JUST ANOTHER CASPER GIRL: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO THE MOMENT EDITION…
I dig music of all kinds – mainly my category is “music that isn’t nasty”. One genre that I love and may not be for everyone is instrumental music. Classical, post rock, ambient, film music — the list goes on. Instrumental stuff can be great in the background if you’re working, reading, writing—anytime you don’t want to be distracted by texts. It can also be great if you just want to get lost in the mood of the music.
Here are some of my favorite instrumental artists/works. They range from traditional classics to, well, not so traditional pieces; some just piano or cello, some are full orchestra, and some assault you with cacophonies of electronic guitar, synths, percussion and other percussion instruments.
Grover’s Corner – Aaron Copland (New Philharmonia Orchestra)
It’s from the 1940 movie Our Town. It’s a beautiful slice of Americana, reflecting a much simpler time in life. Listening brings me peace and happiness.
Morning Hymn – Nicholas Yee
Here’s another laid-back tune. Originally from The sound of musicthis version is short, sweet, and mostly cello — one of my favorite instruments/sounds!
Gone – mono
The sound of this Japanese instrumental group varies from piece to piece – sometimes cool, sometimes really “rattling”. It provides intense guitar reverb, distortion and dynamics, often building throughout the track and exploding into maddened noise. I prefer to listen to this type of music by the album rather than the song, but here’s a taste of what you’ll get…
Mirror in the Mirror – Arvo Part (David Troy Francis)
I first heard this cello/piano piece on Elegy soundtrack. This is another soul numbing piece that calms me down when my blood is boiling – or I just want to be.
Beth’s Theme – Olafur Arnalds
This song by Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds is as heartbreaking as the TV show it’s from. If you’ve never watched the British mystery/drama series BroadchurchI strongly I recommend giving him a watch! “Beth’s Theme” is a wistful piano piece that definitely captures the vibe of the show.
Adagio for Strings – Samuel Barber (Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 · Leonard Bernstein · New York Philharmonic Orchestra · Samuel Barber)
This beautiful, sad and emotional piece became a favorite of mine in high school and is still on my wish list. It was played on the radio during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death announcement, at Albert Einstein’s funeral, and in a national radio broadcast after John F. Kennedy’s funeral. It is played during announcements of human tragedy and used to great effect during emotional scenes in films such as The Elephant Man and platoon. If you want to connect with some deep emotions, this might be the piece for you. (Opinion: The slower the better. I prefer 8+ minute versions of this song.)
Rockets Fall on Rocket Falls – God bless you! Black Emperor
Canadian Post Rock and definitely not for everyone. One of the phrases I’ve come across in regards to this band that fits perfectly is “Chaotic Crescendos”. Listening to this band is an experience – one that creates an itch, guitars, keyboards and percussion building until finally, finally you feel a kind of musical release and relief—if you’re patient enough to hold out through the choppy, up-and-down waters of the long songs. It’s a journey I really love.
Rain in your black eyes – Ezio Bosso
To be honest, I’m not sure about all the instruments on this song. It’s mainly piano and strings and it is intense. I first heard it during an episode of The Blacklist and instantly fell in love. It starts out pretty soothing, but by the end I feel like even as a listener I’m out of breath. I can only imagine what it must feel like to perform this piece.
Joep Beaving – Philemon
I can’t remember the first time I heard this tender, contemplative piano piece. It brings to mind Eric Satie’s Gymnopedies; it has a relaxing feel with free movement in the melody. Translation? It’s really beautiful and I really love it.
Want to hear more from these artists? Check them out on Spotify, YouTube, or iTunes, or stop by Sonic Rainbow in downtown Casper and pick up some hard copy of your own.
