Now We Are Free (Gladiator)
The closing piece of the film – a melody over a bass that never changes, carried by a voice without words.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard
- Year
- 2000
- Origin
- Film score for Gladiator
- Key
- D minor
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The melody is simple, the accompaniment widely spaced. The art is in not letting it drag.
The real hurdle
The unchanging bass tempts you to drag along with it. It is the foundation, not the beat.
How long does it take?
Four to eight weeks.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Needs bass range and plenty of decay. On 88 keys with pedal you come closest to the original.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Now We Are Free (Gladiator)?
The melody is simple, the accompaniment widely spaced. The art is in not letting it drag.
What key is Now We Are Free (Gladiator) in?
Now We Are Free (Gladiator) is in D minor.
How many keys do you need for Now We Are Free (Gladiator)?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Now We Are Free (Gladiator)?
Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard, 2000.
Can you download the sheet music for Now We Are Free (Gladiator) for free?
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
How long does it take to learn Now We Are Free (Gladiator)?
Four to eight weeks.
If this suits you
Interstellar – Main Theme Hans ZimmerOrgan textures building over minutes – film music that lives on patience rather than dexterity.
Lux Aeterna (Requiem for a Dream) Clint MansellA three-note motif that layers up over minutes – one of the most quoted pieces in film music and at the same …
In Dreams (The Lord of the Rings) Howard ShoreThe Shire theme: a melody that sounds like home, built from a scale without semitones.