COBRA VERDE (OST)

The original soundtrack recorded for Werner Herzog's last movie featuring the outstanding Klaus Kinski in the role of the Brazilian bandit Cobra Verde. Quite adventurous, haunting and metaphysical, the film is formidably accompanied (once again) by the deeply spiritual, celestial music of Popol Vuh. The most memorable compositions are the self title track with its magnetic, spacey synth lines and the magnificent African / tribal chorus which is used to illustrate the magic funeral end of the film with the death of the hero. Despite that it is a very pleasant musical moment, according to me the musical level is not as accomplished (or permanent) as in the fantastic ethereal / creepy soundtrack of "Aguirre" and "Nosferatu".

"Cobra Verde" (Green Cobra) - soundtrack by Popol Vuh for great film by Werner Herzog about adventures of charysmatic Brazilian criminal and slavetrader in Africa. The album starts from catchy theme "Der Tod des Cobra Verde" - acoustic guitar, choral mantric singing - one of the best tracks by Popol Vuh. After that we are having short ambiental electronic music tracks from film. After many years Florian Fricke returned to electronic music and played synklavier. Track "Die singeden Madchen" is authentic singing by African girls without any additions to it (later the samples were used on the album by Popol Vuh "Shepherd's Symphony"). One long (9:32) and pleasant track recorded in 1991 - "Hab Mut..." - piano and choral singing. Verdict - not the best and most impressive, but quite interesting album by Popol Vuh.

The last Werner Herzog soundtrack by Popol Vuh features only music that actually appears in the film. One non-Popol Vuh track is also included. The haunting melodies are Popol Vuh at their very best. I had listened to the album many times before I watched the film. Needless to say, the listening experience was considerably enhanced when I could relate the music to the actual scenes in the film. The final track, "Hab Mut, bis daß die Nacht mit Ruh' und Stille kommt" (Have courage until the night with calm and quiet comes), is a masterpiece, the ultimate relaxation music for me. Five stars for this beautiful album.