Martial Arts Trilogy: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Banquet & Hero

Album Description

Embark on a captivating musical journey with Tan Dun's 'Martial Arts Trilogy: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Banquet & Hero', a masterful compilation that weaves together the essence of three iconic films. Released on 1 January 2000 under the esteemed Sony Classical label, this 44-minute album is a testament to Tan Dun's innovative and evocative compositional style.

The album's tracklist is a thoughtful curation of poignant and exhilarating pieces, including the hauntingly beautiful 'The Eternal Vow', the enchanting 'Silk Road', and the poignant 'A Love Before Time'. The inclusion of selections from 'The Banquet', such as 'Waiting' and 'Sword Dance', adds a layer of depth and complexity to the album, while 'In the Bamboo Forest' and 'Only for Love' showcase Tan Dun's ability to craft music that is both delicate and powerful.

The second half of the album is dedicated to 'Hero', with pieces like 'Overture', 'For the World', and 'Sorrow in Desert' demonstrating Tan Dun's mastery of orchestration and his capacity to evoke a wide range of emotions. The album's conclusion, 'Farewell, Hero', is a fitting tribute to the heroic themes that permeate the trilogy.

Throughout 'Martial Arts Trilogy', Tan Dun's music transports listeners to a world of ancient traditions, honour, and sacrifice, inviting them to experience the beauty and majesty of these timeless stories. With its rich textures, soaring melodies, and nuanced harmonies, this album is a must-listen for fans of film music and classical composition alike.

January 1, 2000

(P) 2000, 2002 Sony Music Entertainment, 2006 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Hamburg

About Tan Dun

Tan Dun is a renowned Chinese-born American composer and conductor, celebrated for his unique fusion of Western and Chinese musical traditions. As a leading figure in contemporary classical music, Tan Dun's compositions span a wide range of genres, including operas, orchestral works, film scores, and innovative forms like "organic music" and "music ritual." His acclaimed collaborations with top orchestras worldwide and his groundbreaking film score for Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" have earned him an Academy Award, a Grammy, and a Grawemeyer Award. Beyond his musical achievements, Tan Dun serves as the Dean of the Bard College Conservatory of Music, where he continues to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians. His work is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and innovation in the world of music.