Gladiator Soundtrack
Reviewer: Piccolo
Artist/Composer: Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard
Record Label: Decca Records
Year of Release: 2000
Genre: Symphonic
Parental Advisory: No
Avaliability: Domestic

I really got into this movie, and after watching it, I knew the soundtrack had to be my next purchase. It was not a disappointment.

I really love dramatic, epic orchestral music, and this CD fits the bill. The experienced Hans Zimmer works magic in his battle themes, they are loud and moving, and make you want to take up only a sword and shield and take on all comers. The slower tracks have good ambiance, and while not as inspiring to me, they really help the build up to the more dramatic songs. Lisa Gerrard's voice lends a calming, angelic effect as the perfect counter-balance to the brassy battle themes.

The whole album is mixed well and nearly each track flows together, like a good story. It starts out quiet, and takes two tracks to slowly build to the first big battle scene. As the track draws to a close, the next track slowly fades out the loud and epic movement and an inspiring non-lyrical vocal follows... which finally give way to silence. The next few tracks depict tragedy and discovery, and before long, we are back to the arena. The battle lasts for a long time and a loud choral finale ends it all. The two remaining tracks bring us out of the spirit of battle, and as quietly as it starts, it is over.

Even if you haven't seen this movie, I'd recommend this CD to anyone with good taste in symphonic music.

Track List

1. Progeny
2. The Wheat Sample
3. The Battle
4. Earth
5. Sorrow
6. To Zucchabar
7. Patricide
8. The Emperor is Dead
9. The Might of Rome Sample
10. Strength and Honor
11. Reunion
12. Slaves to Rome
13. Barbarian Horde Sample
14. Am I Not Merciful?
15. Elysium
16. Honor Him
17. Now We Are Free