Music Composed by Tan Dun
Rating: *** 1/2

Although it was released in North America in the summer of 2004, Hero actually has been in the can since 2002. This Hong Kong film was a huge underground/cult favorite after its initial Asian release, and only after many delays did the film receive a theatrical release this side of the Pacific. The movie, starring Jet Li, is a big time martial arts flick set in ancient China, and like another recent crossover hit, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero boasts a score by Chinese composer Tan Dun.

It’s easy to make comparisons between the scores for the two films, since, in a way, they are similar. Each score is heavy on the strings, and each features a solo string performance throughout the score. Each score features generous amounts of KODO drums. However, Hero is not a sequel score; it is a stand alone work for a stand alone film. Stylistically similar, yes. An extension, perhaps. But unique, nonetheless.

Tan Dun

If you were looking to easily define for someone what a monothematic score would be like, Hero is a very easy place to turn. The score is dominated by this theme; almost every cue centers on multiple, sustained thematic performances. Even with this being the case, each cue sounds different. Dun relies heavily on orchestration and tempo changes to get the most out of his theme; depending on which part of the orchestra and chorus is carrying the theme to set the mood. The theme can be powerful and heroic when the brass and choir comes in, or longful and mourning when played by the string orchestra, such as in “Longing”.

The predominant version of the theme is led by the solo violin of the great Itzhak Perlman. Much like Yo-Yo Ma and his cello on Crouching Tiger, Perlman’s violin weaves in and out of the fabric of the orchestra, performing the theme on both high registers and low. One of the most stunning performances of the theme comes in track 4, “Gone With The Leaves”. After a harpsichord introduction, a wordless soprano comes in with a chilling statement. After about a minute, Perlman’s violin enters the picture, gently playing the main theme. As the cue progresses, the KODO drums build in intensity, picking up pace and volume while the soprano and violin continue to intertwine until the cue concludes with pounding drums and nothing more.

The album features other standout cues as well. The first two cues, “Hero: Overture” and “For the World - Theme Music” do an excellent job at introducing the theme and setting the mood. “At the Emperor’s Palace” features a powerful choral and brass statement at the start before moving to more spooky terrain. Finally, “Yearning For Peace” features a moving violin solo that really does evoke a sense of yearning before concluding with an accelerando chanting and percussion section to drive the album to a close.

So, after all this praise for the music, why just 3.5 notes? Yes, the music is very good, and extremely well composed. The sound mix is excellent. As an album, however, a theme and variations approach doesn’t always play well for the entire runtime, or for many repeated listens. Once the album is played a few times, no more new surprises are really there to be found. The Western sensibilities sparked with Eastern flavor, however, make for a generally pleasant listen, and if you liked Crouching Tiger, or any of Dun’s previous work, you’ll definitely like this. (Originally posted November 10, 2004).

Music Composed and Conducted by Tan Dun; Violin Solos by Itzhak Perlman; Featuring KODO Drummers of Japan; Recorded and Mixed by Richard King; Album Produced by Tan Dun and Grace Row; Availability: In print; Label (Catalogue): Sony Classical, (SK 87726); Release Date: August 24, 2004

01. Hero: Overture (4′23)
02. For the World - Theme Music (4′20)
03. Warriors (3′44)
04. Gone with Leaves (3′29)
05. Longing (4′21)
06. At the Emperor’s Palace (4′00)
07. In the Chess Court (4′03)
08. Love in Distance (4′55)
09. Spirit Fight (4′34)
10. Swift Sword (3′38)
11. Farewell, Hero (2′59)
12. Sorrow in Desert (2′35)
13. Home (1′17)
14. Above Water (1′47)
15. Snow (1′06)
16. Yearning for the Peace (3′25)

Total Playing Time: 54′24