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.

1 jan 2000

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

About Tan Dun

Tan Dun, the acclaimed Chinese-born American composer and conductor, is a pioneering force in contemporary classical music, seamlessly blending Western and Chinese musical traditions. His innovative compositions, which span operas, orchestral works, film scores, and unique genres like "organic music" and "music ritual," have earned him global recognition. Tan Dun's collaborations with prestigious orchestras and directors, such as Ang Lee, have resulted in award-winning works, including an Academy Award and Grammy for his score in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." As a UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador and Artistic Ambassador of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tan Dun continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his fresh, culturally rich compositions. His upcoming works, like "Symphony of Colors: Terracotta," commissioned by The Met, promise to further cement his legacy as a visionary in the music world.