About this album
Where they were
When Tan Dun released 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in 2000, he was already an acclaimed composer, known for blending Eastern and Western musical traditions. This soundtrack followed his success with the opera 'Peony Pavilion' and marked a significant moment as he transitioned into mainstream recognition through film scoring.
Why it matters
The soundtrack received widespread acclaim, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Score and a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album. Its cultural impact extended beyond cinema, bringing traditional Chinese music to international audiences and influencing the global perception of film soundtracks.
Essential tracks
- "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" — The main theme encapsulates the film's emotional depth and grandeur, marrying sweeping orchestral movements with delicate melodies that evoke the story's essence.
- "A Love Before Time (English)" — This poignant ballad features heartfelt vocals that beautifully convey the film's themes of love and longing, becoming a crossover hit in its own right.
- "Through the Bamboo Forest" — This track showcases Tan Dun's unique ability to blend traditional instruments with modern orchestration, perfectly capturing the mystical atmosphere of the film's iconic scenes.
Release Date
January 1, 2000
Artist Origin
People's Republic of China
Tracklist
- 1 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 3:26
- 2 The Eternal Vow 3:03
- 3 A Wedding Interrupted 2:18
- 4 Night Fight 3:13
- 5 Silk Road 3:11
- 6 To the South 2:23
- 7 Through the Bamboo Forest 4:25
- 8 The Encounter 2:42
- 9 Desert Capriccio 4:35
- 10 In the Old Temple 3:48
- 11 Yearning of the Sword 3:36
- 12 Sorrow 4:04
- 13 Farewell 2:27
- 14 A Love Before Time (English) 3:47
- 15 A Love Before Time (Mandarin) 3:38
