Los Angeles, CA January 15, 2002-Virgin Records will release the first comprehensive collection of Michael Nyman's film soundtrack recording entitled Film Music 1980-2001 on March 12, 2002. The double CD will feature 39 tracks ranging from some of his most well known works to rare compositions. In addition, seven tracks are new recordings, including material from Nyman's work on the soundtracks, "The Hairdresser's Husband," "Monsieur Hire," "Nelly's Version," and "Carrington".

Nyman's music has reached its largest audience by way of his film scores; his acclaimed soundtrack to Jane Campion's Academy Award winning movie "The Piano" has alone sold 3 million copies around the world. Nyman's celebrated worked with director Peter Greenaway is also well represented, with tracks from six of their collaborations featured on Film Music-1980-2001.

Nyman's work has consistently displayed openness to collaboration, a spry sense of humor, a literate imagination and an instinctive ability to engage a highly diverse audience. This popular appeal has lead to him becoming Britain's biggest selling living composer.

Michael Nyman is currently working on several projects, including the studio recording of his second opera "Facing Goya". In October he attended the Rome Europa Festival in Italy; three days were dedicated exclusively to Nyman and his music.