Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 20
 REALLY AWESOME! December 30, 2001
Derek Elrod (Waco, TX USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is one of the most awesome scores I have ever heard! It has true emotion in it (unlike anything John Williams has ever come up with). It comes purly from Howard's heart. You can't just listen to one track to see how wonderful this music is; you have to hear them all and how they connect with one another. It is awesome. James Newton Howard is the best film scorer I have heard yet, although he is way underrated. He has certainly shocked the world with his new "Disney's Dinosaur" and "Atlantis" soundtracks that have come out within the past couple of years. He is a composer you should keep your eye on. He knows music and he sure has an ear for it! It is worth every penny. You will be glad that you bought this one.
the music suits the movie December 17, 1999
Sarah (Pittsburgh, PA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I have not listened to entire CD, but I had the chance to see a special screening of the movie. The music completed the film. The kabuki drum would bang at the correct moments. The cello and the organ fit the movie perfectly. This soundtrack completed the already very sensual movie.
Haunting and Powerful. January 6, 2001
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This Soundtrack is a hauntingly beautiful blend of sounds, utilizing New-Age music instrumentation, full orchestration, and Choral choruses. It is best appreciated if one has seen the movie first. The selection of instruments, voices, and phrasing, are expertly blended to draw the listener into the various moods and messages of the movie. Having purchased the CD after seeing the film, I have listened to it dozens of times, and can still see the beautiful movie images in my mind each time. I have visited these islands where the film is located , and have sailed the same waters, so the music and the images are very real.
Hauntingly beautiful January 11, 2000
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Fell in love with this hauntingly beautiful music while watching the movie. Outstanding. Oftentimes, soundtracks sort of fade into the movie and are not memorable. The music added greatly to the "feel" of this movie. Especially, the emotional scenes. As one reviewer said, you will appreciate this music much more having seen the movie. Excellent!
One of Howard's best! February 25, 2006
Gerard R (The Netherlands)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've been a big fan of James Newton Howard for years now. I believe that what makes him one of the best composers of the modern era is his great variety in styles. Although he is probably mostly known for his (very) dark, heavy, bombastic compositions (e.g. King Kong, A Perfect Murder, Devil's Advocate), he has also composed light, cheery scores (e.g. Peter Pan), energetic, captivating music (e.g. Waterworld), romantic (e.g. The Prince of Tides) as well as sensitive and emotional scores (e.g. The Village).
Unlike many other great composers, Howard not only uses large orchestras with the traditional instruments for his compositions. For example The Grand Canyon and Primal Fear have as main instruments synthesizers and/or electric guitars.
Snow falling on Cedars is one of those compositions that involves traditional as well as non traditonal instruments and at times choirs singing like it's the end of an opera. The atmosphere of the different tracks can change from frightening or theatrical to peaceful and relaxed to emotional and sensitive. All tracks have a slightly depressing undertone but in a beautiful way.
Although this soundtrack is probably best compared to The Village, in a sense it's almost a 'best of' cd because in the melodies you'll find many similarities to a great lot of his other soundtracks. But because it also has a very distinct flavour this soundtrack stands proudly on its own.
When listening to it, already during the first few seconds the music captivates you and you'll experience moodswings from the beginning to the end. After listening to it a couple of times, I discovered the music really grows on you.
Definitely one of my favourites from Howard!
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