Varekai [Soundtrack, Import]

Cirque du Soleil | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 7, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack, Import
• Label: Bmg Int'l
• ASIN: B00007EB6T
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,617 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #69 in Music > Imports > International

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Quebec-based Cirque Du Soleil has triumphed by shrewdly goosing international circus traditions and style with an American sense of theatrical scale and marketing flair, the adventurous musical scores of its dazzling productions have always been a crucial part of the mix. Returning from Cirque's 1999 production, Dralion, Italian-born, Canada-based composer Violaine Corradai informs this tale of fallen angel Icarus with a score that leans on a swirling mix of ethnic folk influences suffused with electronic rhythms, autumnal orchestral colors, choral flourishes, and snippets of ghostly, echoing narrative dialog. Her contemporary, neo-ambient bent has more in common with Bush and Björk than it does with Barnum and Bailey, informed by a spare, ethereal dramatic sense and dizzying multiculturalism that encompasses everything from Latin liturgy to moody Middle Eastern modalities and lively Gypsy influences. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

CD > POPULAR MUSIC > MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In true Crique form, this album is a work of art., January 31, 2003

By 

Brad Klassen "Pessimist Extraordinaire" (Lake Stevens, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Varekai (Audio CD)

I am a little disappointed with the some of the reviews posted here. I have been truly pleased with this album. Sure it doesn't replace the show experience. But not even the DVD can replicate a Cirque expereince.

I think people were expecting to re-live the Varekai experience through this CD. But most don't realize that this is Cirque Du Soleil we're talking about. Always striving to push the boudaries of artistic expresstion and sound. This CD easily takes listeners to the next level of thought. Trying to extrapolate a concrete definate meaning out of music like this is like trying to explain what art is. It just can't be done.

I enjoyed this album and will continue to wait and see what Cirque has in store for this unique and enchanting show.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another standout performance from Violaine Corradai and CdS, January 24, 2003

By 

Sarah - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Varekai (Audio CD)

With Varekai, Cirque du Soleil's newest production, Violaine Corradai has conjured a mesmerizing blend of world influences and CdS traditions. Most of the tracks open with a haunting, echoing voiceover in Spanish, French and English, and the delicate strains of a music box, although it becomes too repetitive after multiple listens.

"Rain One" is a delicate, fragile flower that opens under a midnight shower, with rain sound effects, snare brushes, and fleeting, breathy vocals ("the silence of the sound, and the colour of the night...") with an operatic interlude.

"Le rêveur" ("The dreamer") opens with a haunting Middle Eastern modulating duet (both male and female) that bring to mind the Hearts of Space group Rasa and Indian sacred chants.

"Vocea" is a throwback to the CdS soundtrack to "Dralion," and sounds like it was written for "Dralion" countertenor Erik Karol in parts. It is one of the darker sounding songs, very wistful, the language sounding almost Russian, with a chanting choir near the end.

"Moon Light" is a gorgeous slow rolling waltz, with a Middle-Eastern sounding string backing and snare brushes and Indian-influenced modulating vocals mixed with the sound of the Portuguese fado.

"Patxivota" picks up the intro from "Rain One" and morphs into a dramatic choir that sounds like the theme from "Myst: Exile," with the ghostly whispers of a child dancing inbetween the sweep of the snare drums and the music box.

"El péndulo" yet again draws on the voiceover ("I walk the earth, I touch the skies, I am the angel in your eyes") and expands on the gorgeous, Cheb Mami-like musings.

"Gitans" features the fantastic talents of the Roma (Gypsy) musicians Taraf de Haidouks, along with a very Amélie-like accordion waltz accompanied by chirping birds.

"Kèro Hiréyo" is a duet with marked percussion and an almost African feel.

"Lubia Dobarstan" opens with a flamboyant declaration in Spanish of the tale of a wanderer and Latin rhythm and guitars.

"Emballa" is another African/Brazilian influenced choir piece with a male soloist.

"Oscillum" is a high energy, edgy piece that showcases virtuostic violin solos and mysterious whispered vocals.

"Funambul" is easily the most haunting song on the album. A beautiful female vocalist harmonizes and a mixed choir provides a backdrop, along with the ever-present voiceover and children whispering.

"Resolution" is an absolutely chaotic, delightful blend of Gypsy instruments, a very eccentric, happy little song that really feels like a resolution.

Please note that I HAVE NOT seen Varekai: my only experience has been through a number of fan websites and Bravo TV's "Cirque du Soleil: The Fire Within" which provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of the talented trapeze artists, dancers and gymnasts in Varekai. Selections from Varekai are played as a soundtrack to the series, so I can't comment on how this Varekai-inspired album compares to the actual music in the show (I would love to hear the Tuvan throat singing done live!). I would love to see a live Varekai album as was done with CdS's Mystère, and if enough fans are unhappy with this disc, it is likely that the actual music from the show will be released.

I give Varekai five stars based on the creativity of blending various ethnic influences (Gypsy, African, Indian, Brazilian/Latin) with modern effects, stunning vocals, and intriguing soundscapes. Varekai is my favourite CdS soundtrack to date, and I hear new nuances with every listen.

26 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars HUGE disapointment, This is not the music from the SHOW!!!, January 14, 2003

By 

C. A Baker (Santa Rosa CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Varekai (Audio CD)

BE warned folks, this CD is NOT, repeat NOT the music you will hear when you go to see Varekai.
Varekai has some of the best Cirque music ever done but this CD is nothing more than inspired by suites that have little to do with what is performed in the show. This would not be so bad if the music was still good but it isn't, I found myself tuning out as early as the first track and was furious when very little of the music on this CD reminded me of the simply amazing music from this show.
I even complained to the Cirque folks and they inded verified that it wasn't the score from the actual show but they were "Considering" doing a score of the show. In quotes below is their actual reply to me.
"Thank you for your interest in the Cirque du Soleil!! I understand your disapointement with the soundtrack. It is actually selection from the music of the show but re-arranged by Nitin Sawhney. Maybe this was not made clear at the time of the purchase. We are currently in the process of reevaluting the need for a score of the show. Keep posted, we might have one soon I hope!"
Well if you are like me and want the score you buy to remind you of the show you just experienced then ...
I DO NOT RECOMEND THIS CD!