All reviews
of this soundtrack CD:
by bogeyman2000 on 5/12/2000
favorite track: 13
Gladiator is a great score by Hans Zimmer. It sounds like a gladiator film score should sound and that's great. "Barbarian Horde" is my favorite track because of the action. It is action packed and emotional in the end. While talking about emotional, "Now We Are Free" is a favorite of mine as well. Buy it!
by mgermani on 9/18/2000
favorite track: 17
A well written, although slightly unoriginal score. I can forgive Zimmer his various "borrowed" sections, because at least he borrows from others, and not himself constantly (hmmm, James Horner comes to mind). A little known borrowed item: "Earth" is a 3/4 rendition of Prokofiev's 4/4 Romanze from the Lt. Kije suite, and the track features elements of the whole suite itself (solo trumpet). Overall, a very pleasing score, Lisa Gerrard lends her very decent vocals to Zimmer's lush orchestral score.
by Mirna on 10/7/2001
favorite track: 17
While watching Gladiator in a movie theatre, I was surprised with how well the quasi-Arabic strings and Lisa Gerard's beautiful, haunting voice supplemented the tense story. Honor and glory are principles hard to achieve, and Hans Zimmer's music isn't so much about these "big words" as it is about the anguish and torment that follow them. This soundtrack made me pause, the first sounds of cavalry approaching in "The Battle" sent shivers down my spine, while "Now We Are Free" made me want to laugh, which is more than I can say for the dreadfully tacky closing scene it follows in the movie.
by Alwin on 11/21/2000
favorite track: 4
I have very mixed feelings about Gladiator. No doubt many us us bought it for the premise of the action cues ("The Battle" and "Barbarian Horde"). However, I found myself reaching for the on/off switch. They simply get annoying after awhile.
What saves this Gladiator from being an expensive coaster are the low-key moments. Yes, they stand head AND shoulders above the action.
"Earth" sounds very pleasing to the ear, and is a welcome relief to "The Battle" track which precedes it. It sounds like something I've heard from Armageddon, but hey, I liked some from that movie as well.
The last 3 tracks provide some emotional conclusion to this score.
In closing, this CD is split into 2 categories: the action cues, and everything else. The action cues will make your ears bleed, while the softer cues will hopefully provide some rest for them. I mildly recommended it.
by ejgraves on 8/22/2000
Great-sounding CD as far as production goes, but Zimmer gets zero points for originality. Check out 'Mars, the Bringer of War' from Holst's "The Planets" and listen in jaw-dropping amazement at how bad Zimmer ripped off every note of action music he "wrote" for Gladiator.
by Filmmusic Lover on 1/12/2001
favorite track: 3
Is Gladiator a great score? Heck, yes. Is Gladiator a great Hans Zimmer score? I don't know.
I have some problems with Hans Zimmer. His music is always closely connected with the atmosphere of the film (that is his task as a film composer, and he succeeds), but his music has to be well orchestrated to catch the ambience of the movie. Many of Zimmer's orchestrations are done by other people (friends and co-workers at Media Ventures) who do very good work. Alas, it is not Zimmer's work, and I always find myself wondering which part of a Zimmer score is Zimmer's work and which is not.
This said, I really LOVE this music. It is exiting as well as emotional. The action cues ("The Battle," "Barbarian Horde") are fully overblown and I LIKE that kind of bombast. Its thrilling performance gives this soudtrack a perfect listening experience.
The vocals by the wonderfully talented Lisa Gerrard give a shining, elegant grace to this album. Gerrard's emotional approach combined with Zimmer's bombast is a masterstroke. It's obvious that Zimmer does NOT deserve all credit. Without Gerrard's contribution, this would't be such a good score.
Sometimes I wonder how this music would sound live (as I do with every score I love). In Gladiator's case, I had the pleasure to actually hear the music live in Ghent, performed by its creators. Let me tell you something, it was AWESOME!!! Lisa Gerrard (and others like John Powell) were peforming as well. A splended evening.
by judisadan on 11/27/2000
I love the complete soundtrack, but why doesn't Zimmer give credit to the classical piece by Holst - "The Planets:
Mars"? The classic rock group Emerson Lake & Powell also were inspired by this music and at least gave credit to the original composer. We just got the DVD of Gladiator and couldn't believe how Zimmer credited himself for this so-called brillant "original" music. Am I the only one who sees this? Can he really get away with it??? Any comments???
by andyhewitt on 8/21/2000
favorite track: 3
This shows you again that Hans Zimmer is one of the best. Coupled with Lisa Geard, these two really do make the best (they also did parts of the M:I 2 score together). From the action music during the battles and gladiator events to the happy music in "Now We are Free," just like all Hans Zimmer sores, this is brilliant.
