Conan the Barbarian Soundtrack CD Review
| Talk about a soundtrack that lives forever, even while some disparage the movie. Conan the Barbarian certainly had its merits, but many put it off as a simple tale of a barbarian warrior fighting his way through the world. However you felt about the movie, the soundtrack is one of the greatest works of music I've ever listened to. I am constantly surprised at the people I meet who feel the same way, and who passionately love this work created by Basil Poledouris. |
First, this music is used time and time again in promos for other movies and systems. They've used it for the Gladiator, even though I love the music from the Gladiator soundtrack! They've used it for Zelda and many other things. It is very Wagnerian, very rich and stirring. The music isn't just about "a barbarian". It goes perfectly with the movie, but as a standalone piece of music artwork it is simply stunning. It's not just about fighting. It's about the path of life, about facing danger, about appreciating the quiet times, about growing and learning, about loving and losing.
There are themes that work their way through the music, identifying characters, places, emotions. This is as great a piece of music as any of those that sit on my Classical Music shelves. Yes, you can hear traces of Carmina Burana by Orff, but while other soundtracks (MANY others) simply take that work, Poledouris takes the theme and makes it his own, adding in many other influences. You have the full middle eastern effect, the sense of ancient cultures and timeless dreams and hopes.
Highly, highly recommended to any lover of rich classical music. This is a modern masterpiece.
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