Lisa Gerrard

Some of the most beautiful film music I have ever heard. I listen to it regularly. Stunning orchestral pieces, and some hauntingly beautiful pieces with vocals too. You will not be disappointed if you buy this CD, especially if you also watch the film Gladiator, as the songs will bring to memory the images and emotions of the film.

Wonderful soundtrack. You can definitely hear Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean)in some of the tracks - so much so that it sounds a little "pirate-y". Badelt co-produced this with Zimmer and did some additional music and arranging. Interesting list of names in the thank you list: includes Harry Gregson-Williams (Narnia soundtracks) and John Powell (Bourne soundtracks). You can't lose with Zimmer.

Well played, well thought out and in posession of a number of moods this companion soundtrack to the blockbuster sand and sandal epic should be a good buy. Coming out early enough in the piece to avoid most of the audio compression problems so inherent with much mid 00's product it sees Hollywood film music legend Hans Zimmer collaborate with Lisa Gerrard (who was unfamiliar to me prior to this) and this first disc - there is another of further music - runs the gamut of the film's stages from beginning to end. And it must of sold some copies for them to have bothered to cobble together another `from or inspired by' disc at a later date.

The drama for me here is the lack of drama. For a film that had a number of moods but predominantly action and resigned pride and sadness, there is startlingly little bollocks to the music. The Battle (track 3) is at least lively but it fails to elicit any emotional response in the listener. There are passages that have some fire but even then it seems to be muted as if the composers were strangely gunshy. It certainly didn't inspire me to hit my play button too many times nor did it inspire me to throw the movie on.

I suppose the situation could best be summed up by the fact that when this movie came out and they needed some stirring music for the trailer they chose `Anvil of Crom' written by Basil Poledouris and used in the old film Conan The Barbarian. Not a good sign! There is some value here and I have a great deal of respect for Hans Zimmer but this is a fumble, without the movie to prop it up these sounds don't translate well.

I like this soundtrack, loved the movie and the music in the background. My favorite is track 5 which features Lisa Gerrard's voice.

This is not a memorable score - But it does invoke this suberb films memories ( Rozsa - Diomkin - North - NOT! ~ What happened to melody?).
This DECCA CD is the bottom of the barrel - NO INFORMATION WHATSOEVER! No timings - No bios. - Zimmer (we know) - But who is Lisa Gerrard? Does she not diserve a bio? - A CD DISGRACE!
If you liked the film, get it, it is not something that you will listen to often, but it does envoke the film. - This idiotic release is strictly to cash in on its popularity - DITO for "MORE MUSIC FROM GLADIATOR". Yahoos like this company are destroying the market for serious film score enthusiasts by such a shoddy release.

Can't rave enough about this album. Has been a daily listen for a long time now. Perfect for any mood. Simply incredible. Fully recommended!!!!!

My friend turned me on to The Silver Tree and I love it! I use it in my treatment room during service. It has a peaceful, other-worldly feel that lets you drift away.

I had never heard any of Lisa Gerrard's music. I am not familiar with Dead Can Dance, nor have I heard any of her soundtrack work. So I truly do come to this music without any preconceptions or expectations.

And I am now an instant fan.

I can see why Ms. Gerrard would be sought after as a music score composer. "The Silver Tree" is a very cinematic album. The music is spacious, and suggests that it may be telling some ambiguous story. It truly does feel like a journey of the soul, with moments of sorrow and joy, loss and ecstasy. It has a mournful quality, as if the music itself is weeping.

I see in the other reviews that many of the disappointed listeners may be victims of their own expectations since this doesn't "sound like her other work." I can only say that I may be in danger of being a "reverse victim"; I am so entranced by this music, I fear that her previous works will leave me disappointed! (EDITED TO ADD: This did indeed turn out to be the case! After initially writing this review, I purchased some DCD music... and failed to connect with it at the same level that I did with "The Silver Tree".)

