JUST ANOTHER GAL FROM CASPER: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW EDITION…
I dig music of all sorts — basically, my category is “music that doesn’t suck.” One genre I love, and maybe isn’t everyone’s cup o’ tea, 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 — any time you don’t want to be distracted by lyrics. It can also be awesome if you just wanna get lost in the vibe of the music.
Here are some of my favorite instrumental artists/works. They range from traditional classical to, well, not so traditional pieces; some just piano or cello, some are full-on orchestra and some assault you with cacophonies of electronic guitar, synths, percussion and other whack instrumentation.
Grover’s Corner – Aaron Copeland (New Philharmonia Orchestra)
This is from the 1940 film “Our Town.” It’s a beautiful piece of Americana, reflecting a much simpler time of life. Listening to it brings me peace and happiness.
Morning Hymn – Nicholas Yee
Here’s another peaceful tune. Originally from The Sound of Music, this version is short, sweet and mainly cello — one of my favorite instruments/sounds!
This Japanese instrumental band’s sound varies from piece to piece — sometimes chill, sometimes really “jangly.” It delivers intense guitar-based reverb, distortion and dynamics, often building throughout the piece and exploding into a frenzy of noise. I prefer listening to this type of music by the album, not the song, but here’s a taste of what you’ll get…
Spiegel im Spiegel – Arvo Part (David Troy Francis)
I first heard this cello/piano piece on the Elegy soundtrack. It’s another soul-anesthetizing piece that helps sooth me when my blood’s boiling — or I just wanna be.
Beth’s Theme – Olafur Arnalds
This song from Icelandic Composer Olafur Arnalds is as heartbreaking as the TV show it originated from. If you’ve never seen the British mystery/drama series Broadchurch, I highly recommend giving it a watch! “Beth’s Theme” is a grief-soaked piano piece that definitely captures the vibe of the show.
This gorgeous, sad and evocative piece became a favorite of mine in high school and is still on my obsessions list. It was played on the radio during the announcement of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, at Albert Einstein’s funeral and on a national radio broadcast after John F. Kennedy’s funeral. It’s been played during announcements of human tragedy, and used with great effect during emotional scenes in films like The Elephant Man and Platoon. If you’re looking to connect with some deep emotions, this might just be the piece for you. (Opinion: The slower it’s performed, the better. I prefer 8+ minute versions of this song.)
Rockets Fall on Rocket Falls – Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Canadian Post Rock, and definitely not for everyone. One of the phrases I ran across in regard to this band that totally fits 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 some kind of musical release and relief — if you’re patient enough to hang on through the rough, up-and-down waters of the long-ass songs. It’s a journey I absolutely love.
Rain, in Your Black Eyes – Ezio Bosso
To be honest, I’m not sure of all the instrumentation of this song. It’s mainly piano and strings, and it is intense. I first heard it played during an episode of “The Blacklist” and immediately fell in love. It begins rather sedately, 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.
I can’t remember when I first heard this gentle, contemplative piano piece. It’s reminiscent of Eric Satie’s Gymnopedies; it has a relaxed feel with free-flowing movement in the melody. Translation? It’s really pretty and I really love it.
Wanna hear more from these artists? Check ‘em out on Spotify, YouTube or iTunes, or stop into downtown Casper’s Sonic Rainbow and score some hard copy content of your own.
