Tan Dun's 'The Banquet' is a captivating soundtrack that whisks listeners away to a world of ancient grandeur and mystique. Released on 1 January 2006 by Deutsche Grammophon, this 50-minute album is a masterful blend of traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing Tan Dun's unique compositional style.
The album features a range of evocative tracks, from the haunting 'Only For Love (Theme Song)' to the dramatic 'Sword Dance' and the poignant 'Longing in Silence (woman)'. Each piece is carefully crafted to evoke the emotions and tensions of the film, with Tan Dun's signature use of percussion, strings, and vocal elements creating a rich and immersive soundscapes.
Throughout the album, Tan Dun's music weaves a complex narrative, drawing the listener into a world of intrigue, passion, and betrayal. Tracks like 'Behind the Mask' and 'A Duel of Minds' showcase the composer's ability to craft tense, suspenseful music, while 'Desire' and 'Lady in Red' reveal a more sensual, emotional side to the score.
With its unique blend of traditional Chinese instruments and modern orchestral elements, 'The Banquet' is a truly unforgettable listening experience. Tan Dun's music is at once beautiful, haunting, and thought-provoking, making this album a must-listen for fans of film soundtracks and classical music alike.
Only For Love (Theme Song) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Jane Zhang, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Waiting - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
In the Bamboo Forest - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Longing in Silence (woman) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Zhou Xun, Yuan Li
Behind the Mask - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Sword Dance - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
Punished Soul - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Lost Days - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Desire - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Exile to Snowy West - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
Longing in Silence (man) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Teng Ge Er, Lang Lang, Yuan Li
A Duel of Minds - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
Bridge Of Sacrifice - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Horsemen in Black - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
After Tonight - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Lady in Red - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus
Revenge - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian
Play Within a Play - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Percussion Ensemble, Gao Jian
The Banquet (Theme Music) - From "The Banquet" Original SoundtrackTan Dun, Susan Botti, Lang Lang, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Gao Jian, Shanghai Opera House Chorus