This is the kind of music that instantly sets me on a search to find more that sounds just like it. I have a feeling that in this case I just won't find much that will match the unique qualities of The Silver Tree. It's a one of a kind.

Lisa Gerrard has bared her soul, and it is a wonderful gift she gives us. If you pray or meditate, I think you will find Lisa Gerrard to be a worthy companion.

Remember the days of "The Mirror Pool". Remember the opening strains of the album "Duality" and how it blew your mind? Well, both those albums were made by Lisa Gerrard, which is why there is no excuse for this disaster, especially since we know Lisa can make tracks such as "Shadow Magnet", "Venteles", and "Nadir". Those were great achievements, and ever since "Gladiator" (how I despise that soundtrack!), things have been getting worse.

I think Lisa's descent started IMMEDIATELY when she became a soundtrack composer. Until then, her albums were stunning, but ever since then she has relied on long passages of orchestral work, tracks that never go anywhere, and she has started humming in the lower register of her voice (which doesn't work for me - she sounds better in the medium to upper).

This album was originally released only in Australia, and I downloaded this upon first release over the Net. What a crushing disappointment. At best, and make no mistake - these all sound like outtakes from both the 'Gladiator' and 'Whale Rider' Era. That is not a joke or an insult. It is what it is. I could not believe it. Most of the songs are very directionless and sound like they were lying around in an editing room without any purpose, and Lisa and her producers decided to clump them together onto one album. No wonder they didn't bother releasing this as a retail album in Oz.

The worst part is, the final track on this US Edition is the bonus track for this release. I don't know how they decided to release the worst track of the bunch as a 'bonus'. This song distorts Lisa's vocals upon some very meandering instrumentation, and is a very startling and disjointed conclusion to a very unsatisfying album. Remember when you've made yourself a dinner with all the right ingredients, but somehow they all didn't come together - that is what this album is.

Sorry Lisa, you've lost it. I was once a fan, but too much sub-standard material has been released and I will continue listening to her first two albums as a reminder of the great potential Lisa once had.

If you never get bored, that is the one way to learn.
Don't get me wrong, I am really a fan. I love DCD materials, I love her first solo record, I love Duality. Songs like "The Unfolding", "Sacrifice" are just one the best things I have ever heard.
But let us not kidding ourselves. We are far far away from that. Less emotion in her voice, no interpretation, noise more than music. Please. I do a better music when I am cooking, and it smells better.
I think what she needs is a good song writer and a good producer (Brendan, Boorke), people who are actually good at creating music. And let her sing something meaningfull again.
Please Lisa, play the old tunes during your tour!!!

Having fallen in love with The Silver Tree, this was my 2nd purchase of Lisa Gerrards. This album lost that familiar feel I had treasured in the Silver Tree and seemed simply to try to sample each and every musical culture...losing its focus.

That being said...I respect the artist tremendously and recognize I may be missing something...as I'm a new fan and don't know her other works in depth.

I first starting listing to Lisa Gerrard because of a neighbor who thought the music in Gladiator was emotionally outstanding. We had some discussion as to what language she may be singing in and I did some research to find out that it is a language that Lisa Gerrard made up herself beginning around age 12. Her way of talking to God. It is a beautiful CD and wonderful music just to relax to and feel the flow.

I originally heard parts of this work in the movie "The Insider" and just fell in love with this music-it is so stirring and other worldly. The whole CD was just filled with more of the same. Thank you for the prompt service. S. Kirk

There are major problems with this compilation. One thing it has in common with 4AD's Cocteau Twins "Best Of" is that it over-emphasizes one aspect of the artist, i.e the ethereal side. In this instance, the world music/neo-folk aspect of the Gerrard oevre is under-represented, which is all the more frustrating because of the limitations she imposes on herself whilst in ambient/ethereal mode.
Lisa tends to work best when collaborating - or rather, when collaborating with someone with a very different temperament. E.g: brendan Perry and Pieter Bourke. Left to her own devices she tends to write one kind of "song" over and over again - and it quickly becomes boring (especially in the case of the Immortal Memory album, in which Patrick Casady's contribution is not totally clear).
Had this album contained more diverse material - for example, replace four of the later tracks with "As The Bell Rings The Maypole Spins", "Circum Radiant Dawn", "The Human Game" and "Hymn For The Fallen" - it really would have served its purpose as a best-of.
As it is - I can't recommend this, except to lapsed collectors wanting to sample her soundtrack work. And they're advised to proceed with caution.
Curious newcomers are advised to check out Duality (especially if you can find the two-disc edition) or any DCD album.

