Perhaps you’ve missed the numerous advertisements appearing on
television, in the radio and in print these past few weeks to months;
it’s that time of year again – Christmas – which means a lot of
scrambling around to find the one perfect gift we know our special
Cirque du Soleil fan would love and enjoy. The problem we face,
though, is that we’re not quite sure what to get them, (or us), right?
Cirque du Soleil’s online boutique has a plethora of options this year
from which to choose – ranging from clothing items to house-hold
goods; but they also have a number of interesting media options for
those who enjoy listening to or watching their favorite circus: two
brand-new audio CDs and two intriguing documentary DVDs. Any one of
them (or all four) will make great stocking stuffers!
AUDIO
—–
On November 21st, Cirque du Soleil released two audio soundtracks onto
CD that would make for great stocking stuffers: a single-CD for IRIS,
now playing at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, and two
different packages for Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, now
touring in arenas across North America.
IRIS
First, from the live Cirque du Soleil show, IRIS – A Journey Through
the World of Cinema, performing exclusively at Kodak Theatre in Los
Angeles, comes its studio soundtrack by multiple OSCAR nominated
composer Danny Elfman. Best known for scoring music for television and
movies (The Simpsons and Desperate Housewives and many of Tim Burton’s
films including Alice in Wonderland) and having earned numerous
honors, Elfman joins Cirque du Soleil for the first time to compose
and produce the music of a poetic phantasmagoria inspired by the world
of cinema.
The unique blend of 100 orchestral musicians – the largest number in
Cirque du Soleil recording history – spread over large and small
ensembles are mixed with the live show’s eight house musicians working
with and around each other, are now brought together on this 17-song
album:
01: “Buster’s Big Opening”…… (4:47)
02: “The Twins”…………….. (4:58)
03: “Kiriki Film”…………… (1:29)
04: “Kiriki”……………….. (5:25)
05: “Silent Movie”………….. (0:51)
06: “Patterns”……………… (4:51)
07: “Clown Special Effects”….. (1:48)
08: “Pellicule (Part I & II)”… (6:22)
09: “Snake Women”…………… (4:20)
10: “Movie Studio”………….. (7:03)
11: “The Broom”…………….. (1:17)
12: “Flying Scarlett”……….. (4:42)
13: “Old Toys”……………… (0:45)
14: “Film Noir/Pursuit”……… (3:34)
15: “Rooftops”……………… (4:55)
16: “Scarlett Balancing”…….. (5:09)
17: “IRIS Finale and Bows”…… (4:52)
Supporting the show’s kaleidoscope of movement, moods and images,
Danny Elfman evokes the language of film music, magnifying the
emotions of this surrealistic tribute of the seventh art, cinema.
And if that doesn’t help you decide, check out this fantastic review
by MSam (from Queensland, Australia and contributor to the Cirque
Tribune forum), as posted on Amazon: “The new Iris soundtrack by
Cirque du Soleil is just brilliant! Danny Elfman provides a style that
is simply magical. It’s incredible, a compelling and generous creation
that draws upon ultra, neo-Romantic composing techniques combined with
an eclectic mix of world influences all stamped with Elfman’s
incredible idiosyncratic pallet. There are beautiful piano melodies,
exhilarating string arrangements and bold, brassy moments which render
the album to be nothing short of ephemeral.
