I never thought a simple piano movement could be so moving, yet Ataraxia’s abstract concept mixed with a phenomenal composition makes Talisman a piece of perfection. Written as a score to the inner fascinations of a mare’s mind, the tune is whimsical and light, like her dreams. As her reverie becomes volatile, so too does the score, before finally resolving to the soft beauty of the protagonist standing face-to-face with the crystal heart. Be sure to follow the poetic description of the song as you lose yourself in the aural embrace, and check out Ataraxia’s full EP, skies which includes this track!
Orchestral
[P@D] NeverLastStanding – Land Of Harmony | Orchestral
NLS has been trying his hand out at Orchestral compositions a lot in recent months, and this one comes from the latest Ponies At Dawn album. He’s also written about the song at great length in the description and comments better than I could ever speculate, so check that out for some EXTREME detail.
ThisSideOfOblivion – The Longest Night (Orchestral)
If you ever wanted to hear a piece that portrays the story of Nightmare Moon in a beautiful way, then here it is! “The Longest Night” is a track in 5 parts, the distinct parts evoke emotions that fit well with the story of the rise and subsequent fall of Luna’s darker side. ThisSideOfOblivion has done an excellent job smoothly progressing this piece through its separate parts. If you are listening for the changes they are noticeable and match the setting very well, but if you are passively listening, the changes won’t be sudden or heavy enough to disrupt the experience. The balance is just right. Well done ThisSideOfOblivion, I’m eager for more!
Elias Frost – Stories Vol. II | Album | Orchestral
Here is the sequel to Elias Frost’s previous EP – Stories Volume I. The release consists of five orchestral songs, with the middle three being the focus of the album and a prologue and epilogue to introduce and conclude the extended play. While Volume I focused on Hearth’s Warming stories, the songs on Volume II all take place in different Equestrian universes including a Daring Do book, a Legends of Equestria Book, and the Diaries of Sunset Shimmer.
“Daring Do and the Temple of Hope” is an epic soundtrack inspired by the Indiana Jones pony herself. The song has an suspense-adventurous feel to it and includes some worldly influence – almost like an Egyptian Mission Impossible track.
“Song of the Sea” has its own sailing adventure score where the danger is further emphasized by great use of choir vocal chants.
“Music in Our Hearts” has a mellow, emotional start before erupting into an epic rock track and teetering between dark rock and symphonic triumph.
Each song has it’s moments of adventurous highs and hero-defining lows which serve to tell great stories through music alone, without a need for words. There is a great arc to the structure of the EP, a strength Frost plays to very well. Make sure to check out Stories Vol. II available now!
Kelvin C. H. Reverie – A Day in Apple Farm | Orchestral
Kelvin C. H. Reverie, previously known as Sonic Hooves is back with some more Applejack-themed music. Blending orchestral and acoustic together, we end up with this relaxing “country style waltz”, which also sounds like it could fit into a fantasy game soundtrack…probably not necessarily intended but still a nice consequence.
Ataraxia – Elixir | Piano
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 28 March 2018.
Ataraxia’s piano music continues to be as beautiful as always. The reverb and sustain on the notes helps to add to their weight, as they weave a wonderful atmosphere. The composition of every note feels very deliberate, and it all works terrifically well.
Jyc Row – Starlight Glimmer, the Arcane Mistress | Orchestral
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 23 March 2018.
Jyc Row unleashes the AWESOME for Starlight Day! Equestria’s Arcane Mistress comes on with some epic orchestral to keep you all on your toes and appreciating her glorious Glimmyness. It kinda rocks a Japanese feel if you are into that style.
[P@D] Lucas Gimeno – Flying On The Ground | Piano / Orchestral
Debuting on the new Ponies at Dawn album, here’s an uplifting composition dedicated to Scootaloo. The instrumentation comprises of a piano melody with orchestral strings for the sentimental harmonies. There is a very strong sense of determination in this piece which makes it easy to think of the crusader for whom the track is written. The simplicity of the instruments are more than enough to convey the raw emotion of the track, making this piece something special. Not overly flashy, but powerful through the use of what little it needs, Flying on the Ground is a perfect representation of Scootaloo herself and a very noteworthy tribute to the hardworking filly!
Vylet Pony – A Night’s Blossom | Orchestral
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 26 March 2018.
A commission for a story by artist ‘Dreams Of Ponies’, this piece from Vylet is subtle and subdued, with some excellent play between different instruments throughout the track. It definitely carries a nice air of playfulness and mystery thanks to the lovely composition.
[P@D] Blue Note & Wandering Artist – Ellipse | Orchestral
NB: This was originally posted on Equestria Daily on 21 March 2018.
Blue Note, often appearing as half of A Symphony Of Two, and Wandering Artist, otherwise known as John Doe, creator of the Ponytown soundtrack, have teamed up together for a pretty awesome collab! Divided into two parts that represent the cycle of day and night, it’s a very classically oriented piece, and makes beautiful use of a variety of different orchestral instrumentation, and moves between uplifting energetic segments, and softer more thoughtful ones.
Horse Music Herald 