Do you like writing to background music? Do you select music based on the emotion of your scenes or characters? Not all writers listen to background music while they craft their stories. But for those of us who do, here is a short list of music to suit any writing project.
Music Lists
Music for Most Writing Sessions
The sountracks from any Star Wars film, TV show, or video game
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Official Sountdrack (Jeremy Soule, 2013)
Anything by Ludovico Einaudi (“Elegy for the Arctic” is my fave)
Music for Romantic Scenes
“Spiegel im Spiegel” (Arvo Pärt, 1978) – I’ve written several stories to this piece
“Clair de Lune” (Claude Debussy, 1905)
“Moonlight Sonata”, I. Adagio Sostenuto (Ludwig van Beethoven, 1801)
Music for Epic Scenes
“Ride of the Valkyries” (Richard Wagner, 1870)
“Mars, The Bringer of War” (Gustav Holst, 1918)
“Duel of the Fates” (John Williams, 1999)
Music for Scenes of Utter Madness or Hilarity
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” (Edvard Geieg, 1875)
“Flight of the Bumblebee” (Rimsky Korsakov, 1900)
“The Nutcracker, Act 1, No. 2 Marche” (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, 1892)
Music for Villains
“Dance of the Knights” (Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev, 1935)
“Danse Macabre” (Camille Saint-Saëns, 1875)
“The Emperor’s Arrival” (John Willaims, 1983)
Music Sources
Where do I find music? I have several sources:
- Music files stored locally on my computer
- YouTube videos
- AccuRadio Online.
Depending on where you live, your music tastes, your internet connection, your technological or financial situation, you may have other options or preferences. For example, you may use iTunes, Spotify, or CDs. I hear vinyl is making a comeback, too! Or, if you have the dosh, you could hire an orchestra for yourself. Just a thought.
Let the Music Infuse Your Writing
Hopefully this short list has given you some inspirational music. As you explore, you will surely discover more great music and like particular composers, musicians, singers, and songwriters. May you write with with more intensity and greater feeling with the power of music at your fingertips!