This is Elfman at his best. Working on this project for a solid two
years, as opposed to the usual soundtrack deal of three months on a
movie, the sound-scape of this album is so varied and dynamic it’s
hard to comprehend the awesomeness on a first listen. Homage to the
scores of movies, this soundtrack draws upon references and reinvents
popular and stereotypical movie music styles. There are shout outs to
jungle blockbusters like Indiana Jones and King Kong (‘Snake Women’,
‘Patterns’), Gothic and magical scores such as The Nightmare Before
Christmas and Edward Scissorhands (‘Silent Movie’, ‘The Twins’), the
schmooze vibe tones of the trendy 20’s (‘Film Noir’, ‘Movie Studio’),
and a tour-de-force homage to the syncopated beats of West Side Story
(‘Rooftops’). Despite their influences, all the tracks inherently
original, and the experience is incredible. I’m actually running out
of inventive words to use to describe it. The upbeat ‘Kiriki’ theme is
a brilliant fusion of exhilarating rhythmic strings with bows on fire
in a distinctly circus and Gothic vibe, and ‘Scarlett Balancing’ is
simply heartbreaking – the lyrics have the potential to be corny and
pandering but in this case they come across as esoteric and nebulous
combined with the luscious arrangement of the orchestra and the
ethereal mixing of the choir.
The most coruscating moment on the album is the exquisite and flawless
‘The Broom/Flying Scarlett’ arrangement. Beginning with a reprise of
the opening tune shared delicately between woodwinds and a solo violin
while strings flourish softly behind, the piece is utterly stunning.
It provokes this incredible but practically indescribable emotion that
resembles something like yearning. It’s an ephemeral and achingly
beautiful piano waltz paired with this forlorn, angelic voice which
fragments and harmonizes itself, and slowly layers with chimes and
glockenspiels which lead into the striking, driving and powerful
orchestra finally accompanying. The arrangement is sweeping.
It’s been way too long since a soundtrack, and a Cirque du Soleil one
at that, has moved and resonated with me. It’s been an absolute joy to
discover this wonderful soundtrack. Danny Elfman has managed to bring
his own style to Cirque du Soleil without alienating or messing up its
typical world flavour, and the melodies and motifs he has crafted are
some of the most beautiful I think I’ve ever heard in a soundtrack.
Iris is simply stunning – to all Elfman fans, soundtrack aficionados,
and music lovers, you will not regret listening to this. Check out the
link below to get a listen to the album in full streaming. Simple
world-class quality – it’s good to see that the Machine du Soleil can
still produce magic with the right direction.”
Get this album today from the Cirque du Soleil online boutique – it’s
only $15.00!
MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR
Although technically not a Cirque du Soleil Musique release (MJ’s CDs
are released on EPIC Records), this is the soundtrack to Cirque du
Soleil’s show now touring arenas across North America (and by
2012/2013, Europe too!).
Led by esteemed musical designer Kevin Antunes, Immortal takes a
fresh, creative approach in redesigning and reimagining more than 40
of Michael Jackson’s greatest original recordings into a compilation
that allows listeners to experience his music in an entirely new way.
After spending a year in the studio working with Michael’s original
multi-track master recordings, Kevin created this release which offers
listeners a new soundscape to Michael’s artistry while preserving the
power and familiarity of his unparalleled voice and his legendary
tracks. Immortal is sure to touch the hearts of passionate Michael
fans as the album unfolds his musical legacy with redesigned versions
of his hits, electrifying mashups and newly discovered outtakes fans
have never heard before including an alternate take on the Jackson 5’s
“ABC” and a choir that Michael recorded for “They Don’t Really Care
About Us.”
And there’s two flavors to choose from – the “value” single-CD release
and the “deluxe” double-CD compilation for those hard-core Michael
Jackson/Cirque du Soleil fans.
The value offering, which has an orange-colored cover, contains 20
tracks and a run-time of just over an hour:
01. Workin’ Day And Night (3:36)
02. The Immortal Intro (3:07)
03. Childhood (4:35)
04. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (3:07)
05. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (4:49)
06. This Place Hotel (2:08)
07. Smooth Criminal (1:59)
08. Dangerous (2:41)
09. The Jackson 5 Medley (3:45)
10. Speechless/Human Nature (3:18)
11. Is It Scary/Threatened (5:05)
12. Thriller (3:32)
13. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (6:07)
14. Beat It/State Of Shock (3:09)
15. Jam (2:37)
16. Planet Earth/Earth Song (4:04)
17. They Don’t Care About Us (3:36)
18. I’ll Be There (1:53)
19. Immortal Megamix (9:09)
20. Man In The Mirror (4:17)
The Deluxe offering, which has a blue cover, sports 27 tracks and a
whopping 1 hour, 42 minute run-time!
