This is a pretty far reaching concept, because documentaries, culture and art can be of pretty much anything at all, but we've tried to put music in this area that you would expect to hear in documentaries about real world issues, as well as art and culture. The music in this area will be -background- music; music that is meant to just stay in the background, almost unnoticed, to provide a subtle atmosphere while the viewer concentrates on the matter discussed. Often used behind voiceover / narration and interviews, this music will not have any outstanding, loud, or attention grabbing melodies or effects. The music you find here should also go well with historical and cultural subjects.
A short koto piece that captures the essence of Japanese musical improvisation. [Tempo: Very slow, Slow / 0 BPM]
An original composition stylized as a medieval folk dance. Lively and authentic historical music. Performed live in studio by Fleurdelis, featuring Lyre, traditional percussion, Bagpipes and Renaissance Recorder. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 105 BPM]
The very famous and universally loved The Blue Danube waltz, also known as An der schnen blauen Donau, by Johann Strauss II. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 0 BPM]
A Khaligy style track that brings a fusion mode between world music, and khaligy (emirates, saudi, kuwait, Bahrain) it has a dynamic chorus, then it goes back to to a reflective ambient dream. [Tempo: Medium / 110 BPM]
Ethnic soundtrack in an electronic ambient style and mix genres featuring synth, SFX, bayan, balalayka, authentic Russian woman vocal in a middle part. Will work well as video background for travel, expeditions to a desert places, documentary film. Spatial, flowing, pensive, ethnic. [Tempo: Medium / 96 BPM]
Edgy, driven, busy, frenetic, hectic, mad, fevered, excited, crazy and tension filled track using piano, synths & mental drums. Frantic, rhythmic, thrilling & stimulating. [Tempo: Fast, Very fast / 204 BPM]
Festive and celebratory traditional African background music. Bright and uplifting. Available in several different mixes/versions with various instruments included or removed from the mix. [Tempo: Fast / 190 BPM]
Melodic, spacious arpeggios, minimalistic and dreamy. Perfect for adding a contemplative atmosphere to film projects, documentaries, or vlogs. Cinematic / Contemplation / Soundtrack. [Tempo: Slow / 100 BPM]
Beethoven Symphony No.5, Op.67 in C minor, 1. allegro con brio (Excerpt). Arranged and recorded by Bryan Chi. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 0 BPM]
India or Arabia meets Rnb beat music, with cool Eastern / Oriental instruments, bouzouk, accordion, kanun and oriental percussion that reflects the essence of the orients. Groovy / Exotic / Positive. [Tempo: Medium / 100 BPM]
An original piece stylized as a medieval era Eastern European folk music dance. Performed live in a studio by the Fleurdelis ensemble featuring authentic instruments of the time; the Hurdy-Gurdy, Bouzouki, Recorder and percussion instruments. Excited, busy, happy, celebratory. Early music / Medieval music. [Tempo: Fast, Very fast / 130 BPM]
An intense Japanese drum groove, with a strong sense of urgency and danger. [Tempo: Medium / 84 BPM]
This track is created in documentary style. It features Acoustic Guitars, flute, indian percussion, mandolin, gamelan bells, strings, organ and drums. Suspense and mystery lead to a feeling of hopefulness and positive Himalayan Spirituality. Section three feels upbeat, positive and a feeling of finality. Plenty of underscore to work with. [Tempo: Slow, Medium, Fast / 110 BPM]
Cool piano, marimba, bass, and drums in the style of American Beauty give a feeling of sophistication, drama, movement and determination. Energy builds to a tight ending and a reflective coda. [Tempo: Medium / 96 BPM]
Moritz Moszkowski Etude No. 6 in F Major, Op. 72, Presto. Performed and recorded by Abigail Mettry exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com. [Tempo: Fast / 0 BPM]
An earthy ambient track that will work for scenes of vast landscapes and eastern scenes. Available with or without the vocalizations. [Tempo: Medium / 120 BPM]
Indian / Oriental sounds and melodies in fusion with a Western / contemporary chill-out beat. World fusion / Bollywood / India pop. [Tempo: Medium / 100 BPM]
Hornpipe from the Water Music by George Frideric Hndel, recorded with a live string quartet.Arranged and recorded by the Allegro String Ensemble exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com. Live performance. No computers, no samples. [Tempo: Medium / 100 BPM]
Beethoven's 5th Symphony, 1st movement. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Medium, Fast / 0 BPM]
A classic Bedouin mood combined with more modern variety of sounds and instruments. Sincere and loving, nostalgic mood from the ancient world of the Orient / Gulf region. The quarter tones have been replaces with normal minor/major chords, the kanun and flute define the emotional parts. Eastern beauty and grace. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 85 BPM]
A Renaissance court music dance that originated in Renaissance England and was popular throughout Europe. One of several country dance tunes taken from The Dancing Master by John Playford (1623-1686). Performed live in a studio by the Fleurdelis ensemble using authentic live instruments modeled on the instruments of the original era. Hand percussion, renaissance recorder, Irish Bouzouki and Rabab Kashgar (a long-necked Lute instrument). [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 135 BPM]
Händel's Sarabande, arranged for string section and harpsichord. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Very slow, Slow / 0 BPM]
Authentic Russian folk song / wedding song. Traditional ancient Russian folk music, arranged by Dmitriy Lukyanov, conducted and recorded by Evgeniy Kalyukin. [Tempo: Medium / 0 BPM]
