Customer Reviews

Himalaya

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Using Tibetan incantations, Mr. Bruno Coulais has composed some of the best musical scores I have ever listened. Every piece of music depicts the real life struggles of these people of Dolpo. The compositions are so strong, so natural, sometimes so haunting, it draws you ever closer to these people. To those magnificent and breathtaking sceneries, Mr. Coulais has added another dimension; his music tells the story, the drama, the struggles of life in its true authentic way of life of the Tibetans. With each piece of music you travel along with the caravan, singing their songs, sharing their moments of joy and sorrow. Unlike other soundtracks this one really belongs to the people of Dolpo. You must really listen to believe me.

After seeing the gorgeous film, I ordered the CD within days. At first listen I only heard the occasional heavy string sections and felt that I'd rushed into buying a CD that failed to carry the spirit of the film. However, after a few spins in the ol' CD player, I found myself listening to it every day. A consistent soothing melody recurs throughout the CD, echoing the Buddhist chant: Om Mani Pedme Hung. Then, going out, I found the chant continuing in my mind. What a wonderful effect! Use this mantra of love and compassion to soften, to ease and soften your mind, energy and spirit. The CD ultimately has that power.

Mmm ... where do I start? The movie itself was alright, a bit slow-moving, but touching and evocative of a distant culture and a way of life that most of us western-influenced audiences would find quite alien. The Himalayas' mountain-scape inspired awe as always, of course, but ultimately it was the soundtrack itself that lifted the movie from being merely interesting to being something sublime. Himalaya's score was even better than that for "Samsara", another excellent CD that transports the listener to the mystical Himalayan mountains. The best track on the Himalaya soundtrack is the one that incorporates the mantra of the Goddess Tara (the female counterpart of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion): "Om Tare Tutare Ture Svaha!". Listen to this CD and it might just ferry you across to the other shore.

This is heavenly music: I loved the sounds from the first track and can hardly wait to see the DVD. I have played the soundtrack for all eight hours of my work day today and still want to hear it again.
I have been to the Far East and the music makes me want to return to see Nepal. I hope this region and people will not be devastated in the future.

....beautifully haunting, it elevates one's spirit to himalayan heights EVERY TIME; you won't regret this buy!

For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have a glimpse of the mystery and majesty, that surrounds some of the hidden Himalayan kingdoms, this music will sound most familiar. Photographer and director of the film Himalaya, Eric Valli, has dedicated many years in capturing the essence of the people of Dolpo, Nepal. For years this tiny kingdom has been isolated from the rest of the world because of it's geographical location. The threat that the unique nomadic existence of these noble people will disappear, is very much a reality, hence the urge to portray the struggle and beauty of Dolpo on film. More than a movie, this is a living testimony of a culture interconnected to all of us.

Bruno Coulais has captured the heart, spirit and mystery of the remarkable people of Dolpo. The soundtrack is evocative and without images transports us to the magical world somewhere between heaven and earth. From the intricacies of Buddhist faith to the grandeur of the highest mountains on earth, the music on this soundtrack has it all.

Not speaking or understanding Tibetian, didn't lessen the joy of being totally absorbed by this wonderful movie, and the music from this soundtrack is the reason why. It guides you like a sherpa, gently leading you along the high trails, powerfully pulling you to the heights of ever thinning air. You are at once engulfed in the Tibetian life, you live the experience through the deep gutteral chants, singing bowls, and drums.

I enjoyed very much the film the accompanied this music, but enjoyed the music much more. Having lived in Central Asia for 2 years and in other Asian locales over time, this disk bought back to me the feel of "being there." It feels authentic. The music (as well as the film) effectively conveys the remoteness, isolation, desperation, disappointments, danger, beauty, love, courage and exhileration in the lives of the high mountain people depicted in the film. This one I can recommend. 4 1/2 stars.

Beautiful movie and beautiful sound track. For all those who love Tibet you are going to enjoy!

This is chant music you can meditate to, without keeling over in boredom. Himalaya is RICH--with a range of male and female voices singing/chanting in the Tibetan language--and fluidly blended against a background of traditional instruments plus a western orchestra. One of the female vocalists is particularly amazing. The second half of the CD does plod a bit (hence, 4, not 5 stars). The overall result is a very enthralling, lullaby-type of melody.

Buddhist-inspired music, without the tedious repetition. Meditate to it. Do yoga. Relax and imagine yourself lost in the Himalayas. This music will put you in the mood.