by kaadair on 10/28/2000
favorite track: 15
Love the ethereal quality of the final three tracks; I am interested in knowing what language Lisa Gerrard is singing in. Latin would be appropriate, but I think it's Gaelic/Irish. Anyone know what she's singing?
by melon on 8/7/2000
favorite track: 10
Wow, wow - amazing - perfect. What more can I say? This is about as good as it gets. This soundtrack may not be perfect but I've never before listened to anything that gets this close!!
by phalcon45 on 1/29/2001
Gladiator is without a doubt the finest collection of music on one CD that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. The music has a way of bringing you into it.
by Speedyone2nd2non on 2/24/2001
favorite track: 13
This soundtrack is incredible. "Barbarian Horde" does nothing but pump you up and excite you.
by rachel2k on 3/5/2001
favorite track: 17
This is the most amazing soundtrack I have ever heard, which goes with a brilliant film. I love all of the songs on the album apart from "Patricide." My favourite tracks on the album are "Elysium," "Honour Him" and "Now We Are Free." I would also like to add that I think Russell Crowe is very cute in Gladiator.
by John Zimmer on 4/18/2001
Gladiator has had incredible successes, winning a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination - this is one of the most popular soundtracks of the year. However, it is not the most worthy of this honor. The Patriot is easily the better score and film (although Gladiator the film is excellent). Most of the score is made up of a single string or Lisa Gerrard humming in the background with some scattered percussion. Even though the action cues are some of the best by Zimmer (amounting to about twenty minutes on the album), this does not make up for the poor performance on tracks one, two, four, and eight. Now these track do have some admirable parts - it simply does not live up to the standards that Zimmer fans uphold. The theme is one of the redeeming sequences on the album and is some what of a mix of The Lion King and Crimson Tide. This theme has some key appearances in track three and thirteen, but it's simply not used enough. Some of the fault may lie with Decca records, although they later released "More Music From Gladiator." This original album leaves out some key sequences from the film. I give the music as heard I film four stars, while my rating for the music as heard on album gets only three. From track twelve on, the score on the album almost makes it to four stars, but it is simply does not make up for the poor emperor theme and Lisa Gerrard's contributions on track two. This is at best an average score for Zimmer. We will start to get into the familiar Zimmer music we all know and love in track twelve to seventeen... this saves the album from poorer ratings. I do not hate this score - it is in some parts great fun. What I am saying is about half of the album is "filler" music when compared with other Zimmer compositions. Another redeeming value to this score is Zimmer's work with the Lyndhurst Orchestra instead of his usual electronic emphasis. Unfortunately, the tracks all bleed together - it is annoying and a waste of effort. For example, track thirteen leads straight into track fourteen, but the sequences in the movie are forty minutes apart. Why anyone would connect two pieces of music that do not have a shred in common is ridiculous. Track fourteen alone is worth the money - there is a strings sequence which sounds similar to James Horner's tragedies followed with a burst of full orchestral choir - this is some of the best music I have heard by Zimmer. Track fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen are all connected and are also some of the redeeming qualities to the soundtrack. Overall this is definitely not the soundtrack of the year and not even worthy of an Oscar nomination (the film is much better). Zimmer and Gerrard gave it a good shot but they are both capable of much better.
by Kyriacos S on 5/18/2001
favorite track: 7
I believe the music Zimmer and Gerrard composed for Gladiator works perfectly in the film, but not as good on the CD. I just can't stand listening to electronics in an epic film about Romans and warriors. I was expecting to listen to a great orchestra playing passionate, heroic themes rather than this. If more orchestral elements were added, I would have enjoyed it more.
by anonymous on 5/30/2001
favorite track: 14
Gladiator's score is outstanding. I can't get enough of it,the orchestra is superb, and even though it may not be completely original, it works well for the context of the film. Lisa Gerrard's vocals were appropriate, and Hans Zimmer has once again produced a sohpisticated piece with simple yet elegant and/or dramatic melodies that definitely deserved an Oscar.
by nick4evr05 on 6/13/2001
favorite track: 17
I love this song because it puts you into this mood I can't explain, it's very calming! But if you saw the movie, listening to this track, "Now We Are Free," gives you flashbacks of this movie. I just love this song, it's a sad song but a great song...
