Music Used in La Cage aux Folles (The Birdcage, 1978, French/Italian)

Here is a list of known music / songs used in La Cage aux Folles (The Birdcage, 1978, French/Italian), along with composer credits and where possible links. It may not be exhaustive (i.e. some incidental / background cues may not be publicly documented).

Overview & Key Credits

The original score for Édouard Molinaro’s 1978 film, La Cage aux Folles, was composed and performed by the legendary Ennio Morricone. His musical style for this film is characterised by its elegant, playful, and often comedic traits, subtly ‘queering’ instrumental choices and melodic turns of phrase to underscore the film’s themes. The score effectively balances moments of public respectability with the vibrant, homoerotic, and humorous world of the titular nightclub, creating a glamorous and life-affirming auditory experience. No notable licensed songs beyond Morricone’s original compositions were identified as being part of the official soundtrack.

Known Tracks & Credits

1. Il vizietto (La Cage Aux Folles) | 3:11 | Ennio Morricone | Main theme, often associated with the film’s playful and elegant atmosphere, particularly during scenes featuring the nightclub or the central couple.
2. A luci blu (Light Blue) | 3:12 | Ennio Morricone | Likely a mood-setting piece, possibly for a romantic or reflective scene, or to establish a more intimate setting within the club.
3. Una strana coppia (Birds Of A Feather) | 2:30 | Ennio Morricone | Reflects the unusual pairing of the main characters, Albin and Renato, and their unique relationship. Could be used during their interactions or moments highlighting their bond.
4. L’onorevole famiglia (The Honorable Family) | 1:03 | Ennio Morricone | Associated with the arrival and presence of the conservative family, the Charriers, providing a contrasting musical theme to the flamboyant world of La Cage aux Folles.
5. Arredamento religioso (Redecorating: Monastery Style) | 2:36 | Ennio Morricone | Used during the frantic efforts to transform the apartment into a ‘respectable’ setting for the Charriers’ visit, highlighting the comedic tension.
6. Alla John… W… (Just Like John….W….) | 1:10 | Ennio Morricone | The specific reference is unclear, but it could be a playful or slightly dramatic interlude, perhaps accompanying a character’s specific action or thought.
7. La gabbia dei matti (Into “La Cage”) | 1:52 | Ennio Morricone | An introductory piece for the nightclub itself, setting the vibrant and theatrical scene of La Cage aux Folles.
8. Seduzione interrotta (The Interrupted Seduction) | 1:55 | Ennio Morricone | Music for a scene involving an attempted seduction that is comically or dramatically cut short, adding to the film’s farcical elements.
9. Prima dello spettacolo (Before The Show) | 2:03 | Ennio Morricone | Builds anticipation for the performances at the nightclub, capturing the backstage energy or the audience’s excitement.
10. Dopo la scenata (Postlude To A Fight) | 3:04 | Ennio Morricone | Music following a significant argument or confrontation, possibly underscoring the emotional aftermath or a moment of reconciliation.
11. Dal Night (Nightclub Nightlife) | 0:51 | Ennio Morricone | Background music for the general ambiance of the nightclub, providing a continuous, lively atmosphere.
12. Brasiliana | 1:22 | Ennio Morricone | A more upbeat, possibly Latin-inspired piece, suggesting a dance number or a lively scene within the club or elsewhere.
13. Il vizietto (Versione 2) | 2:18 | Ennio Morricone | A variation of the main theme, perhaps used to signify a shift in mood or a different aspect of the film’s central themes.
14. L’onorevole famiglia (Versione 2) | 0:57 | Ennio Morricone | A variation of the theme for the conservative family, possibly indicating their continued presence or a renewed comedic clash.
15. Il vizietto (Versione 3) | 1:38 | Ennio Morricone | Another variation of the main theme, used to reinforce the film’s core identity or during a pivotal moment for the main characters.
16. L’onorevole famiglia (Versione 3) | 1:03 | Ennio Morricone | Another variation of the theme for the conservative family, perhaps for a brief appearance or a comedic beat.
17. Il vizietto (Versione 4) | 1:26 | Ennio Morricone | Further variation of the main theme, contributing to the film’s overall musical tapestry.
18. Il vizietto (Versione 5) | 1:25 | Ennio Morricone | The final variation of the main theme.

Sample Audio / YouTube Links

The full soundtrack, composed by Ennio Morricone, can be found on: – Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/41WQP0nfLQiqWHYzErcHaP – Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/il-vizietto-la-cage-aux-folles-original-motion/1549094410 – YouTube: A playlist of the soundtrack is available at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkAUJkbhd-RhhSigK1LjrIu_4iAg7xWdN

Specific YouTube search queries for key tracks: – “Ennio Morricone Il vizietto” – “Ennio Morricone Una strana coppia” – “Ennio Morricone Arredamento religioso”

Partial Cue Mapping & Key Musical Moments

Scene/Context | Track or Song | Notes Opening scenes/Nightclub introduction | Il vizietto (La Cage Aux Folles) | Establishes the film’s main theme, setting a playful and elegant tone for the world of La Cage aux Folles. Scenes involving Albin and Renato’s relationship | Una strana coppia (Birds Of A Feather) | Reflects the unique and often comedic dynamic between the two main characters. Arrival of the conservative family | L’onorevole famiglia (The Honorable Family) | Introduces a contrasting, more formal musical motif, highlighting the clash of cultures. Apartment redecoration | Arredamento religioso (Redecorating: Monastery Style) | Underscores the frantic and humorous efforts to create a ‘respectable’ environment. General nightclub ambiance | Dal Night (Nightclub Nightlife) | Provides continuous background music, maintaining the lively and theatrical atmosphere of the club.