I only gave it four stars, because if you're already a diehard Dead Can Dance fan, then you already have most of these songs. So, for Dead Can Dance fans like me, there is only a little here I haven't heard before.

If this is meant to be a "best of", then I think these are poor choices. I'm not entirely sure what's the premise of this album, since Gerrard has made many better songs than these. It's just a collection of a few of her songs. Nothing from Duality, either. What a shame!

Overall, the album is pleasant to listen to. It's very calm. The songs are all nice to listen to. The last three songs and the first two songs are new to me.

With this sort of music/vocal improvisation, you either get it or you don't. Two reviewers before me loved it but one hated it - me, I really liked it but wished there was a bit more variety within each track. Lisa Gerrard does a magnificent job improvising against Schulze's dreamy, space-age soundscapes but at times, I found myself waiting for something to happen or for the tempo to pick up, only to be disappointed. Still, it's well worth buying if you're a fan of either artiste.

I don't know, maybe my cd player was acting up. But this album is beyond horrific,I like the works of Klaus Schulze but this is right off. Lisa Gerrard spends most of the album moaning something like a mix between a B grade ghost movie and a lp vinyl played at half speed. I am patient with most music but this was so bad I sent it back.

I recently became aware of this release through Amazon's mailings and investigated it due to my love of Lisa Gerrard's music, after hearing her live on her Silver Tree tour a year or so back. I have over a thousand albums I listen to, and this by far is the most compelling blend of musical sculpting I have heard in a very long time. I can't recall a purchase of music recently where I put it on at every chance I can. It enriches the home and the senses, inspiring and transcending.

Schulze and Gerrard together are a perfect mating of musical souls. Kudos to Schulze's new manager for arranging this collaboration for him, as he speaks of in his liner notes. I would love to hear another work done together by them again in the near future. This is a must-have album for any fan of this genre of music.

An exciting collaboration between two visionary artists. Operating in the musical field you could call gothic new age. Beautiful and spiritual and at the same time open to the darker sides of our minds (and the world we live in).

Klaus S. is of course a master sculptor of deep and interesting soundscapes. While Lisa Gerrard quite simply has a stunning voice and a stunning technical mastery of her vocal powers. Sounding at times like a Wagnerian heroine, a Middle East belly dancer or a new age goddess. And the fact that all her vocals are first take improvisations is downright impressive.

The music is varied, covering a wide range of moods and atmospheres. Suited for meditation, fantasy journeys, explorations of inner space.

Essential and profound.

Good peaceful listening music that brings back to your memory the fantastic stories that you saw years ago. Music brings back the good memories. Good product.
David Kunkler, Rushville, Ohio

Very nice CD with beautiful music from past movies. Very relaxing music to listen to.

Rhino Movie Music presents "Simply The Best Movie Themes", featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and other various artists ~ within the realm of the following composers David Arnold, John Barry, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Wendy Carlos, Fred Ebb, James Horner, James Newton Howard, Michael Kamen, John Kander, Michel Legrand, Alex North, Basil Poledouris, Howard Shore, Wladyslaw Szpilman, Stephen Warbeck, John Williams and Hans Zimmer ~ each composer has created one or more of the scores in this twenty nine classic line up.

