Tilak Bahadur Malakar | Jacksonville, Florida USA | 04/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Using Tibetan incantations, Mr. Bruno Coulais has composed some of the best musical scores I have ever listened. Every piece of music depicts the real life struggles of these people of Dolpo. The compositions are so strong, so natural, sometimes so haunting, it draws you ever closer to these people. To those magnificent and breathtaking sceneries, Mr. Coulais has added another dimension; his music tells the story, the drama, the struggles of life in its true authentic way of life of the Tibetans. With each piece of music you travel along with the caravan, singing their songs, sharing their moments of joy and sorrow. Unlike other soundtracks this one really belongs to the people of Dolpo. You must really listen to believe me."
Evocative mantra music
C. Korns | Portland, OR United States | 06/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After seeing the gorgeous film, I ordered the CD within days. At first listen I only heard the occasional heavy string sections and felt that I'd rushed into buying a CD that failed to carry the spirit of the film. However, after a few spins in the ol' CD player, I found myself listening to it every day. A consistent soothing melody recurs throughout the CD, echoing the Buddhist chant: Om Mani Pedme Hung. Then, going out, I found the chant continuing in my mind. What a wonderful effect! Use this mantra of love and compassion to soften, to ease and soften your mind, energy and spirit. The CD ultimately has that power."
Wonderful sounds
Karen Bradford | Mira Loma, CA USA | 01/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is heavenly music: I loved the sounds from the first track and can hardly wait to see the DVD. I have played the soundtrack for all eight hours of my work day today and still want to hear it again.
I have been to the Far East and the music makes me want to return to see Nepal. I hope this region and people will not be devastated in the future."
Music for the soul
Devlin Tay | Adelaide, Australia | 10/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mmm ... where do I start? The movie itself was alright, a bit slow-moving, but touching and evocative of a distant culture and a way of life that most of us western-influenced audiences would find quite alien. The Himalayas' mountain-scape inspired awe as always, of course, but ultimately it was the soundtrack itself that lifted the movie from being merely interesting to being something sublime. Himalaya's score was even better than that for "Samsara", another excellent CD that transports the listener to the mystical Himalayan mountains. The best track on the Himalaya soundtrack is the one that incorporates the mantra of the Goddess Tara (the female counterpart of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion): "Om Tare Tutare Ture Svaha!". Listen to this CD and it might just ferry you across to the other shore."