Assignment 23 – Dilni Abeyrathne

        As I found out in answering this prompt today, creating the perfect playlist really is “a very subtle art,” as Rob Gordon put it. The playlist I created was inspired greatly by the many suspense-ridden fiction books I have read, particularly the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Permeated by epic tales of adventure as they are, I always find myself hanging onto every word. Life, as most of us experience it, is not so exciting. Several times in my existence I have daydreamed about such adventures – the exhilaration, the excitement, the simple joy in partaking in an inspiring adventure. So, this playlist seeks to instill those epic feelings of adventure and exhilaration in a musical story.

 “Tainted Heart” by Adrian von Ziegler – This instrumental song is filled to the brim with the subtle signs of suspense and evil, softly calling in a language of darkness, permeating the inky fog of blissful ignorance. Employing orchestral and percussion elements, the song artfully conveys the elusive darkness slinking beneath our very feet. It represents the beginning of the hero’s story, the beginning of the evil they will undoubtedly fight. Rising out of the murky depths of oblivion, an ancient evil begins to take form – shifting and twisting, a slight, but dangerous formation, unbeknownst to the world and our hero. 

    

“The Last of His Name” by Brunuhville – This lovely epic instrumental piece seeks to instill determination and confidence in its listeners. Its drawn-out tones and use of deep instruments seeks to instill burning inspiration in those who search for it. Our hero, now aware of the danger lurking beneath the shroud of peace, hears the call for action. In a moment of long-lasting contemplation, they realize that they are the only one capable of defeating this great evil. Determination flows through them, burning with conviction and set resolve. They are the last one, the last of their line, and the last defense from the softly chuckling evil that spreads its tendrils of darkness in every direction.

“Andromeda” by Brunuhville – This darling of a song is also instrumental, filled with darting melodies and bright, inspiring sounds. It seeks to inspire, to instill passion, and to fuel adventure. Employing non-traditional instruments as it is, it twirls in its inspiring dance around our heads. This song represents the journey of our determined hero to locate the cursed evil upturning the land of peace. The journey is long and arduous, but our hero remains strong: never losing hope, never faltering in their quest to defeat the elusive darkness that threatens them all. On and on they go, trekking through forests, valleys, deserts, one-minded in their quest. Our hero – inspired, determined, and the last hope of us all. 

  

“Legend of the Dark Lord” by Derek Fiechter – This beautiful creation is also an instrumental piece, infused with epic tones and the melody of the climax. Orchestral and percussion instruments mix to form a song soaring majestically in its epic trajectory. Filled with feelings of determination and hardened resolve, this song represents our hero’s fateful clash with the great evil that they have labored so hard to find. Sparks fly and darkness rushes in as our hero fights unrelentingly to protect their sacred land. Swords clash, darkness swirls, harsh laughter cuts through the air – unrelenting, deadly, evil.  Our hero battles on, resolve burning in the determined orbs of their eyes, never hesitating, never faltering, keeping hope alive. 

“A Sacrifice to Save you” by Efisio Cross – If you haven’t guessed already, this is yet another wonderful instrumental song, swirling with regret, sadness, and sacrifice. Its use of vocals and soft orchestral instruments serves to ignite a feeling of helplessness and misery, yet a quiet resolve. Beautiful, sad, inspiring – this song defines all these elements. Our hero, the last hope of us all, has won the fateful battle against the fearsome evil that dared rear its ghastly head – but not without a price. Eyes misted, our hero looks towards the one who saved them, the one who sacrificed their own self to give our hero a fighting chance. Glazed eyes gaze upward at our hero, straining to focus their eyes on the last hope of this land. They speak softly, telling our misery-ridden hero that their sacrifice was not in vain, that it would not be in vain. Our hero looks on, glistening trails marking their sunken cheeks and sullen face. A sacrifice not in vain – for our hero.

“Forevermore” by Brunuhville –  Yes, my dear readers, this beauty is another instrumental piece, interwoven with exhilaration, relief, and inspiration. Soft melodies and gentle tones seek to soothe and lend strength, while balanced with strong, Celtic melodies that inspire determination and resolve. Our hero has now finished their fateful adventure, tedious and fearsome as it was. Their return home was celebrated wildly – our hero has triumphed over the glaring evil that was before us. Our last hope, our hero, has saved us all. Sacrifices were made, tears were shed, fear ruled us all, but our hero stood strong. Our hero, our last hope, our savior.

        As you can see, dear readers, I have quite the fondness for instrumental music. I feel that it has the enchanting ability to bring any emotion to life, to tell any story without a single word. For me, lyrics define the song, but instrumental music allows me to feel the song, deep inside my heart. It contains a power no music with lyrics has – the power to show, not tell. And with that revelation, the songs in this playlist were chosen specifically to represent the emotions that may be felt on a heartfelt adventure such as the one that I described above, or perhaps more explicitly, an adventure like that of the Lord of the Rings. As I drew inspiration from that amazing fantasy trilogy, I now say namárie, mellyn [goodbye, friends]. 

Song Links by Playlist Order

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFawgUfNXP8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiKoFxTUNJs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9p_bbHbPYs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWLwiBDSE0I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5g3gixP1bM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jzOVnIAAC0