Film scores covering over three decades with "2001:SPACE ODYSSEY", "A CLOCKWORK ORANGE", "APOCALYPSE NOW", "THE BODYGUARD(I Will Always Love You)", "CHICAGO(Overture to All That Jazz), "DIE ANOTHER DAY", "EYES WIDE SHUT", "FEARLESS", "GLADIATOR(Theme)", "HANNIBAL", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Hedwig's Theme)", "HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE(Harry's Wondrous World)", "THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER", "JURASSIC PARK:THE LOST WORLD", "LICENSE TO KILL, "LIVING DAYLIGHTS", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS(Theme)", "MINORITY REPORT", "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (Theme)", "OUT OF AFRICA", "THE PIANIST", "ROBIN HOOD, PRINCE OF THIEVES", "SCHINDLER'S LIST", "SE7EN", "SHADOWLANDS", "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE", "THE SIXTH SENSE", "THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR"and "TITANIC(My Heart Will Go On)" ~ a mixture of original compositions and classics of the old masters. Loaded with not just themes, but full of orchestral arrangements that are fresh and rewarding ~ sure to bring back those special moments from the film.

The presentation is superb with every cue inclusive with spectacular performances from suspense, romance and adventure all rolled into a two disc package. Rhino must be commended on doing such a great job and doing it well. Most serious "film-score-buffs" will welcome this compilation, has many cues available all under one banner ~ Rhino Records...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino/Warner Classics 78061 ~ (2/24/2004)

I have discovered this CD quite recently during an audio show where it was used to demonstrate properties of extremally expensive hi-end equipment. Since I was crushed with the sound quality as well as the music I have bought this CD and I listen to it quite frequently admirating the abilities of Hans Zimmer who produced this music.

To tell the truth i bought this cd as a present for my girlfriend. The song i love on it is the Barra, Barra, the others are a little to slow for me.

I had the cassette of "Blackhawk Down" and loved it. I travel a lot and I've converted my cassette library to CD. Really powerful music

This soundtrack made me feel like i was in the movie fighting with the guys of Black Hawk Down. Truely makes you want to join the army or at least find someone to fight.

I really enjoyed the move BHD, but I realized that everytime I watched the film I found myself drawn in by the incredible Zimmer soundtrack. Don't be fooled by the samples given, these tracks are MUCH crisper when you listen to the actual CD. The quality adds an element to the film that can only be seen when you hear just the musical component. Some of the elements of the soundtrack cannot be heard over the lines and action in the movie -- the details really stand out. It's amazing. Excellent Zimmer soundtrack, parallels or goes beyond his "Gladiator" composition.

Though most songs from Man on Fire have been included, it is obvious that some songs are missing. For instance the great guitar solo from Nine Inch Nails isn't included (and the Blue Bayou song isn't as well), and so are some other parts that I would have wanted to listen to. But that doesn't take away the fact that most of the movie's fantastic themes are there, and they are completely what I had expected them to be!

In all; though that this OST has some pieces missing, it is a great album. If they had included 'Blue Bayou' and 'The Mark Has Been Made' then I would have given it at least 4 stars!

The first and last song are the best on the album. Allot of Muzak. Done in good taste not my thing. Missing Blue Bayou from Linda ronstadt from the Movie. That would have made the album better. I like the First song and you can;t get it as a single.

This CD, while true to the film, and containing the riveting track 'Una Parada' is somewhat unsatisfying due to the fact that it seems made only for the film. Most segments are very short, and lack a real ending. One can only assume each track was made for a specific purpose, but without context, it loses much of the original punch.

Regardless, anyone who enjoyed the film will appreciate the aggressive and maudlin qualities of this CD.

After reading the reviews of this CD, it is clear that while it does contain music from the movie, it DOES NOT contain the music in the movie. With out these review I would have wasted my money. I find it interesting that the official description of the CD leaves out this fact.

If you love the movie you will love the soundtrack, it is greatttt......

