I'm not afraid to admit I'm kind of a geek when it comes to music, because how could you be afraid of something so emotionally moving? Here are 13 pieces to get you started on a magical journey through a world of music that speaks without words.
1. "Divenire," Ludovico Einaudi
Honestly, never heard anything so perfect in my life. If you watch the video, look out for the violinist at 1:55. He knows the good part is coming, and he's a little excited for it.
2. "Nuvole Bianche," Ludovico Einaudi
3. "The Aviators," Helen Jane Long
One of my all-time favorites from Helen Jane Long with an especially beautiful ending.
4. "To Dust," Helen Jane Long
A little Downton Abbey-esque and very moving.
5. "River Flows in You," Yurima
6. "Breathe," Greg Maroney
7. "O Magnum Mysterium," Morten Lauridsen
I recognize that this isn't actually instrumental, but it still gives me goosebumps. Sung in Latin, its meaning lies in the nativity story, and it is nothing short of divine.
8. "Lux Arumque," Eric Whitacre
I realize that this also isn't instrumental, but Eric Whitacre did something here that had never been done before: he auditioned singers from all around the world to sing in his "virtual choir," a compilation of voices all recorded separately to sound as one choir. The soprano solo is especially awe-striking.
9. "Give Us This Day," David Maslanka
Yes, it's a 16-minute piece, but it is soaked in raw emotion and is so worth it.
10. "The Battle," Harry Gregson-Williams (from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe)
11. "The Heart of Courage," Two Steps From Hell
Two Steps From Hell is an instrumental group that is known for their film score-style music, especially one of their more famous pieces, "The Heart of Courage."
12. "For The Love of A Princess," James Horner (arranged by Myleen Klass)
Originally from the movie Braveheart, pianist Myleen Klass performs her own arrangement of the piece.
13. "The Heart Asks Pleasure First," Michael Nyman (arranged by Myleen Klass)
Originally from the movie The Piano, this piece was written for the soundtrack by Michael Nyman and was arranged and performed here by Myleen Klass.
