Customer Reviews

Tristan & Isolde (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most motion picture musical score composers would find the task of writing music for the current TRISTAN & ISOLDE a daunting assignment. Who in their right mind would want to be set up as a comparison to the time-honored, exquisitely beautiful music from Wagner's opera of the same name? Well, Anne Dudley steps fully into the spotlight as a fine composer with this score for an altogether different version of the ancient tale of thwarted lovers. She has no reason to bow her head.

Dudley stirs the background of the scenic settings with subtle music than tastefully blends Celtic instruments and sounds with the regular orchestral instrumentation. She is able to cross back and forth across the water that divides Britain and Ireland, no mean feat but one of paramount importance in underlining the disparity of the two kingdoms that separate the love of Isolde and Tristan. The music is always supportive of the film's mood and storyline (it takes listening to this CD to actually hear some of the very fine episodes that rightly provided matrix to the action without calling attention to the tunes).

For this different version of a multifaceted and varying forms of an old Celtic legend, Dudley has provided music more redolent of the Dark Ages than of the soul-shattering eroticism of Wagner's version of the tale. For this listener her choices are exactly appropriate. Grady Harp, May 06

Once again we have a bunch of music snobs attacking the music from this film not because it is not good but because it doesn't pay homage to Wagner. There are upwards of 100 folk variations of this tale and most of those did not even incorporate a musical score....but we owe Wagner a walk on because of his opera? Please.....

The music in this movie is breathtaking and poignant. It mirrors the tale wonderfully, which if it were Wagner the other music Snobs would be saying "germanic music for a celtic storry???????"

This score is not good to fall asleep by.

The arguments of music snobs will perform that task just fine

grimm_celt@yahoo.com

I saw the movie twice and knew right away that I would have to have the soundtrack. I'm glad that I invested the money and bought it! The score is absolutely gorgeous, despite some comparisons to "elevator music" by other reviewers. Don't let the naysayers fool you. "Tristan & Isolde" is fantastic, a great CD to put on while you're having dinner with a sweetheart or just relaxing - it will both calm your jangled nerves after a long day and inspire you. It is very well composed. As to the mutterings that a nod to Wagner should have been included, this is the soundtrack to the movie, not the opera. It does a fine job of standing on its own. Don't miss out on this one!

Yes, Tristan and Isolde the Opera is much different than Tristan and Isolde the movie. However the differences are paralleled in music also. While both are epic, sweeping, and deeply emotional, one appeals to a more conscious experience, the other satiates a more escapist notion - the notion that appeals to most movie-goers. I enjoy celtic music intertwined with new age and a smattering of emotion. If you find yourself drawn to similar genres, then you will find yourself enjoying the Soundtrack of Tristan & Isolde. Although if you are looking for a truly engaging emotional experience whereby you have allowed yourself little distraction, the Operatic version will offer more of a wholistic experience. Thus the two are two very different interpretations of one quite beautiful love story.

I went to see this movie b/c I love historic drama's. I loved the movie and thought the music was pretty interesting. Before reading other reviews I honestly never heard of Wagner nor had I seen the opera. I just love good soundtracks and I bought this cd b/c I thought it would be one of them.....so I obviously can't compare the music from the opera to this soundtrack.
Although I found the soundtrack a little slow I think the music fits the movie very well. My only dislike is I thought the music for the big actions scenes could have been approached differently (#8 was a bit like fingernails on a chalkboard...but to each their own). All in all a very good soundtrack and I would definitely recommend.

This soundtrack is so awesome. It's great music to drive to or just hang out and listen. The music fits the movie so well.

*Newsflash* This is not a Wagner opera CD, I don't know why people would expect it to be either, Wagner didn't invent the story- and of course it would be totally out of place in this film....

So, as a soundtrack it is lovely music with a celtic influence .(which is more true to the story than a German composer's music)

This is a great soundtrack that weaves the story of Tristan and Isolde perfectly with the various scores.

This soundtrack is amazing! The instruments used have such a unique and ear pleasing sound that you can play this for hours and be completley relaxed. I have seen this film which was also brilliant, and as this soundtrack is playing you can visualize the film in your head. It has a beautiful mixture of Irish and Old English sound and it is a definite "MUST HAVE" for any Tristan and Isolde fans. This music drags you even deeper into the well-known and tragic lovestory.

I bought this CD after watching the movie. I had read the 'Tristan & Isolde' book and the movie exceeded my expectations (which is usually the opposite for me! I tend to love the book and get disappointed with the movie afterwards... One of the things that made me fall in love with the movie was definitely its soundtrack. So I bought the CD and it sure does make you feel inside the story...