adventurous story, diving right into the controlled musical chaos within. I never tire of rewatching these films and hearing these scores, feeling just as excited as before.
About Cambria
I discovered All Classical Radio from a serendipitously timed exploration of their office right before Thursdays @ Three was about to begin, and after experiencing the live performances which settled into my bones, I knew I wanted to be part of this. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and a specialty in Producing, thanks to my passion for storytelling and the arts. I believe in hearing various perspectives and exploring stories deeply, something that both film and radio shine a spotlight on. I’m thrilled to jump into live broadcasting and expand my skills into the radio industry as well as working with children with ICAN Radio. Behind the scenes, you can find me with my favorite humans going on hikes, having movie nights or dinner parties, and getting philosophical about Barbie. I’m an avid fantasy reader, a lover of pushing my camera roll to the limit, and being a danger to any sweet treat in the vicinity.