Disc 1:
01. Workin’ Day And Night (3:36)
02. The Immortal Intro (3:07)
03. Childhood (4:35)
04. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (3:08)
05. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) (2:27)
06. Dancing Machine/Blame It On The Boogie (4:04)
07. Ben (3:44)
08. This Place Hotel (2:08)
09. Smooth Criminal (1:59)
10. Dangerous (2:41)
11. The Way You Love Me/Speed Demon/Another Part Of Me (2:52)
12. The Jackson 5 Medley (3:45)
13. Speechless/Human Nature (3:20)
14. Is It Scary/Threatened (5:03)
15. Thriller (3:37)
Disc 2:
16. You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You (6:08)
17. Beat It/State Of Shock (3:09)
18. Jam (2:37)
19. Planet Earth/Earth Song (4:01)
20. Scream/Little Susie (4:45)
21. Gone Too Soon (3:23)
22. They Don’t Care About Us (3:37)
23. Will You Be There (4:56)
24. I’ll Be There (1:50)
25. Immortal Megamix (9:08)
26. Man In The Mirror (4:14)
27. Remember The Time/Bad (4:39)
Not sure either of these CDs is for you? Check out this review from
Kaio (in Santa Monica, California) on Amazon:
“When I first heard this Cirque soundtrack was going to remix, and in
some cases, mash-up, some of the most iconic songs ever recorded, I
was worried. But I listen to Michael’s original tracks all the time,
so I don’t feel shortchanged by this reworking of his untouchable
classics. If anything, I’ve really taken to this energized Cirque-
ified remix. It’s like a concentrated dose of Michael as interpreted
through Soleil’s prism. Somehow they’ve managed to retain Michael’s
essence, yet add their own flair to it, that somehow makes Michael
stretch beyond his usual larger than life; which is interesting,
considering he’s no longer here. Although Michael’s presence is
clearly missing, his spirit is ever-present, via his own alternate
vocal recordings of these impressive songs. It’s almost as if he’s
graduated from Peter Pan to Wizard of Oz! Sizzling with omnipotence
and infusing his rhythm and dance from the ethereal beyond.
Michael’s iconic hits need no introduction. Bottom Line: I’ve got my
MJ “E”-ticket and I’m strapped in for the ride, wherever it goes; from
childhood to beyond! Jermaine said it best, “It’s time to celebrate
Michael’s life.” Which is easy to do, because Michael’s music
instantly lifts-off and makes my spirit soar. This soundtrack and
Michael’s vocals are absolutely stunning. No, Michael didn’t have a
hand in remixing his iconic songs, but his spirit IS here, through and
through; like a true Immortal. So buckle-up and get ready for a fun
ride.”
Both can be found for $15.00 or less at either Amazon.com or the
Cirque du Soleil online boutique – order now for prompt delivery
before Christmas!
VIDEO
—–
If neither of the three CDs we’ve talked about so far tickle your
fancy, perhaps one these two intriguing documentary DVDs will: “ZED in
Tokyo” and “ZAIA: Crossroads in Macau”.
ZAIA: CROSS ROADS IN MACAU
Inspired by the vastness and diversity of the cosmos, writer and
director Gilles Maheu soaked up a few dozen cultures to create a show
imbued with the different colors and flavors of the world: ZAIA. A
great challenge awaits the artists and craftspeople of this odyssey,
which will have to relearn how to move and communicate. They will
explore new territories and make the “Crossroads in Macau” their
meeting point. Discover the spectacular and poetic world of ZAIA.
