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.
(P) 2000, 2002 Sony Music Entertainment, 2006 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Hamburg
Tracks
Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonTan Dun, Yo-Yo Ma, Chen Xie Yang, David Cossin, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai National Orchestra
The Eternal VowTan Dun, Yo-Yo Ma, Chen Xie Yang, David Cossin, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai National Orchestra
Silk RoadTan Dun, Yo-Yo Ma, Chen Xie Yang, David Cossin, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai National Orchestra
A Love Before TimeJorge Calandrelli, Tan Dun, Yo-Yo Ma, CoCo Lee, Wendy Pedersen, Tommy Anthony, Dan Warner, Julio Hernández, Archie Pena
The Banquet - From "The Banquet"Tan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Susan Botti, Jane Zhang
Waiting - From "The Banquet"Tan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Susan Botti, Jane Zhang
In the Bamboo Forest - From "The Banquet"Tan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Susan Botti, Jane Zhang
Sword Dance - From "The Banquet"Tan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Susan Botti, Jane Zhang
Only for Love - From "The Banquet"Tan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Jane Lian Ying Zhang, Susan Botti, Jane Zhang
OvertureTan Dun, Itzhak Perlman, Kodo, Ancient Rao Ensemble of Changsha Museum, China Philharmonic Chorus, China Philharmonic Orchestra
For the WorldTan Dun, Itzhak Perlman, Ancient Rao Ensemble of Changsha Museum, China Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Chorus
Sorrow in DesertTan Dun, Kodo, Ancient Rao Ensemble of Changsha Museum, China Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Chorus, Itzhak Perlman
Farewell, HeroTan Dun, Kodo, Ancient Rao Ensemble of Changsha Museum, Itzhak Perlman, China Philharmonic Chorus, China Philharmonic Orchestra
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