by ScoreNutt on 8/7/2001
favorite track: 7
Gladiator! An epic! Arguably the greatest movie of all time! Hans Zimmer has become one of my favorite composers and why? Listen to Gladiator and find out for yourself. "The Battle" is one of the greatest tracks I have ever heard. There is so much this album has, I can't even explain it! Lisa Gerrard sounds like an angel. "Patricide" is so wonderful. Hans Zimmer composed Gladiator perfectly and I don't think he can ever top it! There is a sequel album available called "More Music from Gladiator" with extra music.
by shadow7 on 9/17/2000
favorite track: 3
What a score! This has to be my favourite score of the year. Track three is my favourite cue - it's just such powerful stuff. I fully turn the sound system up so I can feel it as well. Great stuff.
by Kelan_Ritchie on 10/22/2001
It is my belief that this soundtrack is the single reason for this movie winning the Oscar for Best Picture. I don't have a favorite track because I love the entire thing. I challenge any fan of this movie to pick a single compelling scene that would be remotely close to as captivating without this incredible music score. The images on the screen are merely circumstantial to the score.
by alexdjnyybrs on 12/3/2001
favorite track: 13
Brilliant music for a brilliant film. Hans Zimmer composing for an epic film. What more could a soundtrack fan ask for? A must have!
by floorgodsonly on 12/5/2001
favorite track: 3
This is the way classical music is meant to be composed. Amazing . . . . . . it brought me up and down, as if I was watching the movie again. This is as much of a phenomenon as the movie itself. For those who are just starting to listen to classical music and understanding its musical profundity, this is one to cut your teeth to. Enjoy.
by garner23 on 12/6/2001
favorite track: 4
Almost all tracks are great. "Earth" is superb. It can soothe one at any time. You will keep hearing that track again and again in your head. Trust me.
by mellowjam on 1/1/2002
favorite track: 1
A terrific album. Pure quality. Hans Zimmer presents yet another score, and teamed up with Lisa Gerrard gives 110 perfection. "Progeny" is a terrific intro with a harmonic sound leading into "The Wheat," followed by "The Battle." The first thirty seconds of "The Battle" are sweet and brilliant.
by workaluk on 9/2/2002
favorite track: 17
At this point, Hans Zimmer is the best composer of the last 3 or 4 years. His scores in this period are simply brilliant. It's not Gladiator that has magnificent theme, ("Now We Are Free"), but also The Thin Red Line, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down. These four scores are very alike with the use of Arabic instruments (except for Pearl Harbor), and especially with the use of one of my favorite instruments (DUDUK), which gives the scores a very intense feeling. Hans Zimmer is already one of the best composers that ever lived.
by Amethest on 3/21/2003
Roman dudes fighting other Roman dudes. In music. On a CD. 'Nuff said.
by anonymous on 8/26/2003
favorite track: 7
Though some themes seem drawn from "The Planets," all in all Zimmer seems to have a spectacular soundtrack. It took me several listenings to completely warm up to it, but I now count it as one of my favorites. "Patricide" especially is chilling and the climax of the track thrillingly haunting. Similar to Gladiator is Pirates of the Caribbean, because of which I was extremely disappointed, having expected more of Klaus Badelt and Zimmer.
by mabryn-a on 9/9/2003
favorite track: 16
I think the last three tracks are the best. I played them for my grandfather at his funeral. An amazing and powerful trilogy, representing what a good man he was. Especially "Honor Him," which we absolutely did.
by gingernutqt on 9/7/2004
favorite track: 16
I was so upset this soundtrack did not receive the Oscar for best original score in 2000, as it is a masterpiece... and definitely one of Zimmer's best. Although all the tracks are brilliantly woven together and each one a delight, I had to pick "Honour Him" as my favourite track as its hauntingly beautiful melody is stunning and one of the best movie themes of all time. The film was wonderfully made and the music matches this superb film.
by robathos on 11/11/2004
Holst, Sibelius, Wagner, Mahler etc wrote great music and Zimmer knows how to quote and be inspired and combine with his own talent. The explicit folkloristic touch is what I enjoy most. The soundtrack really plays a major role in this movie.
by kkeyser on 3/13/2005
favorite track: 17
This movie and soundtrack are so incredibly awesome! All of the songs are so appropriate to what the director wants us to feel. Listening to the music is as stirring to the soul as watching the movie. I would recommend this soundtrack to anyone!
by dmhveggie on 8/3/2005
favorite track: 17
Hans Zimmer and John Williams are by far my favorite composers, so no doubt I picked this one up. I've listened to this track over twenty-four times so far. It's so great.
by Wendysam14 on 8/30/2005
favorite track: 17
This soundtrack is jam-packed with suspense and adventure. Hans Zimmer has done an excellent job. One thing I noticed was that parts of this sound a lot like what was heard in Pirates of the Caribbean. I really wish I owned this CD. If you're in a mood for action music, this is it.
by BackToTheFutureFan on 9/11/2005
favorite track: 13
Hans Zimmer's job on this score is magnificent. The whole score is as enticing as Lisa Gerrard's voice. So many beautiful tracks perfectly and completely score the elegance and beauty of the Roman Empire and life on the Mediterranean Sea.
