Naqoyqatsi [Soundtrack]

Philip Glass (Artist), Yo-Yo Ma (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00006L3LH
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,105 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Director Godfrey Reggio's Hopi-inspired Qatsi trilogy is one of most ambitious and challenging film cycles ever attempted. With groundbreaking visuals, the non-verbal films examine--and inherently critique--the rapid transition from the natural order to a world dominated by human culture and technology. Critical to the films' success has been the music of Philip Glass, for whom the projects have variously represented an entrée into a rich film-scoring career and compelling motivation for expanding his minimalist technique. In the first two chapters (Koyaanisqatsi, 1983; Powaqqatsi, 1988), the composer's music gave poetic rhythm to the striking images of man and nature in conflict; here's he's ironically asked to be the human link to the film's cascade of oft impressionistic, digitally manipulated images. The result is some of the composer's warmest, most organically friendly music. Crucial to the soundtrack's success is the collaboration of master cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the extent of which (the musician's brooding, lyrical lines are the work's veritable arteries) elevates Glass's work to de facto Ma cello concerto. His work on the "Old World" and "New World" movements may well rank with some of his most haunting, validating Glass's sage, back-to-the future tack in the bargain. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications, January 7, 2003

By 

Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Naqoyqatsi (Audio CD)

"Naqoyqatsi" (Hopi for "Life as War") is the soundtrack for the final part of the "Qatsi" trilogy of films by Godfrey Reggio. Let me say upfront that I haven't seen any of the films, although I've read about them. That said, I can review the soundtrack without visuals or prejudice about the film experience (most of the reviews I've read indicated that the film was disappointing), and can focus on the music only. Unlike many soundtracks, the music for "Naqoyqatsi" stands firmly on its own as a great score. The music, composed by Philip Glass (who also composed the music for the other two parts of the trilogy), combines digital and acoustic instrumentation, and it is Yo-Yo Ma's cello that gives the music its humanizing soul. This is the first collaboration with Glass and Ma, and it seems to be a match made in heaven. The film is about technology's adverse affects on humanity, so the juxtaposition of electronic and acoustic instruments underscores this message, with Ma's cello pleading humanity's case. The whole album is excellent, full, and powerful. I really like "Religion," with it's upbeat, playful spirit. The keyboards are mechanically precise although the rhythm is catchy, so when the soulful cello comes in, the contrast is startling. This piece is almost "fun" in comparison to some of the darker tracks. It makes me very curious about the film's visual images in this section. My favorite track is "Intensive Time," which is, indeed, intense. It is primarily acoustic with full orchestra, voices, and Ma's heart-rending cello. It swoops and soars with a continuous sense of urgency and mystery generated primarily by a recurring theme with percussion and French horns. The opening theme is dark and somewhat militaristic - giving a sense of foreboding and dread until the cello comes in and softens the mood. "Media Weather" is also darkly gorgeous, as the cello weeps with despair. "Naqoyqatsi" is an incredible musical experience - intense and thought-provoking with a huge emotional impact. Very highly recommended!

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very worthy addition to the music of the 'Qatsi' trilogy, October 10, 2002

By 

Gary Schroeder "GS23" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Naqoyqatsi (Audio CD)

I've eargerly awaited the third installment in the 'Qatsi' trilogy since the late '80s. (At the time of this review, the film has not yet been released.) I have to say that I'm utterly intrigued by the music that I've heard. It's difficult for me to imagine what the accompanying visuals must look like based on the music alone. Glass' score for the film varies widely in speed and intensity, with moods ranging from joy to melancholy (via Yo-Yo Ma's expert cello). As with his other works for film, the music is quite capable of standing on its own.

As Glass has been doing for the last 10 years or so, he continues to expand his style into previously unexplored territory while keeping many of the trademark rhythmic devices which make his music instantly recognizable. Naqoyqatsi is not exactly like anything he's done before; it is refreshingly unique. (One of the most appealing tracks is number 5, "Religion", in which an instrument that sounds like a xylophone is used to great effect.) This soundtrack is lush and symphonic in scope and could never be classified as "minmalist", an old label that has been misapplied to Glass' work for years by people who have never moved beyond "Einstein on the Beach".

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, powerful, November 25, 2002

By 

S. Schindler "Music lover" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Naqoyqatsi (Audio CD)

Legendary composer Philip Glass completes the "QATSI" trilogy in grand style with this soundtrack, easily the best new music of 2002.

So many people complain about buying a CD and only getting one or two good "songs"- here is 77 minutes of inspired music! This soundtrack should win an Academy Award and a Grammy for both composition and technical achievement in recording.

I'm keeping this review short- buy it and listen for yourself. You won't be disappointed. NAQOYQATSI is wondrously recorded and beautifully performed. A triumph and a perfect ending to the QATSI trilogy.

Yo-Yo Ma's beautiful and powerful cello solos never overwhelm the balance of the soundtrack. NAQOYQATSI means "life as war"- the overall impression the score gives me is a sense of foreboding- that we've already "lost the war" against technology taking away our humanity. The score isn't all doom and gloom, however- the range of emotions is phenomenal. Philip Glass is simply a genius.