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List Price: $16.98 | | Label: Cirque Du Soleil
Salesrank: 6802
Released: October 18, 2005 |
| Our Price: $8.98 |
| Used Price: $8.50 |
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| Media: Audio CD |
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KÀ Track Listing:
1. O MAKUNDE
2. PAGEANT
3. KOUDAMARE
4. STORM
5. DEEP
6. SHADOWPLAY
7. PURSUIT
8. FOREST
9. FLIGHT
10. THREAT
11. LOVE DANCE
12. BATTLEFIELD
13. AFTERMATH
14. IF I COULD REACH YOUR HEART
15. WE’VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG
16. REACH FOR ME NOW
Editorial Review:
The soundtrack of the show KÀ is the most ambitious musical project produced by Cirque du Soleil to date. While remaining firmly rooted in Cirque du Soleil musical tradition, the recording features a symphony orchestra and a 40-member choir, as such creating a unique musical universe both epic and lyrical.
The powerful percussion and distinctive sound invites comparisons with classic movie soundtracks creating "a rich soundtrack that lives up to the overarching eye-candy on display", says Variety. To create this sound, KÀ was recorded at the renowned Paramount Studios in Los Angeles and in Montreal, where Cirque du Soleil is based. Hollywood veteran Simon Leclerc, the conductor for Star Trek: Voyager and Enterprise and the play Les Misérables, conducted the orchestra in Los Angeles.
Composer René Dupéré has been part of Cirque du Soleil since the very beginning. KÀ is the first work Dupéré has composed for Cirque du Soleil since 1994’s Alegría, the best-selling Cirque du Soleil recording to date. "We pulled out all the stops in the making of this album, and the result is, I believe, a record of the highest quality," says Dupéré. The album KÀ is worthy of the show that Time magazine called "bigger than Vegas."
Both the stage production and the soundtrack called for highly innovative use of musical technology. Says Martin Lord-Ferguson, co-producer of the recording: "Technological innovation, artistic audacity and technical prowess are all features of KÀ that the soundtrack had to reflect."
KÀ Reviews:
Best Cirque Music Ever Produced... 
2009-08-24 - My love of Cirque shows and their soundtracks began several years ago when I was introduced to Quidam and Dralion in French class. Since then I have had the pleasure of watching several of the shows on DVD and one live. I have always enjoyed Cirque music and during the past few months it has been my goal to explore more of it. I recently got to "KA" and was astounded by its beauty. Though a matter of opinion, I believe it is one of the best--if not THE best--scores yet composed by Cirque. I was instantly bitten by the "must see this" bug (currently the show resides in Las Vegas and is not available on DVD, but for those who cannot travel, "KA" was professionally filmed and aired one time in France and Germany, and can be found on most torrent sites).
After seeing the show (the televised version) I was pleased that the CD generally matched, moreso than some other Cirque shows (Quidam is a excellent example). A review of each track follows. Some are out-of-order as they appear in the actual production, and can be easily re-arranged on one's iPod.
---DVD PERFORMANCE ACTS---
The Pageant
The Storm
The Deep
The Archer's Den
The Washup On Shore
The Shadowplay
The Climb
The Blizzard
The Flight
The Twin Brother In Captivity
The Forest People
The Slave Cage
The Battle Begins
Aftermath
---CD TRACKS---
1. O Makunde: True to the live version and very enjoyable to listen to. Actually taken from the theme of "Aftermath," the last scene in the show.
2. Pageant: Theme of "The Pageant". Lovely rhythm and we are introduced to the main singer (whose name I do not know). Her tone is beautiful. Sometimes I'll listen to this twice in a row.
3. Koudamare: Though this may be featured in the live show, it is not in the televised version. I do not care for it at all. Seems slightly out of place.
4. Storm: Theme of "The Storm". Brilliantly written and no need to see the act to envision the storm taking place. I catch the word "Poseidon" several times (could be my imagination but I doubt it.)
5. Deep: Theme of "The Deep". The music during which the female twin swims underwater to retrieve her Nursemaid. Absolutely beautiful music, simple and emotional. Do NOT listen to the accompanying song at the end or it may ruin it. It is best heard by itself with no vocals or additions.
6. Shadowplay: Theme of "The Shadowplay". A slight disappointment. The main melody makes an all-too-brief appearance here, whereas in the show it goes on much longer. I often play this track several times so I can hear the oboe at the length it is in the show. The melody is simple and elegant and peaceful.
