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that Zimmer has ever written, and considering this project was the mans 100th film score, that is quite an accolade. 100 film scores in less than twenty years is not bad for a man who originally began working with "synth" music and whose work has long since overshadowed the fact that he help to bring the Buggles hit "Video Killed he Radio Star" to the world.

Whilst the track "Safe Passage" is one of the few that is less than immediate, though I hasten to add that there are no low points on this CD, "Ronin" is one just bursting with martial drama. Thumping drums emphasise the intensity of this short and sweet piece which comes as a massive contrast to the dreamy and gentle nature of the previous track. It does however act as a wake up call for the wonderful "Red Warrior" which features some voice work in the form of the shouted passages over tempestuous music, a real feeling of readying for battle is grasped from this piece as the film and its music race to the dramatic conclusion of the story. Incidentally the use of these warrior cries has been the source of much debate amongst music fans offending and thrilling people in equal measure. I think they work well and add tension and drama, you could say chants would be a fine thingwell maybe not but at least you understand the strange choice of a title." The Way of the Sword" takes us into battle and moves between tense anticipation to full-blown musical charges that capture the essence of the climax of the tale. It is a wonderful percussive and very exciting piece but never sounds like it was written purely as a vehicle for an action movie. All of these creations stand-alone very well and have a life away from the screen that many scores never achieve. The CD is rounded off by a return to the dulcet tones of the opening theme, which makes for a complete and orderly package and a fitting end to this majestic music.

Zimmer was clever in that he never set out to imitate oriental music, more to pay homage to its nature and the combination of the western orchestration that we are familiar with and the subtle strains of Japans musical heritage works so well. The combination of human voices and the usual subtle use of electronically created music and background rhythms add to make one of the finest film scores of recent times. Long may he continue to deliver quality music to the film industry's grand creations. They shoot, he scores.

Learn more about this author, Dave Franklin.
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