Composer

:

Tan Dun

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Film Score

Compose Date

:

2002

"Hero" is a Chinese martial arts film directed by Zhang Yimou and released in 2002. The film tells the story of a nameless warrior who is summoned by the King of Qin to recount his battles against three assassins who threatened the King's life. The film features an original soundtrack composed by Tan Dun, a Chinese composer known for his fusion of traditional Chinese music with Western classical music. The soundtrack for "Hero" was released on August 27, 2002, a few weeks before the film's premiere. The album features 27 tracks, including the film's main theme, "Hero," which is performed by Tan Dun and the London Symphony Orchestra. The soundtrack also features performances by Chinese musicians, including Guo Gan on the erhu and Wu Man on the pipa. The soundtrack is divided into three movements, each corresponding to one of the three assassins that the nameless warrior battles. The first movement, "Longing," features music that is slow and contemplative, reflecting the assassin's desire to be reunited with his family. The second movement, "Sword," features fast-paced music that is meant to evoke the sound of swords clashing in battle. The third movement, "Love," features music that is more romantic and emotional, reflecting the assassin's love for his master. The soundtrack for "Hero" is characterized by its use of traditional Chinese instruments, such as the erhu, pipa, and guzheng, which are blended with Western orchestral instruments to create a unique sound. The music is also characterized by its use of repetition and variation, with certain themes and motifs recurring throughout the soundtrack. Overall, the soundtrack for "Hero" is a beautiful and evocative work of music that perfectly complements the film's stunning visuals and epic storyline. Tan Dun's fusion of traditional Chinese music with Western classical music creates a sound that is both familiar and new, and his use of repetition and variation gives the music a sense of unity and coherence.

More....