Culture-specific music
DateTime:9/27/2009 11:20:23 AM
The music for the individual cultures in the game is inspired by traditional music from different cultures in the real world. Each culture also has specific instruments and one or more recurring musical themes that are closely connected to it: The music for Tortage is a bit influenced by Spanish music and uses the classical guitar quite extensively. The music for lowland Cimmeria is inspired by Celtic musical traditions and the solo violin is the main instrument here. In the Cimmerian highlands and the Eiglophian Mountains, the Norse and Nordic influences are strong and Helene Bøksles’ voice represents a kind of mountain spirit, much like Atali of Conan lore. The music for Aquilonia is more generic in character. It’s not as influenced by folk music because I wanted it to sound more civilized. The main instrument here is the orchestra basically, but I also use instruments that originate from military use, like brass and drums to represent the importance of warfare in this kingdom. Stygian music is strongly influenced by Arabic music and I use Arabic voices and instruments extensively. The music here is often very somber, dark and ritualistic, but can be really beautiful as well. The music for everything connected to Acheronean culture is twisted, demonic and evil, and at times otherworldly while Atlantean music is the opposite - it is uplifting and magical in a positive way.