Dralion [Soundtrack]

Cirque Du Soleil, Cirque du Soleil | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00002EPMB
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #180,887 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Dralion is the fusion of ancient chinese circus tradition and the avant-garde approach of cirque du soleil. The show's name is drawn from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the east, and the lion, representing the west. Dralion derives much of its inspiration from eastern philosophy with its perpetual quest for harmony between humankind and nature. Suspended in time between the past and the future, dralion is a celebration of life & the four elements that maintain the natural order: air, water, fire & earth --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Change of heart.., May 6, 2000

By 

"elyjar" (Perth, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dralion (Audio CD)

I have to admit I did not like "Dralion" the first time I heard it. I found it quite a departure from the music we have come to associate with Cirque. However, if I had to describe Cirque in a few words, 'original', 'ground-breaking', 'different' and 'facsinating' all spring to mind. And music from "Dralion" just happens to be all that, and much more.

"Dralion" the CD can really only be dismissed as being new-age at the very first listen. It is such a unique and different sound from other Cirque releases, that it might not grow on you at first, but after a couple of listens, you will agree it's definately up there with the best of Cirque. The music itself can best be described as a seamless fusion of asian (mainly indian,chinese), western and african melodies, enveloped by modern contemporary flavours of pop-music and electronica.

The opening track 'Stella Errands' is just stunning with amazing vocals from Erik Karel. This is followed by the nature-loving 'Ombra', one of the slower and less upbeat tracks on the CD. This melodic and lyrical piece is sung so beautifully in Italian by Agnes Sohier. The faster tracks in the CD are also brilliant. 'Nikou Latora' starts off pretty slow and subtle, but eventually climaxes to a brilliant and majestic up-beat tempo with inspiring vocals from Erik Karel. 'Hinko' is so sublime and surreal, it could almost send you into a trance with it's mysterious and exotic feel and sentiment. Other tracks like 'Aborigines Jam' and 'Ravendhi' are just pure fun!

In all, not what you expect from Cirque du Soleil. But that's the beauty of it all, they never ever cease to amaze me!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A daring new masterpiece, November 28, 1999

By 

J. K. Grence "the Cosmic Jester" (Superstition Mountain, AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dralion (Audio CD)

For the 11th time, Cirque manages to put out an incredible CD. Rather than managing to tackle complex topics (such as being one of millions in a society, or death and rebirth) like Benoit did, Dralion's CD seems to tell a simple love story. "Ballare" is one of the best Cirque ballads, second only to Quidam's heart-wrenching "Let Me Fall". As the music progresses, it gets deeper, more suspenseful. The clouds break momentarily in the electric "Aborigines Jam" (track 9), then return for the superbly dark "Hinko". The finale, "Kamande", is everything that a Cirque ending should be- bright, upbeat, and triumphant are some words that come to mind.

This is Violaine Corradi's first time ever composing for Cirque du Soleil. Dralion leaves me certainly hoping that it won't be the last.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, did I make a mistake!, January 3, 2002

By 

D. Hobson "Streea" (RI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dralion (Audio CD)

Not being an opera fan, I listened once to this one and put it away in favor of Quidam and Journey of Man. I disliked it so much I didn't see the show when it was in Boston. Welllll....a few weeks ago I decided to try one more time..then another...before long I found myself humming some of the music while working and trying to remember where I'd heard it. This is now my favorite Cirque CD and I am flying to Texas to see the show....if only I had listened a few more times at first I'd have saved myself that flight. Erik Karol has the most fabulous voice...Stella Errans is a masterpiece and Miracula Aeternitatis is almost as good!! Buy the CD, I know it will become a favorite,opera fan or not.