I've listened to both soundtracks and I think the better buy would be the original. The original has more of the crucial scores such as "The Battle" "Earth" "The Might of Rome" The Barbarian Horde" "Honor Him" and "Now we are Free." This soundtrack "More Music From.." is just a collection of the filler music that includes some dialogue. There are some re-mixes and some good tracks such as "Secrets," "Marikesh Marketplace," and "Not Yet," but I don't think the entire CD is worth almost $20. If you want to here the music with the dialogue, you might as well just watch the movie. If you're in a toss up as to which CD to buy, I would suggest the original soundtrack.

I meant to order the Gladiator soundtrack but in my rush I accidentally ordered More Music ... and just received it and am listening to it. I love it ... I am getting chills listening to the lines and the music. In reviewing the comments most of the people seem to be unhappy so I am glad I made the mistake because I just order the soundtrack so I am going to be in a really exciting treat. Thanks.

One of those pivotal soundtracks. Unfortunately, there is dialogue over a few of the tracks, but it is well worth sitting or fast-forwarding through. There is a duduk (the sound used for that thing Mr. Tumnus plays in 'Narnia'), and I have fallen in love with it. There is the use of a female voice (Lisa Gerrard) wailing in another language, which had become something of a trend ('Troy', 'Munich', 'Narnia' again, and many others). "Now We Are Free" is the kind of song that first intrigues you, then entraps you, and then takes you on an emotional ride. The soundtrack is intensely bittersweet, exciting ("The Gladiator Waltz"--yes, you're supposed to giggle--Hans did!), and just very consumable. If you were impressed by movie--and I haven't run into anybody yet who wasn't--then consider this soundtrack an equivalent of that experience, but audio.

I HAVE TO SAY HANS ZIMMER IS THE GREATEST OF HIS ERA. I HAVE PURCHASED ALMOST ALL OF HIS MAJOR SCORES FROM RAIN MAN, CRIMSON TIDE, GLADIATOR, AND EVEN THE LATEST BATMAN AND I KNOW I HAVE PLENTY OF MORE THAT COULD BE LISTED. I FIRST WAS WEIRY ABOUT BUYING THE SECOND SCORE TO GLADIATOR THINKING IT WOULD BE JUST LIKE THE FIRST ONE. IT IS AWESOME AND JUST AS GOOD OR BETTER, IF YOU ARE A TRUE ZIMMER FAN YOU HAVE TO ADD THIS TO YOUR COLLECTION. I HOPE HE KEEPS MAKING MUSIC FOR YEARS TO COME.

Gladiator may be the best middle eastern score ever written. The Duduk was incredible!

The first CD was amazing as well, however, I believe this disc to have a few advantages.

First of all, "The Gladiator Waltz." This song TOTALLY improves upon "The Battle" from disc 1. The original stopped way before the new track. The synth sounds are very good, and don't take away from the beauty at all!

Another highlight is "Homecoming" this is a sad, angry song that will have your blood pumping. If you've seen the movie, you remember the scene where Maximus escapes execution, and rides home like a mad man, only to find his wife and son Crucified. A truly angry and intense song.

"Secrets" is a sneaky evil track, portraying the violent insanity of Commodus.

I have mentioned the highlights, but all the rest are great too! A must have CD, even if you own the first!

First of all, i'm a 15 year old boy in love with lisa. The song i first heard from her was sanvean and fell in love with her voice. I have the cd and is totally one her best works. It's just so calming and relaxing! All of the songs are outstanding. One thing i can say is that it is totally different from Dead Can Dance style so I guess if you enjoy more Dead Can Dance music, this is not for you. If I could give this more than five stars i would.

I first heard the title track from Immortal Memory on uTube and knew that I had to have the CD. Of course my local music store didn't carry it so I searched on Amazon. The entire recording from Lisa Gerrard and Patrick Cassidy is amazing! Hauntingly beautiful, seductive and completely thought provoking. A great CD to play for a romantic dinner or meditation, or whenever one needs to come down from a stressful day

This is one of those CD's that keeps you guessing about its meaning. Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance, 2 solo CD's, & several movie theme CD's joins forces with Patrick Cassidy to create an antithetical sound scape of what maybe my interpretation about the history of Celtic Spirituality on the island of Ireland.

