Customer Reviews

Saltimbanco

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Saltimbanco was a milestone in the history of Cirque du Soleil. It was the first big, international production that established the company as a leader in creative, circus-inspired entertainment. The music is a massive part of this milestone.

Saltimbanco was originally composed by Rene Dupere, who is also known for writing Cirque's Alegria and Mystere, but has since been "tweaked" by other composers to help modernize the sound and fill in gaps for new acts. In Saltimbanco, Dupere introduced the language known by fans as "Cirquish," which is an unrecognizable language many Cirque songs (even today) are sung in. According to popular fan rumors, the idea behind Cirquish was to create a "universal" language that could be understood (or possibly not understood) by any one who watched the show regardless of nationality. There's plenty of debate among fans as to what exactly "Cirquish" is, but the point remains that Dupere first introduced the concept in Saltimbanco.

The music of Saltimbanco draws on urban inspirations and fuses a positive motif and a literal "urban jungle" feel into the music. This version of the soundtrack features all of the original music from the production, plus updated versions of "Saltimbanco," "Rideau" and "Barock" and two new songs: "Cantus-Melopee" and "Adagio." Centerpiece songs on Salitmbanco include the relaxing, jungle-sounding "Kumbalawe," the epic, ballad-like "Amazonia," the operatic "Pokinoi," and the relaxing, positive "Horere Ukunde."

The music of Saltimbanco is fueled by gorgeous soprano vocals, which shine through in the classical "Il Songo di Volare" and the vocal-driven "Kaze." When combined, the music of Saltimbanco is a beautifully woven picture of positive life in an urban world filled with a calming, jungle sound that's sure to make any who listen to it feel at peace with life.

This CD is great background music for almost ANY party. So world-beat-progressive-organic. I saw the show, but that is absolutely NOT necessary to enjoy this music.

I just saw the show live in Colorado and it was wonderful. I am now going to buy the music to go with the program. If it comes to your neck of the woods I would go and see it.

Emily Gillis
Boulder, Co.