Baraka: The Deluxe Edition (Varese Sarabande Records VSD-7160, 2012)
Varese Sarabande Records, a label specialized in movie soundtracks, has released to soundtrack of the original motion picture Baraka, which was released in 1992 and was directed by Ron Fricke. The original score is by distinguished ambient music composer Michael Stearns. The CD includes a variety of world music acts that provide an authentic background for the celebrated film.
Michael Stearns provides his rich and majestic ambient and orchestral keyboard work along with pieces by Dead Can Dance, Indian violin maestro and innovator L. Subramaniam, Ciro Hurtado, Inkuyo, Brother and David Hykes.
Baraka is described as an epic non-verbal film. It divulges the story of the earth’s evolution, man’s diversity and interconnection, and his effect on the planet. The film takes the listener on a world tour of cultural and natural experience. Baraka was shot in 70mm in 24 countries on six continents, in places such as Brazil, Nepal, Cambodia, Kuwait, India, Tanzania and Iran. The film won the International Film Critics Jury Award for “Best Picture” at its world premiere at the Montreal Film Festival in 1992.
Highlights include Stearns’ ‘Finale,’ his exquisite collaboration with L. Subramaniam titled ‘Varanasi Sunrise,’ ‘The Host of Seraphim’ by Dead Can Dance and ‘Rainbow Voice’ by David Hykes and The Harmonic Choir.