This documentary, filmed in 2010, takes viewers on the journey from
initial spark to premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s ZAIA at The Venetian
Macao. What makes this show different from previous efforts by Cirque
du Soleil is the market in which it is presented – China. Follow the
trials and tribulations of a cast and crew trying to give Cirque du
Soleil a foothold in this Chinese gambling Mecca while at the same
time finding inspiration in the show’s theme: space. And though I have
not yet seen ZAIA performed live, I’ve gained a much better
appreciation of the show by watching this documentary. It’ll never
replace a live viewing of the show, nor will it replace a recording
(if ever one should be produced); however, “Crossroads in Macau” will
give you a taste of what the show is like, even if it is only 68
minutes long and even if it is representative of the show before its
huge change this past year.
Special Features include “Trampoline and Double Teeterboard (X-Board)”
and “Chinese Poles on Globes”, full recordings of those acts
respectively as if performed in front of a live audience; a “Then &
Now” segment, a brief video montage covering all of Cirque du Soleil’s
creations, from 1984 through to today; “ZAIA – Experience the
Unforgettable”, the show’s video trailer; “On-Stage Career
Opportunities”, an advertisement for Cirque du Soleil’s Casting
department; and “A Message from ONE DROP”.
ZED IN TOKYO
Lamenting the pending closure of Cirque du Soleil’s ZED? Then relive
the fantasy of this expansive and epic show through “ZED in Tokyo”, a
fantastic peek into Cirque du Soleil’s world of the Tarot. Discover
the lyrical, sensitive spirit of the ZED show, a creation by Cirque du
Soleil captained by stage and screen director François Girard. By way
of a series of vignettes, ZED in Tokyo follows the team through the
creative process, both on stage and in the wings, as they make their
way from Montreal to the busy streets of Tokyo. This documentary
portrays a strange and edifying encounter between the land of Cirque
du Soleil and the Land of the Rising Sun as expressed by the work of
creators, artists and technicians from several different cultures who
join forces to stage a truly extraordinary show.
Filmed in 2010, this 67 minute peek into the world of ZED is not as
expansive as we would like, but it is complete. A number of the show’s
elements make it to the screen here, even if just for a moment’s
glimpse, giving those who have seen the show a wonderful flowing
memory of what was. Though “ZED in Tokyo” will not replace a full-
fledged recording of the show, this documentary does a much better job
at capturing the essence of ZED’s epic nature than does “Crossroads in
Macau” for ZAIA. Fans of the show are also in for a treat; Japan is
the land of anime and the documentary comes complete with its very own
anime-style introduction montage, which helps takes us out of the real
world and into the metaphysical world of ZED.
Special Features include “The Tarot”, a look into Tarot and how it
inspired the creation of ZED early on; “The Composer”, a brief look at
composing ZED with Rene Dupere (Cirque’s long-time musical
collaborator); a “Then & Now” segment, a brief video montage covering
all of Cirque du Soleil’s creations, from 1984 through to today; “Let
Your Talent Shine”, a montage from Cirque du Soleil scouting; “On-
Stage Career Opportunities, an advertisement for Cirque du Soleil’s
Casting department (interested in joining the Cirque? Pay attention –
here’s how!); and “A Message from ONE DROP”.
* * *
On a budget and not sure which of these four to get this year? Let me
help you! My choice in AUDIO is, without a doubt, the IRIS soundtrack.
Danny Elfman has put together a rousing score for Cirque du Soleil’s
journey through the world of cinema, and as a stand-alone score its
one of the more engaging I’ve listened to lately. MJ IMMORTAL is fun
too, but the mixes here just aren’t different enough from Michael’s
regular material to recommend double or even triple-dipping on them,
in my opinion of course. In VIDEO, I’d recommend “ZED in Tokyo”. Both
documentaries are solid visuals of the shows they represent; however
“ZED in Tokyo” seems better put together, better executed and offers a
better over-all experience of the show than “Crossroads in Macau” for
ZAIA.
So there you have it and may your stockings fill themselves with
Cirque media goodies this year!
