Reijiro Koroku: Under Aurora (1990) / Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Mark Ermler

ABOUT THE SCORE: Under Aurora (aka Pod Severnym Siyaniyem) is a 1990 Japanese/Russian co-production, set during the early 20th century. It deals with survival and vengeance against the beautiful, yet inhospitable, backdrop of the Siberian wilds - a film somewhat in the vein of Kurosawa by way of Jean-Jacques Annaud. Underrated composer Reijiro Koroku, best known in the west for his fantastic score to GODZILLA 1985, was afforded the opportunity to have his music recorded at the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre under the baton of Mark Ermler, and the composer seized the opportunity to pen his most dramatically-satisfying and sweeping score for the film. Indeed the title theme, introduced early on in this suite and tinged with a distinctly Russian air of tragedy, is a marvel to behold; both incredibly moving and as expansive as the land itself. Later in the score a revenge theme is conjured, and a secondary tender idea for a friendly sled dog as well. This is one of those little-heard gems of a score that very much deserves a wider audience, and the central melody is one that listeners are not likely to soon forget. Beautiful, evocative, emotionally direct scoring - no more, no less. Fans of Philippe Sarde's THE BEAR or others scores in that vein will find much to love.
As usual, I claim no ownership whatsoever.

[@themoviejudge557]

I’ve been looking for more Reijiro Koroku scores everywhere, he’s an excellent composer

[@jetunes1989]

Thanks for sharing! His material really needs more fandom.

[@Derl30]

Reijiro's scores for the Kessen series of video games are quite good as well.

[@yurirentfro2743]

Playing this tonight!!

[@MyTroubadour]

Encore une excellente partition qu'il est bon de découvrir. De plus, vos commentaires sont très bien écrits. Félicitations.

[@jacobd8086]

Damn dude this guy is amazing. A lot of this sounds straight from Return of Godzilla so I recognize his style. Don’t understand why he didn’t get as big as the others unless it was his choice but my, this is James Horner material

[@bobbengan]

It is indeed a gorgeous and highly accomplished, emotional work. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@godzillalover3445]

From the man behind the music for The Return Of Godzilla, Or Godzilla 1985.

[@TomasMattvids]

I love this score.

[@yurirentfro2743]

Holy crap!!! What a beautiful score!

[@bobbengan]

It is a gorgeous and haunting work. The main theme is, I believe, a perfect musical encapsulation of the Russkaya Dusha, the "Russian Soul", as Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky seemed to invoke it. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@alkaanoos8190]

Hi. Monsieur, pouvez vous me contacter SVP ? Merci Faites moi un message de retour sur ce dernier. AT.