(ASJJ) - Dido, Queen of Salt
Classical, World, Game
Florida, United States
Overall Impression: Capturing the sheer essence of impending doom and the existential dread of mortal conflict in just a few minutes of musical exposition, (ASJJ)'s Dido, Queen of Salt utilizes war drums and ominous horns to set the tone for a scene of total cataclysm. Shrill strings blend with a Wagnerian chorus to further elevate the tension and signify an apocalyptic sorrow that permeates the piece - inviting listeners to picture the descent of order into utter chaos.
Strongest Point(s): The instrumental cues being used throughout the piece are borrowed from the well-established dramatic orchestral vernacular - meaning that before the first motifs are heard, the low horn and thunderous timpani subconsciously prime the listener for something dark and dreadful. Incredible timbral choices throughout, with the use of choir adding a visceral layer of humanity to the struggle. The sudden pause and re-entry at 1:35 feels massive, and communicates a moment of reckoning. Finishing things off with one last ring of the gong makes the scene feel very resolute; irreversible. Very well done!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of ominous orchestral music will find their imaginations jolted to life by the soundscape that (ASJJ) has so carefully wrought, and the sheer amount of dramatic impact within Dido, Queen of Salt places it well within the realm of scoring - both film and video game! Listeners who seek the creative offerings of composers like Hans Zimmer and Howard Shore will find much to appreciate in Dido!
Artist target suggestions: Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore, Jeremy Soule, Two Steps From Hell, Thomas Bergersen, Nick Phoenix, Future World Music, City of The Fallen, Epic Score, Ramin Djawadi, Richard Wagner, Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky
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About the Reviewer:
Jon Wright is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists in a wide variety of genres.