Episode 24

full
Published on:

27th Jun 2026

Little Women 1994 - Newman and Nostalgia

In this episode, we look at Thomas Newman's score of "Little Women" from 1994. Nostalgia is the sound of this score, using modes and combining minor in happy moments while using high instrumentation and fun rhythmic energy to give joy in minor. We take apart how the main theme is used for Jo and her writing as well as looking at many beloved melodies and how they are used in this adaptation to convey the story of young women growing up together both in the joys and sorrows.

Host: Ruth Mudge, ruthmudge.com

Music included on this podcast:

"So was Red" - The Shawshank Redemption, music by Thomas Newman, 1994 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Under the Umbrella (End Title)" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Orchard House (Main Title)" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"New York" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Valley of the Shadow" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Little Women" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

Lovelornity" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"The Lawrence Boy" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Meg's Hair" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Snowplay" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Two Couples" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Spring" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Harvest Time" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Amy Abroad" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Scarlet Fever" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Burdens" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Beth's Secret" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Letter from Jo" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Domestic Experiences" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Learning to Forget" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"Wow" - Finding Nemo (an Original Soundtrack), music composed by Thomas Newman, 2003 Disney Enterprises, Inc./Pixar Animation Studios

"A Telegram" - Little Women (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), music composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, 1995 Sony BMG Entertainment Inc.

"World of Soundtracks" - composed by Edith Mudge, graphics by Lindsey Bergsma

Support World of Soundtracks

A huge thank you to our supporters, it means a lot that you support our podcast.

If you like the podcast and want to support it, too, you can leave us a tip using the button below. We really appreciate it and it only takes a moment!
Support World of Soundtracks
A
We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!
Show artwork for World of Soundtracks

About the Podcast

World of Soundtracks
The Musical Journey of Soundtracks
Love the soundtracks of your favorite movie or show and you don't know why? Join host Ruth Mudge as she takes you on a journey through Jane Austen, Harry Potter, and other beloved soundtracks. She explores how the music enhances telling the story and the ways these musical ideas carry both the narrative and emotional journey of the characters and world.
Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Ruth Mudge

Ruth Mudge

Ruth Mudge, a former native of Connecticut, is a cello instructor and performer in the Western Suburbs of the Chicago area.  She grew up playing both the piano and cello in a musical household. The love and knowledge she received in that home and teachers she loves to share with others, whether through teaching a new generation of musicians to sharing her musical gifts to her community.
Ruth began teaching Soundtrack classes on Zoom in 2020 ranging from Star Wars to Harry Potter to Jane Austen adaptations. She presented a break-out session "The World of Jane Austen Soundtracks" at JASNA's AGM in 2021 as well as to local chapters around the country. She has also collaborated with YouTube channel "Jorah the Andal" on several videos focused on the TV show "Arrow."