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Category: Anime

Jungle Emperor (Anime – 1967 Symphonic Poem)

Also known as ジャングル大帝 (Junguru Taitei)

Jungle Emperor Symphonic Poem

In 1967 Isao Tomita, the composer behind all the orchestral music in Jungle Emperor, reworked his musical score into 50 minute “symphonic poem”.  A symphonic poem is a piece of orchestral music in a single continuous section (or movement) in which some other, non-musical, source is illustrated or evoked. Basically, it’s a piece of music that tells a story without words – and in the case of Jungle Emperor, it brought the music out from a supporting role to the animation, and thrust it out front and center.

Tomita’s work was recorded and released originally on LP vinyl record, but has since been released on audio CD.

Symphonic Poem Track Listing

  1. Introduction
  2. Morning in the Jungle
  3. Gathering of Animals
  4. The Way Home
  5. Here Come the Hunters!
  6. Panja’s Bravery
  7. The Animals’ Joy
  8. Eliza is Captured
  9. The Death of Panja
  10. Caged Onboard Ship
  11. The Birth of Leo
  12. Eliza’s Tale
  13. Ocean Storm
  14. Merry Fish
  15. The Sawshark
  16. Mama Turned into a Star
  17. I Can See Africa!

In 1991, Tezuka Productions created all-new animation (directed by Toshio Hirata) to complement the music.