I have absolutely no clue as to what the Cirque
Du Soleil is exactly, but from what I’ve read and seen, they seem to be
some kind of circus-like production team that excels in making visually
interesting, artsy films. Frankly, after listening to the soundtrack to
their Journey of Man project (which has a interesting premise), I would love
to see this in an IMAX theater with a nice sound system. That would probably
be a great experience.
The score by Benoit Jutras (don’t you just
love these names) is an interesting blend of traditional orchestra and
chorus along with electronic elements, ethnic pieces, and atmospheric
background effects. The end result is an often-hypnotizing score that excels
in its uniqueness. It’s a traditional film score and it isn’t at the
same time. The whole CD just has a unique feel that makes it quite good.
It starts off well with the main title theme
that is actually a song. I found the lyrics a little hard to make out at
times and I wish that they were printed in the linear notes (which, aside
from some very colorful and interesting pictures, are pretty bare). The
orchestral accompaniment is great and the theme is very good. It is pops up
some more in the latter half of the CD and is always used to great effect.
The third track, Taiko, is probably my least favorite on the disc as
it is simply a tribal drumbeat sequence (and after that is the unnecessary,
but seemingly obligatory these days, techno/modern mix of the main theme, Trip
Hop). And that is all. No orchestral
melodies or anything. It is actually quite bland, especially when taken in
with the rest of the music. Still, I’m sure it serves a purpose for
something onscreen and it’s easy enough to skip. The score pretty much
remains on a New Age/synthy feel (with the exception of a cool African-like
ethnic track, The Forest, and moments of The Birth) until
track seven where the orchestral moments really start to cook. Even then,
the orchestra constantly morphs around through different styles and
instrumentations while never really sounding out of place with the rest of
the score. From the soaring strings of Youth and Flying to the
heavy bass and percussion (mixed with some more of that great chorus work)
of Banquine, the music definitely has something for everyone. The
occasional use of the Journey of Man theme also helps to bring
cohesiveness to the music.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this album, I can
definitely see it’s not for everyone. It just doesn’t feel like a film
score (which is probably why I think it’s great). You’d probably want to
check out a few tracks first before purchasing, but if you’re in the mood
for something different, this is the CD for you. ****1/2