The best overall piece is "Barbarian Horde." It is full of bombastic action music and fits "Barbarian" perfectly. I love the booming sounds and rich music.
"To Zucchabar" is a beautiful piece. The instruments used sound so Mediterranean. I love how the music conveys the beautiful lushness of ancient Rome and surrounding areas.
"Elysium," "Honor Him" and "Now We Are Free" completely set the mood of the score. These are the most beautiful pieces in the film, with Lisa Gerrard's voice only making it better. "Now We Are Free" is utterly fantastic. I cannot describe the beauty.
I've said this for other scores and I will say it for this one: do not pass this one up. I decided to get it because of all the great reviews. I am happy I did. It is simply beautiful, elegant, lush, enticing and rich music.
by black-rose on 9/20/2005
favorite track: 14
This soundtrack is a must have for anyone who appreciates music. It is written so well that you could listen to it for hours and never get bored. It is just such a good soundtrack it is almost perfect. It just rocks!!! Anyone who doesn't own this should buy it. Now.
by diachenko on 12/15/2005
favorite track: 3
What else can be said that hasn't already in all these reviews? This is truly a great score: super action music, great themes, and Lisa Gerrard's haunting, moving vocals especially in the last couple tracks. Amazing music in every respect.
by killedbill on 9/18/2006
favorite track: 3
After listening to this soundtrack for the first time, a very strong feeling of disappointment invaded me. Sometimes when you look at something from a certain distance instead of taking a closer look, you may classify as beautiful something that is, at best, average. Well, change the word "look" to "listen" and think of the "thing" as this Gladiator CD and you'll know how disappointed I felt. The biggest problem isn't the way the music is imagined, or the music's first concept. The basic concept of the main tracks (let's not forget this is a SOUNDTRACK, some of the music is just "landscape") is very good, in my opinion. The problem is the orchestration and performance. Some details in the bass and vocal scores seem a little bit exaggerated and not worthy of belonging to a soundtrack for a film like Gladiator. But that's nothing of new to me wherever Hans Zimmer is concerned. And another thing, why isn't the track "The General Who Became a Slave" (which can be found on the "More Music from Gladiator" CD) on this first CD? This made me really mad... It was one of my favourite tracks when I first saw the movie!
by r_u_s_h on 2/7/2007
favorite track: 17
Well this has to be one of the most beautiful film scores I have ever come across. I strongly admire Hans Zimmer for his ability to enter into a characters' mindset and write a piece of music based on what they are feeling at any certain time.
The Gladiator score covers everything, from the devotion to and greatness of the Roman Empire, to the love of others, and the hatred of your own family. You will hear pride and happiness to grief and despair simply through the tones Hans has used throughout the 19 themes (all of which can be heard in the first 14 minutes of the film).
Hans knew exactly where to go when he wrote pieces such as "To Zucchabar." His use of the Armenian clarinet the duduk really gives the music that gritty, dusty road feel. It is through such pieces that you can find yourself in the setting, simply based on how the music makes you feel. What's more, Hans was lucky enough to have Djivan Gaparyan (the greatest duduk player in Armenia) end up in L.A. at the time of recording.
The music always portrays the setting. Pieces like "The Might of Rome" are grand, just like Rome was. The music has a very regal quality, but yet still retains some of the grittiness of other pieces, as if like a constant reminder of Maximus' past and present situations.
My favourite track is 17 - "Now We Are Free" - which is just beautiful in the way Hans uses different parts of other themes and blends them to create this fantastic piece of musical literature, if you like. We get all the images flashing back: the wheat fields, the demise of Maximus' family. Slave to gladiator to hero, with Lisa Gerrard fitting the bill perfectly for this score, as she knew just how to suit the emotions of the characters.
On the whole, this score adds to the wonderful portrayal of a simple man's complicated life. Like the film, the music seems to be complicated, but deep down lie the basic themes where Hans just used his expertise and sharpened ear to erect monumental musical architecture.
No section is ignored. No part is left untouched. No single note neglected.
Amazing.
by w4udx on 1/9/2009
favorite track: 9
Anyone who loves movie music but does not own this CD is doing themselves a real disservice. Just buy the d@#n thing already....
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