The Kite Runner [SOUNDTRACK]

Alberto Iglesias (Composer)

Product Details

• Composer: Alberto Iglesias
• Audio CD (November 20, 2007)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000VLPV0M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #79,731 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Despite getting an Oscar nomination for The Constant Gardener, Spanish composer Alberto Iglesias does not have the reputation he deserves in the U.S. In Europe, however, he's well known for his lush, classic-sounding work for Pedro Almodovar. Here he proves really versatile by creating a fitting soundtrack to a drama set in Afghanistan. Iglesias smartly decided to get inspiration from Afghan music, which he described in an interview as "closer to Persian with an admixture of Pakistani music," but not merely ape it, and his score gracefully incorporates elements from various styles (an Iranian zither in "Kite Shop," a wailing electric guitar on "The Stadium") without sounding like a patchwork. Iran-born, U.S.-based avant-garde singer Sussan Deyhim contributes particularly haunting vocals on "End Phone Call." Also of note are a pair of songs, "Tanha Shudam Tanha" and "Az Man Begurezed," by Ahmad Zahir, who was an icon of Afghani music in the 1970s, as well as new compositions ("Omaid e Man" and "Dukhtare Darya") from exiled Afghani musician Ehsan Aman. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Product Description
ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK THE KITE RUNNER ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSED BY ALBERTO IGLESIAS

Directed by Golden Globe® nominee Marc Forster (Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball), THE KITE RUNNER is the epic tale of fathers and sons, of friendship and betrayal, that takes us from the final days of Afghanistan's monarchy to the atrocities of the Taliban reign. This unforgettable story of redemption is based on the international, best-selling phenomena "The Kite Runner," by Afghan-American writer Khaled Hosseini. The soundtrack features original music written by Spanish composer Alberto Iglesias. The Academy® Award-nominated composer (The Constant Gardener) is also highly-acclaimed for a number of soundtracks he wrote for Academy® Award-winning director Pedro Almodovar's films, including Hable Con Ella. In addition to the original orchestral music by Iglesias, the soundtrack includes original songs by legendary 70s Afghan singer Ahmad Zahir, Ehsan Aman and the world-renowned British singer of Iranian-Azerbaijanian background Sami Yusuf. THE KITE RUNNER is a powerful movie that has all the necessary elements, including the compellingly beautiful soundtrack, that will make this a hit film as well as one of the best-selling soundtrack albums of the year. Paramount Vantage and DreamWorks Pictures present THE KITE RUNNER, opening November 2 in select theatres. The Edge soundtrack will be released on October 30.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars enchanting Middle Eastern inspired orchestral music, July 23, 2008

By	The Delite Rancher (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

The soundtrack to "Kite Runner" is as compelling as the story. The score for Marc Forster's big screen adaptation is a synthesis of various styles. While the Western symphony orchestra is the primary vehicle, it is adorned with Middle Eastern and Asian esthetics. Composer Alberto Iglesias admits that the score does not play authentic Afghan music. Instead, Eastern flavored World Music is infused with regional elements like the Tablas from India and the Persian Santoor. While the Hollywood Studio Symphony may perform Iglesias' compositions, songs by Ahmad Zahir and Ehsan Aman contribute music by Afghanis. In a soundtrack that is dominated by serious acoustic music, Ahman Zahir's 'Tanha Shudam Tanha' adds a delightfully kitschy jam. A problem with orchestral soundtracks is that for everyday listening, listeners don't necessarily want to relive a story's panic stricken moments during the morning commute. As a musical postcard, the temperament to this soundtrack is unexpectedly even-keeled. It is surprising that 'Escape' is the only high-strung composition given the story's dark themes. Indeed, most of these compositions bring back whimsical memories of two friends playing with kites on a cobblestone street. Aside from the film, this music will appeal to anyone with an appreciation of Middle Eastern inspired orchestral music. For good reasons, this music was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. While bringing honor to Khaled Hosseini's book, "Kite Runner" is a soundtrack that stands on its own.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, March 14, 2008

By	W. torres - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was deployed to Afghanistan and the country is beautiful and exotic. This soundtrack takes me right back to this whole other world. The Arabic vocals and music is so relaxing. If you loved the book/movie than i can honestly say you'll love the soundtrack.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful music, January 25, 2008

By	Muhammad - See all my reviews

this is now one of my favorate CDs it takes you to a deifferent world!