TOTEM

I own pretty much every Cirque du Soleil soundtrack and have seen about a dozen of the shows. I definitely have my favorites of the soundtracks, usually shows I've seen and loved and the music takes me back to that live experience. This one had an uphill battle for me since I haven't seen this show yet, and on first listen or two, wasn't sure what I thought of it. It is quite a departure in many respects, with a heavy native American influence but mixed with some surprising other music styles. Most striking is eastern Indian with western Indian. In retrospect, it almost seems too obvious, but I can't think of another album that has done it. But it works! Native American meets Bollywood. After a few listens it really grew on me, and I haven't been able to stop listening to it since. Some stand outs are "Cum Sancto Spiritu", "Indie-Hip" (the ultimate Bollywood, Native American, hip-hop mix; strange but irresistible), "Onta" (more strongly Native American sound) and "Kunda Tayé". Surprisingly, the newcomer-to-Cirque composers are able to compete with the venerable offerings by Jutras and Dupere. I didn't think anything could come along to compare with Alegria, Quidam, O and Mystere, but this one really competes. Get it! You won't be disappointed.

Totem is the best amongst all the great and amazing Cirque du Soleil shows. All of the shows have a lot of meaning and are stunning in performance, outfits, music, and their ability to enchant the audience. Totem, however, is captivating in a different way - it is very visceral and goes to the innermost of human kind as it is concerned with evolution and ongoing development and the dreams that we all harbor.The music, costumes, and the artistic skills of the performers could not be more perfect; every single act touches the audience but one of them really sticks out: the Indian Wedding / Roller Skates act! This performance goes right to the heart, it's so sensual and romantic - you can feel that there is a strong connection between the actors and there is a magical atmosphere to this act that makes everyone hold their breath. As I said, all the performances are great but the Roller Skate Act is breathtakingly dangerous and romantic at the same time - this is not only a "must see" - this is a "must feel" experience! Hopefully Cirque du Soleil will release a Blu-ray of the show in the future.

Of the several Cirque du Soleil albums I own, this is my current favorite (along with "O").The music varies from scene to scene - there is so much variety here: there is the Native American drum, there is the Chinese sound, there is the tongue and Spanish rhythm... and yet there is an overall cohesion, a strong sense of percussion which propels the story of humanity.Funny thing is, with some of Cirque albums, the music eventually begin to sound the same - but here, each song reminds me of its own stage moments. Maybe because each scene is specific to a certain time and/or culture the music represents.A definite recommend.

I love it!!!

The songs in this show are a bit different then most Cirque shows, more upbeat, and toe tapping, but that is the type of music I love. If you are looking for more traditional Cirque music this isn't going to be your cup of tea, but if you are looking for something upbeat and different? Look right here!Sound quality is good, though some of the songs do not match current versions used in the show, it still is good.

We saw this show when it came to DC and honestly, I almost like their traveling shows better than their staged shows in Vegas. The music to this was so haunting and so fascinating we had to buy the soundtrack. My daughter loves to dance to it and some parts can be very soothing. The Native American influence in many of the songs is enchanting and has encouraged us to explore a whole new genre of music.

I have all of the Cirque CDs so was excited to hear this from the new show. What I got was mostly forgettable on the CD. I've listened to it a couple of times, but haven't listened to it since. It's not bad and certainly there are worse Cirque CDs, but it's not great either. I think it's a little too rock and roll for me, which is not what I am looking for in a Cirque CD. It certainly isn't the kind of music that you would find in shows 10 years ago. That's neither good nor bad I suppose, just isn't my taste.

If you like music from different countries you'll like or should I say love this CD. The music takes you to the show again which was awesome. It has different styles of music like native American, Gipsy, African, American 1970's and cirque du solei style of music which is so artistic, magical, intensive and makes you day dream.

very good

Superb

I love a lot of Cirque Du Soleil discs and this is no exception. They are atmospheric and great for choreography.

War vor Corona in Düsseldorf und habe mir diese Vorstellung angesehen. DIe Musik hat es mir angetan...leider habe ich versäumt, mir eine CD nach der Vorstellung zu kaufen. War erfreut, hier fündig geworden u sein.

Wonderful evocative music, beautifully recorded and performed. The high standard of recording is what you always expect from the Cirque du Soleil. Here, in Sydney, I can hardly wait to see "Totem" staged under the big top.