Customer Reviews

Seven Years in Tibet

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

 

 

If you have ever found yourself seeing the wisdom or beauty of a sad moment, listen to this CD. No, this CD was not meant to complement your happiest days and your most exciting moments. If that's what you're looking for, this is the wrong CD. But if you've ever seen sadness, and I'm sure you have, you might see the drama, the experience, and the sacred beauty that attaches itself to only the purest of sad moments. If you don't understand, listen to the sample of track #3. Think of something beautiful or sacred to you, and think of its worst day. It almost makes it even more beautiful, doesn't it? This music is made for those moments or situations, or to reflect on those very things. If nothing else, it reminds you of the same drama in the movie it accompanied.

This music is so emotionally stirring, it can only speak for itself. (So what am I here for? I guess I want to convince you.) Track #9 is perfect. It begins so sadly, and only a few instruments play. But when the full orchestra comes in, the power of the moment and its significance can stir your emotions. I love #13 because it almost shows the other side of the beautiful sadness. Hope.

If you can relate to anything I said, I think you'll love this CD.

This film score is one that simply strikes the emotional chords. The beautiful cello solos by Yo-Yo-Ma enhanced the feelings of sadness and loneliness experienced by the character in the film. As I listened to this score, I could vividly see the towering snow-capped Himilayas in my mind. This score is both haunting and lovely at the same time, and it is another one of John William's masterful successes.

This soundtrack was once lent to me ... it caught my attention that Yo-Yo Ma was the soloist in some of the performances. I was immediately won over by the rich, moving compositions of this collection.

Some might find the ceremonical chants and percussion heavy alongside such emotional orchestra pieces, but I think that they are two voices that need to be heard in order for the story to be understood.

My favorite tracks are the Main Theme and "Regaining a Son" (the penultimate track).

This brooding orchestral feast features a romantic main theme reminiscent of Nino Rota's great Italian film music. The cello solos are beautiful and the secondary themes are woven skillfully into the tapestry of the story. It is interesting to compare this score with the similar film "Kundun" and the more abstract score by Philip Glass.

I had higher expectations of what the full soundtrack would sound like. The previews Amazon gives you is junk for listening to previewing a product. The movie was so spectular that I thought more highly of the soundtrack...

I am a fan of John Williams and I bought this CD thinking it was just as excellent as his other works. I especially loved "Jurassic Park" and "Star Wars". This is a good CD, but I don't think it is up to Williams' usual standards. I loved Yo-Yo Ma's cello solos. They were very heartwarming. Overall a good CD. I would look into it.

Come on guys! Let's not forget what the soundtrack is supposed to do. Enhance the movie! It doesn't necessarily have to be a stand-alone work of art. That's not JW's job. We all know what he's capable of. My God the man's a genius. I think the score was supportive of the film and JW accomplished his mission. In other words, the music fits the movie. Yes, the music alone gets a little boring, but in a supportive role it's another job well done by THE MAN.

The main theme (7 minutes) is exquisite and full of emotion. The wide range of instruments and sense of movement is wonderful.

Most of the even numbered tracks could have been left off the soundtrack album. The rest are truly beautiful and make the CD worth the purchase price. Having a CD where you love half the tracks is about as good as it gets with CDs these days!

there are a few tracks that I enjoyed, but most of it was not as enjoyabl

Here I sit before my screen hoping that my words will be more flattering to this CD, the soundtrack to Seven Years in Tibet than the above rating shows because it does have some pretty moments, such as the cello solos of Yo Yo Ma. However, unlike Philip Glass' work for Kundun, this CD seem devoid of any Tibetan references, which seems very strange to me considering that if one were to spend seven years in Tibet, or even a week, one would be hard pressed not to be exposed to and moved by the sacred chants and prayers of the Tibetan monks (the time of the story is the 40s/50s). I guess that one of the main points of the film was to show how Mr. Harrer was not a nice man who through his Himalayan experience and his unique friendship with the 14th Dalai Lama, becomes a more aware and thoughtful person. The music does not give me any insight into this process. To me, this film's music could be that of another film loosely based in Asia. Perhaps that is because John Williams would not seem to be that familiar with Tibetan music whereas Philip Glass (with Kundun) is an appropirate choice because of his ongoing interest and commitment to Tibet and her people. I do think that it is great that two major motion pictures were made about the life of the Dalai Lama and his influence and relating to those around him. My advice is to skip the soundtrack for Seven Years in Tibet unless you are a big Yo Yo Ma fan. If you are interested in Tibetan music, try Kundun and Yungchen Lamo's Tibet, Tibet.