A 16th century renaissance music dance that originated in France; originally composed by Claude Gervaise (1525–1583). Danced at courts all over Renaissance Europe. Performed live in studio by Fleurdelis, featuring traditional percussion, Rabab Kashgar (An Arabic long-necked Lute), bagpipe and renaissance recorders. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 102 BPM]
Joyful and picaresque, fun and nice Latin music. This song played with bandoneon and guitars evokes landscapes and costumes of the country people in Argentina. 100% authentic & live performed. No computers, no samples. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 155 BPM]
Traditional Indian instruments combine with an electronic flair to create this adventurous, grooving Middle Eastern piece. [Tempo: Medium / 104 BPM]
A traditional historical/heritage, medieval folk music dance that originated in Italy, and was popular in the 15th and 16th century all over Europe. Performed live in a studio setting by the Fleurdelis ensemble playing on authentic live instruments modeled on the actual instruments of the time. Percussion, renaissance recorder, bouzouki and Rabab Kashgar (a long-necked Lute instrument). The tempo picks up from about 00:55. [Tempo: Fast, Very fast / 88 BPM]
Inspired by the Salburun Eagle Hunting Festival of Kyrgyzstan, this music track begins solemnly but has a lively mid section that feel like a true celebration of the festival and all that surrounds it. Oriental / World / Travel Music. [Tempo: Slow, Fast / 96 BPM]
Passionate Latin music composition with authentic acoustic guitars, percussion, bass and drums. Great for films and videos, exotic dance, music for holiday and vacation, travel and fun. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 108 BPM]
A very positive and uplifting World / Travel / Exploration track. Upbeat, happy and fun, this track will go well with travel programs, hiking and exploration, culture and discovery. Slightly African feel, but can also go well with other world regions. [Tempo: Medium / 136 BPM]
Featuring traditional African instruments, such as Cora and Kalimba this track is in a world fusion style and is very evocative and charged with an African spirit. [Tempo: Medium / 120 BPM]
An atmospheric, searching piece of music. Ethnic / World influence, combined with a magical, swirly, ethereal feel. [Tempo: Very slow, Slow / 120 BPM]
Peaceful traditional Chinese / Far Eastern / Oriental music with a lilting walt like quality. Bawu and Dizi carry the lead along with guzheng, gongs and Daiko to accompany. [Tempo: Slow / 54 BPM]
Joyful, exciting trip into the jungle. Uplifting african chants and instruments (cora, percussion, kalimba) mixed with strings, occasional guitar and flute. Upbeat and motivating. [Tempo: Fast / 133 BPM]
This track features a traditional ethnic African ensemble. It has a dancelike tribal quality and is festive in nature. Great for documentaries, nature and cultural themes. [Tempo: Medium / 107 BPM]
Calm and meditative Chinese music featuring Bawu (wind) and Pipa (strins) accompanied by Daikos and gongs. Music suitable for travel and culture. [Tempo: Slow / 68 BPM]
An ambient dramatic track of strings, piano, and pads, reminiscent of the American Beauty and Road to Perdition soundtracks. [Tempo: Very slow, Slow / 68 BPM]
1812 Overture in Eb Major, Op. 49, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Medium, Fast / 0 BPM]
Mysterious, dark and ethereal soundscapes with a hypnotic, tribal influenced, repetitive drum beat. Dark / Eerie / Mystical. [Tempo: Slow / 0 BPM]
This track starts with a dreamy flute and saz instrument. The scales & harmonies, which are used widely in all of the middle eastern region from Iran to Lebanon, are called "hijaz tune" and is very familiar to all that region. [Tempo: Medium / 105 BPM]
A peaceful, calm ambient track blending Japanese instruments (erhu, percussion) with strings, bass guitar and electronics. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 100 BPM]
Calm and relaxing, this track features traditional Chinese instruments in a light and airy setting. Perfect for travel, culture or history. Meditative and noble. [Tempo: Slow / 60 BPM]
Relaxing, pulsing, mid-tempo track, with a remarkable flute melody and bouncing percussion, this is the perfect mix between excitement and relaxation. Suitable for presentations, commercials and other productions that require a soothing and uplifting soundscape. [Tempo: Medium / 104 BPM]
Modern trance groove features authentic African percussion, kalimba and ram's horn. [Tempo: Fast / 126 BPM]
A folk pop/sea shanty song that draws upon vivid imagery. Available as a vocal version and an instrumental version. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 80 BPM]
Extensive plains, horses, cows, ranches and an astonishing landscape from the Pampas. A deep expression from the heart of Argentina / South America folk music. 100% authentic & live performed. No computers, no samples. [Tempo: Medium / 160 BPM]
All live performed, genuine African drum ensemble. Recorded live in one take by the Shabani Jabiri Bakari ensemble from Bagamoyo, Tanzania. "Tembea" means Walk, and this music is inspired by the sound and feel of walking. [Tempo: Fast, Very fast / 175 BPM]
An original piece of music, stylized as a medieval funeral march song or torchlight dance. Medieval / Early music / Vikings / Irish Celtic / English / Historical music. Performed live in a studio on Bagpipes, Hurdy Gurdy and Percussion, by the Fleurdelis ensemble. [Tempo: Medium / 188 BPM]
Inspiring and positive Indian traditional music featuring santoor and tabla with shahnai accompanied by folk percussion such as ghatam and Iddaka. Great for culture and travel. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 112 BPM]
Jupiter, from the Planets suite by Gustav Holst. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Medium, Fast / 0 BPM]
