Integrating instrumental music into your library can seem like a daunting task. Where to start? Many may gravitate directly to the greats of classical music such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and Tchaikovsky. I will instead be presenting you with some different possibilities. These artists and their works demonstrate to what extent music can be astounding even without the presence of vocals.My five selections will range from genre to genre encompassing everything from jazz to post-rock.
1. Erik Satie, Gymnopédies
Minimalist and tragically beautiful, these three compositions utilize simple musical progression. Considered to be immensely influential in what would become ambient music, Satie toys with the silence between notes. Spacing and pace are mastered as every note is heavy with meaning and emotion. Best to start off with a piece that will enamor and break your heart the second you hear it.
2. Brad Mehldau, Art of Trio Volume III
A pianist of stunning technical precision, Brad Mehldau really shines when writing some of the most emotive and sexy piano jazz you have ever heard. This particular album is his most melancholic and somber. He speaks of unrequited love and being at a complete loss. Several of the tracks on this album are covers however, but Mehldau's creative touch makes it anything but a carbon copy. Personally, Mehldau’s cover of Radiohead’s Exit Music (For a Film) is an absolute gem and brings an entirely different take on the beloved rock song.
3.Ryuchi Sakamoto, 1996
Perhaps known best for his memorable film scores (The Revenant, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Last Emperor) it’s this solo album that really underlines his immense talent. Another album consisting of classical piano, this work can be considered more challenging compared to the previous examples. The melodies on this album are a stunning example of balancing beauty with complexity with admirable prowess. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is a piece that may very well bring you to tears, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
4. Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
We have now entered an entirely new territory of instrumental music. Widely regarded as one of the quintessential Post-Rock albums of all time, Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven is unlike anything you have ever heard. Composed of four lengthy tracks, each one methodically builds and builds to offer a powerful sonic experience highlighted by gorgeous lead guitars and unforgettable samples. The first track in particular hits that sweet soft only instrumental music can, focusing only on the emotion instruments can evoke.
5. Miles Davis, Kind of Blue
I almost feel as though the inclusion of this seminal record is cheating since Davis is capable of telling such immersive stories with only the use of his famous trumpet. Kind of Blue became the cannon for jazz at the tail end of the 1950’s and reached the incredible milestone of quadruple platinum in relation to record sales.Pay close attention to track three, Blue in Green as I have yet to hear an arrangement define melancholy so damn well. It might have also helped my first listen happened to be done while driving through the absent late-night streets of downtown in the pouring rain. Once this album is on, the world melts away and I become completely immersed in the coolest album I have the joy of owning.
