Mao's Last Dancer Becoming a Dancer

Christopher Gordon is someone who's been making a name for himself during the past 10 years. Granted the amount of work he's produced for films hasn't been much but most would agree that they're quite impressive efforts. His best known score to date probably stems from the film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World which he worked with Peter Weir, this time around he's being employed by Bruce Beresford who's best known for the film Driving Miss Daisy. Mao's Last Dancer is an autobiography by Li Cunxin who was born into poverty in China during the 1960s and at the age of eleven was selected to join the Beijing Dance Academy, eventually becoming one of the most acclaimed ballet dancers in the entire world.
Hearing a Western orchestra playing Chinese influenced music is somewhat of novelty for some people-primarily myself-so hearing the music rendered so well is a joy. The opening of the score ("Out of the Well") starts off with the use of the dizi flute for the first 37 seconds of the track which eventually segways into the use of the Erhu and finally the incorporation of the pipi lutes, those three instruments have been a staple in Chinese music for a long time, similar to how the trumpet is used in scores involving the USA, and each of the three instruments are used heavily for the film. Following the track "Out of the Well" a very solid opening, "Village of Life" enters with the pipi lutes proclaiming their presence, the three instruments are used enormously for the first six tracks. They're incredibly effective in making one feel embedded in the Chinese culture, and the standout piece of the six is the "The Archer" and this once again involves all three of the mentioned instruments, but the erhu is what steals the show in this particular piece and does provide a greater emotional sensation for the listener. "Madam's Model Ballet," and "Becoming a Dancer" are definite highlights, both contain a unique buoyant quality and many will gravitate towards the latter as being the best cue of album I suspect. Judging from what you've already heard after the first twelve pieces presented, just by looking at the title "Becoming a Dancer" you already get the sense that the track is going to provide a transcending moment. The final portions of the score offer a darker emotional edge about feelings of tragedy and serious consequence they're presented in a most delicate manner in "The Consulate" and "Brush Dance - Zheng Ban Qiao." "Break Up and Reunion" allows for any tension to be relieved after the saddening two aforementioned tracks and eventually leads into the stunning conclusion "Village Dance and Finale."
This is probably Christopher Gordon's most accessible score in terms of listen ability. The score is structured in a very lyrical manner and tells an emotional story quite effectively with out even having to witness the film or read the autobiography. If you're interested in learning about Gordon's work then this score is probably the best place for you to first become acquainted with the man.

[@PoetryFoxDayz]

"Mao's Last Dancer" is by far one of my favorite movies of all time. Not only is it a movie but a real life story of a Fantastic Amazing Dancer!!.

[@IwishIwasasharpieIWIWAS]

thank goodness the soundtrack is on youtube ~ this was a wonderful story~
"Fantastic~"

[@liliebilie]

i love that asian string instrument. i have no idea what it's called but it leaves me speechless!

[@jessicamay8374]

I love this movie

[@ingrossa]

A beautiful mix between western film music and traditional asian melodies and instruments! Wonderful piece of music, thanks for sharing!

[@Barbiebratzgal123]

beautiful

[@debl5848]

Beautiful .....

[@grnavi]

Thank you so much for uploading!!! I'm definitely waiting for more!!!

[@Whyurforeheadsosmall]

So beautiful, I have goosebumps

[@TheYoungGuardian]

Brilliant♥

[@youyouooxx]

@dramaqueen465 commonly there are "er hu" - which is also known as the Chinese violin, or "Pi-pa", stylistically similar to guitar. you can read up about the instruments from this piece of music on google. I think there's a pretty detailed description.

[@krazie835]

@RAAM90
Sorry for the late reply, yes I do have more but my hard drive recently crashed so I cannot upload any more at the moment. Perhaps later on I'll be able to do it.

[@RAAM90]

wow! amazing piece piece of music. thanks for sharing,. do have any more tracks from this film??? i'd love to listen to some more :)

[@Cartman_87]

Perfecta..

[@brendans4217]

There are no dislikes on this video...

[@80pnguyen]

Brendan S ,3 years later...only 1 dislike

[@iraqinetwork]

whats the point of this?? i want to see his performance man