Bulgarian-born composer Penka Kouneva (Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, Midnight Movie) releases an original instrumental album entitled “A Warrior’s Odyssey”, on October 2nd. Kouneva’s musical “odyssey” is inspired by the traditions of Hollywood film music and contemporary video games but with a conceptual narrative rather than visuals…(more after the jump)
Featuring 18 thematic original compositions recorded with A-list Hollywood musicians, “A Warrior’s Odyssey” will be available as a Limited Edition CD through Howlin’ Wolf Records and for digital download on Amazon MP3, iTunes and other digital music sites. Preview samples from the album are available here.
“A Warrior’s Odyssey” reflects Penka Kouneva’s journey as a rising composer in Hollywood. In 1990 Penka ventured out of post-communist Bulgaria with $150 in her pocket and a Duke University Graduate fellowship. At Duke she studied with noted concert composers Stephen Jaffe and Scott Lindroth, and in 1997 Penka made history at the university by receiving the first-ever Doctorate in Composition. In 1999 she came to Hollywood with one keyboard and Mac Performa. A decade later, she has built a distinguished career, working in a creative and leadership capacity on blockbuster films and games.
“A Warrior’s Odyssey draws upon the formative influences of my style: contemporary Hollywood film, and video game scores,” says Penka. “I am building stylistically upon the amazing opportunities Steve Jablonsky gave me with the games Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Gears of War 3.”
The structure of the album follows the form of classical symphonies, where the turbulent and energetic first movement is followed by a contemplative slow movement providing a period of respite and reflection.
Track Listing:
1. Waiting for Dawn to Break
The Battle Begins
2. Storming the City Heights
3. Mission Fail 1
4. A Soldier’s Odyssey
Part 1: At a Soldier’s Grave / Part 2: Engaging the Enemy
5. A Soldier’s Odyssey
Epilogue: Flowers at a Monument
6. Sniper Attack
7. Confrontation from a Lo-Fi Dimension
Faraway Lands, Ancient Times
8. Forgotten Steeples
9. Chase Through Crete
10. Between Eden and Distant Fields
11. Minotaur Battle
The Battle Must Go On
12. Fading Fortitude / The Battle Must Go On
13. Farewell to the Pilot
14. Pilot Bombardier and Dogfights
15. The Wanderer
16. Broken Watch
17. Mission Fail 2 and Requiem
18. Airplane Bound for the Skies.