The 1st song "The Song of Amergin" is about Amergin, a Celtic leader who according to legend is the 1st to set foot on Ireland to battle the "god's" for possession of the land.

The 2nd song "Maranatha" (Come Lord) maybe about Saint Patrick bringing Christianity to Ireland or maybe the cry of the land to free itself from the ancient pagan gods.

The 3rd song "Amergin's Invocation" makes the final cleansing of the land & the 4th song "Elegy" mourns the death of the pagan gods.

The 5th song "Sailing to Byzantium" is the 1st form of Christianity to come to the Celtics. Historically the Celtic Christian church was semi-independent from the bishop of Rome (later Pope) & was more Eastern Byzantine Christian to almost Coptic (Egyptian) Christian Mysticism that expressed the love of God & nature rather than the philosophy or logic of dogma.

The 6th song is the most interesting on the CD; "Abwoon" which is Aramaic for "Our Father" in English. Lisa Gerrard sings with a deep alto using the Aramaic language that Jesus used for his "How to Pray" prayer when he was on the Earth.

The 7th song "Immortal Memory" maybe about the universality of ancient Christianity or how God remembers all things? Or maybe this being the theme song is an overview of the rest of the songs?

The 8th song "Paradise Lost" maybe about the overtaking of the Celtic Church to conform to Roman Catholic doctrine & practice by Bishop Augustine 600 A.D. (not Saint Augustine of Hippo 400 A.D.) or about how modern Ireland has forgotten its true spiritual roots.

The 9th song "I Asked For Love" is plainly about getting the opposite from prayer until one just asks for God where he or she may receive freely.

The 10th song "Psallit In Aure Dei" is Patrick Cassidy main score from the words of Thomas of Celano, who was a disciple of & wrote a biography about Saint Francis of Assisi.

Try to come up with your own interpretation of this intriguing CD.

Well produced to bring out Lisa Gerrard's most unique singing style, but not as original as her 2 solo CD's "The Mirror Pool" & "Duality". Reading a few reviews below I agree that at times the music from this CD sounds like "Gorecki's 3rd Symphony" or something like Arvo Part to John Travener but it is done in good taste. Therefore a "4" is given for lack of originality.

Paradise Lost is darker than Hell itself; my stomach churns and writhes in knots every time I hear it. I love it.

Amazing album, haunting, and worth every penny for Paradise Lost alone. There are a few tracks that aren't very memorable, but all in all this is a five-star album.

Although these compositions are characterised by pleasing tonalities recorded in richly reverberant ambiance, they are altogether lacking with regard to melodic development or musical substance. There is nothing memorable about "Immortal Memory." Emotionally flat, this disc is positively dreary. This CD contains 57 minutes of excessively introspective, monotonous music that inspires nearly as much emotion as contemplating drying cement. An antidepressant medication may be necessary after listening. A disappointing addition to my musical library.

the atmospherics and mood dynamics of this soundtrack are quite memorable...it is eno-esque in its sound, and even soulful and moving in places...nice addition to your film soundtrack or ambient library

I had been looking in stores for this soundtrack because I think the music is really full of raw emotion and is a great experience listening to it. And, as always, ordering things from Amazon is easy and the items usually come sooner than promised, which is great. I'll continue to look around Amazon for future purchases!

After viewing the film, The Insider, I had to have the CD! This soundtrack is spellbinding. Most of the music has an almost otherworldly, Middle Eastern vibe that is very compelling. I keep playing this CD over and over.

I bought this CD strictly to hear the entire piece titled, "Sacrifice." I was greatly impressed with it when I first saw the film. I had heard portions of it in the background of several movie trailers after that, which led me to want to hear the entire piece and any background information about it. Although I was unable to obtain any of the aforementioned information, I still enjoy listening to the piece and am glad I purchased the CD.

This is a wonderfully evocative soundtrack. The tracks are diverse in tone and have an other-worldly quality to them. I wish I had bought this album sooner!