The term "epic music" is not fully accepted in specialized music circles. In most cases, because it is not considered a musical genre of its own. Rather it is a series of sounds, rhythms and melodies that are associated with scenes of battles between armies, wars, etc..
Also called, in many forums, epic music to the soundtracks of some movies that are considered that, "epic", for being arguments of warrior legends, historical figures, staging of great battles, and so on.
It is also true that this type of music is not only in the cinema. There are many classical symphonies that are also often classified as Epic music. Among the most recurrent examples is the “Carmina Burana”, a well-known compilation of songs called “goliardos”, with medieval connotations. This musical sequence has been widely used in the cinema for certain war scenes.
The videogames
Another sector where epic music is used, more and more frequently, is that of video games. Among other reasons, because in this universe with millions of users around the world, there is a great diversity of games with war content, wars, confrontations and battles. To create the right musical environment, epic music is often used.
The origins of epic music
From 1990 the first companies that were dedicated to composing "trailer music”, Which would later become epic music. An example of these companies, we have it in Globus (Epicon) and in Immediate Music.
Most of these creations were only available to clients of this type of company, and especially to the film and television industry. Internet and forums and social networks They have become currently the most widely used channel for the dissemination of these epic melodies.
Between 2005 and 2010, many authors of epic music began to obtain the fair recognition of their creations, when these were used in relevant events, such as the Olympic games and other similar events.
Little by little, the community of what began to be called "Epic music"It grew and spread, reaching great proportions.
Epic music news
Today epic music is already considered an independent genre, not associated with "trailer music". Thus, in recent years many great composers have found their space in this "epic music”. To all this we must add that today there are many important promotion channels, such as YouTube. And the so-called EMCs (epic music channels).
Hans Zimmer
With a striking, imaginative style in his compositions, full of creativity, Zimmer is the composer who has most known how to reach young audiences. His creations, full of strength and having composed the soundtracks of highly commercial films of undoubted international success, have raised him to the top.
Full of concerns, it is a dynamic and prolific person, collaborator in many productions, with different arrangements and versions.
Among the soundtracks that he has been composing, we must mention great titles from the film scene, such as "Rain Man", "Thelma & Louise", "The Lion King", "Red Tide", "The Rock", "Better .... impossible", "Gladiator", "Titanic", "The thin Red Line ”,“ The Prince of Egypt ”,“ Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ”, and many more.
Examples of known epic themes
The Avengers
"The Avengers" recreated the world of comics in the cinema. The main theme of the film is not to be missed, an excellent sample of the genre "epic music".
Can you dig it (Iron Man 3)
Among the many things that the third iron man movie (exciting for some, disappointing also for many), is this orchestral theme.
Pacific Rim
The music of "Titans of the Pacific" provokes a Adrenaline Rush for its composition, its rhythm and its dynamism. This is the main theme of the movie.
The Lord of the rings. The return of the King.
A music full of luminosity, combination of many different sensations: fantasy, action, adventure, terror and solemnity. A soundtrack that has been performing live around the world for a long time, by the hand of professional orchestras and amateur bands.
Batman Begins
The central theme of the film, composed by Hans Zimmer, has a great force, which elevates the listener to the Olympus of superheroes.
This soundtrack is known not only for the musical, but also because it was an example of how 2 great composers can work together. The most famous Hans Zimmer collaborated with the Oscar nominee 8 times, James NewtonHoward.
Gladiator
Enya put the voice to a subject full of sensitivity, of the new age genre. Despite being included in the brutality of the Roman era in which history takes place, with bloody hand-to-hand battles, amphitheaters full of public eager for human guts in the arena, Enya's music plunges us into a mental stadium above of all that. The transcendence, truth and spirituality.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
A soundtrack with many reviews, and not exactly positive. It has been said of her that she works best outside of the movie (listening to it elsewhere) than as an accompaniment to the scenes.
The well-known alien car robots do not seem to measure up to this music, or it is the composition that did not adapt to the images.
Braveheart
La life and death of William Wallace until the battle of bannockburn. The epic music of this film stands out as the ideal setting for this production. In this allegory to the scotland landscapesThe bagpipes stand out in the melodic part and the drums in their rhythmic part.
These sounds move us to magical lands, to the fight for survival, to defend castles, mountains, they invite us to dream of marvelous green meadows.
The pirates of the caribbean
Although in the credits it appears only Klaus Badelt, the shadow of Hans Zimmer glide around these beats of corsairs and pirates, stunts at sea, betrayals and adventures. The music for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" would win a Grammy Award.