7. Pursuit: Theme of "The Climb". A great "edge-of-your seat" piece, during which the archers scale the cliff after the female twin and her nursemaid/valets. Very true to the live version.
8. Forest: Theme of "The Forest People". One of the CD's highlights with a changing melody and the excellent performance of the female singer. Nearly identical to the show.
9. Flight: Theme of "The Flight." My favorite track by a MILE. This is beyond gorgeous, one of several songs sung by a young soprano boy. I could hear it over and over again and never tire. Had "Flight" been cut from the CD it would have received a single star review. You cannot have "KA" without this piece (or "Love Dance").
10. Threat: An odd combination of a missing track and "Love Dance". Would have been great as a bonus, but not at the expense of the Archer's Den theme.
11. Love Dance: Theme of "The Twin Brother in Captivity". Another essential of the album. The theme of the Archer's Daughter as she performs her baton routine. The cello and violins are stunning. Listen to them carefully; each time they repeat, the music jumps an octave. One of the most stirring pieces in the show.
12: Battlefield: Theme of "The Battle." Very intense. Not particularly enjoyable to listen to (though great during the show) but hey, at least it's included.
13. Aftermath: Theme of "Aftermath". The female singer makes another welcome appearance and the song grows in beauty as it progresses. Short but well-written and very pleasing.
14, 15, 16: In short, a total waste of space and detriment to the album. There are reviewers who enjoy these songs, so I won't tear them to pieces, but they remind me of a "classic anime" song that you might hear during Sailor Moon or "Cirque Gone Animated". I hated them and deleted them from my playlist.
(For those wishing to re-arrange their music true to the live show, it would be as follows):
#2
#4
#5
#7
#9
#6
#11
#8
#12
#13
#1
Omit #3 (unless this is in the show and I don't know about it), #14, 15, 16
---TRACKS CUT FROM CD---
The Archer's Den: Deadly, fast-paced, and everything a "bad guy" needs as far as a soundtrack goes. Admittedly a bit fragmented and not necessarily conducive to a CD, but the mixer could have done a better job of adding in bits and pieces rather than the strange techno "Threat" that exists in its place.
Wash-Up On Shore: The "clown" routine. This is a super fun part of the score and I'm perplexed why it wasn't included. Sorely missed.
The Blizzard: Very short in the show, but cute and very "Cirque-ish" with the twangy strings. Would have been possible to add this in right before "Flight" and it would have lightened the feel of the album.
The Slave Cage: A nice feature of the electric guitar and a wonderful beat. It absolutely should have been added to the CD.
---FINAL TAKE---
My 4 star rating comes from the following:
Missing pieces from the show
Three wasted tracks of added vocals
Cuts in existing tracks (like Shadowplay)
Out of order from show schedule
That said, this is a Cirque du Soleil album that CANNOT be omitted from your collection. It is worth it just for Flight, Love Dance, and Forest, and the other tracks are very enjoyable as well. In my opinion, worth every dollar. And if you ever get the chance, I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to see it live, either.
Sparks the imagination 
2009-07-23 - I've never been lucky enough to go to a live Cirque Du Soleil show, but I've been in love with the soundtracks for quite some time. They are inspiring and great listening for when I'm working on art or writing. Ka is no exception. At times flowing and tranquil and at others strong and fierce, this music will definitely feed the imagination!
Great music, great show.
2009-02-15 - Atmospheric music that fits the show like a glove. Probably the best original music from a Cirque show. It's great to drive along to as well.
Great Show, Great Music, Terrible Transfer 
2008-10-08 - First off, this show is awe inspiring and the music is just as memorable. So after seeing the show I picked up the soundtrack.
The music is just not of good quality on the disc, sounds very grainy if you will. It sounds like they blared the music in the theater and recorded it all on one mic. Im really disappointed because if you listen to it at any loud volume at all it becomes really noticeable. There are also a few audible hicupps.
Considering all the money they make on this show, you would think they could afford a decent transfer, this is not CD quality music, its casette at best, maybe 8-track...
Get this DVD before you see the show!
2008-09-28 - By viewing this DVD before you actually see Ka (I saw it in Vegas) and you'll have even more appreciation for the show... and DO see the show! Holy cow!!!
