Hans Zimmer – Dune (The Dune Sketchbook) | Motion Picture Soundtrack 3XLP

"The Dune Sketchbook" is a sprawling sonic achievement, clocking in at an impressive 100 minutes despite containing only nine tracks. Here is a breakdown of what makes this experimental companion piece a modern masterpiece.

A Massive Scale and Scope

The album’s length allows for an immersive journey that feels larger than life. Across its nine tracks, the listener is subjected to a relentless wall of sound, featuring all of Hans Zimmer’s typical bombast and deafening percussion. It isn't just a soundtrack; it is an endurance test of musical world-building that mirrors the vastness of Arrakis itself.

Innovative and Eclectic Instrumentation

The composition is built upon layers of huge, arpeggiated synths, haunting vocal chants, and the unexpected rumble of bagpipes. These extended cues push the boundaries of traditional film scoring, blending organic sounds with futuristic synthesis to create a texture that feels both ancient and alien.

A Fluctuating Emotional Landscape

The moods within the Sketchbook are incredibly fluid, shifting effortlessly from ethereal and wistful to ominous and sorrowful. These movements often escalate into massive, dramatic crescendos that are purposefully loud and disorienting—sometimes all within the span of a single cue—capturing the chaotic beauty of the source material.

The Vision of a Modern Master

Ultimately, this work serves as an "epic for our times." It is a bold, uncompromising statement that proves once again that Hans Zimmer remains one of the greatest living composers. By prioritizing atmosphere and experimentation, he has crafted a piece of music that stands as a definitive high point in his legendary career.