I saw a preview of the last part of this Finnish nature documentary series today (previous entries include ”Metsän tarina” aka ”Tale of a forest” and ”Järven tarina” aka ”Tale of a lake”). The English title for this one is "Tale of the Sleeping Giant", literally "Tale of the Fell" which is a barren hill found in Fennoscandia. The score is once again by Panu Aaltio.
The score is a continuation of the previous two so if you enjoyed the previous ones, you’ll probably enjoy this one as well. There are soaring orchestral cues for the gorgeous scenery of the Finnish and Norwegian Lapland, some of which are probably some of the finest music you’ll hear this year. The main title cue in particular was spine-tingling paired with the visuals and the highlight for me. There is a main theme that is featured several times throughout the film (hints of which are heard at the beginning of the trailer). It’s often performed by a Finnish a capella folk group Tuuletar. Their performance is similar to the vocal work heard in Jóhannsson’s ”Arrival”.
There are several orchestral playful cues that resemble the previous entries in the series, one of which even includes a wailing electric guitar. There is a greater mixture of different styles which makes the score less cohesive compared to ”Järven tarina” which I think is the best film and score in the series. Overall the mood is more mysterious and low-key especially in the beginning of the film. There are also many cues with smaller ensembles than the full orchestra probably due to the pandemic. Hopefully the score will get a release in some form when the film is released.
I didn't know there was a third movie. As with Yavar above, I'm also a big fan of the first two scores in the series, and will definitely be checking this out.
I echo everyone else...Aaltio is almost always enjoyable...and his previous scores in this vein are, indeed, fabulous...very much looking forward to this :-)
Can't wait to hear this. Theatres are still closed so it will take time to actually see it.
Have personal interest as I was one of the brass players in the track. Also had the pleasure to be part of Supermarsu and Tale of the lake as well. Hurts to wait so long to hear what it was all about.
MMM confirmed on Facebook they are releasing the score.
"On December 3, MovieScore Media will release Panu Aaltio's third score in the wildlife documentary series where both "Tale of a Forest" and "Tale of a Lake" won the IFMCA awards for 'Best Documentary Score'. "Tale of the Sleeping Giants" was filmed entirely in the most mythical wilderness: the mountains, lakes and rivers of Lapland."
So exited about this release! Besides the main title cue, I'm especially waiting for one cue of rumbling orchestral and vocal mayhem that sent shivers down my spine during the film. You'll know the one when you hear it. December can't come soon enough.
By the way I noticed that the Finnish Broadcasting Company has made the film Luontosinfonia (Nature Symphony) from 2019 available to watch for free and it seems it's also available to watch abroad.
What I've gathered, it's made of extra material from the first 2 films and a live concert performance of music from Metsän tarina and Järven tarina held during Finland's 100-year celebratory year 2017.
Yup, good news. Love the first two. By the way, Aaltio's score THE POTATO VENTURE is one of this year's highlights. Needs some whittling (some generic cues that can be weeded out), but the medieval pastiche stuff is great.
The score has finally been released digitally last Friday. I highly recommend checking it out if you already haven't. The opening cue The Message (which is actually the end credits) is one of the best opening cues to a film score album in a long time. The Ice Breaks is also as powerful on the album as it was in the cinema. Great stuff!
