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.
Traditional Chinese music with a moderately serious edge. Good for culture and nature or documentaries. [Tempo: Slow / 57 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]
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]
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]
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 waltz featuring authentic style of Arabic / international feel, played in a minor key and accompanied with oriental percussion. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 106 BPM]
Live piano music performance of the classical Beethoven piece. Movement 2. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 0 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]
Picture a sleepy town in Mexico, it’s hot, the sun is high in the sky, and the Spanish girl walking by is beautiful, romance is in the air. Nylon Guitars strum, piano melody plays, percussion elements glide in the background. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 112 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]
Ambient bells chime in fractal patterns. Relaxing and therapeutic. [Tempo: Very slow, Slow / 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]
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]
This track features traditional African instruments along with bass guitar. It has a positive and uplifting vibe and can work in both traditional African and modern African settings. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 110 BPM]
In the Hall of the Mountain King, from the Peer Gynt suite by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Fast, Very fast / 0 BPM]
An intense Japanese drum groove, with a strong sense of urgency and danger. [Tempo: Medium / 84 BPM]
A collection of 3 short Oriental / Japanese style stingers/jingles. Koto, strings, ethnic percussion elements. [Tempo: Medium / 100 BPM]
Authentic world pop features African percussion and melodies. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 104 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]
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]
India, modern meets traditional. Corporate, technology, with tabla, percussion and orchestra. [Tempo: Fast / 119 BPM]
Dramatic and elegant strings mixed with a chilled, ambient Hip Hop beat with catchy synth hooks and deep sub bass. Great for creating a cool, modern yet sophisticated vibe [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 70 BPM]
A short koto piece that captures the essence of Japanese musical improvisation. [Tempo: Very slow, Slow / 0 BPM]
Chinese pop music with a traditional edge. Features traditional Chinese instruments bawu and pipa with Western pop style bass and drums. Mysterious and haunting music. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 90 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]
Historically accurate, light and flavorful Medieval music, Middle Ages music, Irish / Celtic folk music style, to take you back in time featuring live frame drums, classical guitar and baglama. [Tempo: Medium / 214 BPM]
A medieval music / song and accompanying dance, originating in Provence, popular between the 12th and 14th centuries in France, Italy, England, and Spain. Performed live in studio by Fleurdelis, featuring traditional percussion, renaissance recorders, Lyre and Hurdy Gurdy. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 79 BPM]
Calm, exotic, peaceful, dancing, pretty & relaxing track mixing kalimba with beach percussion. Thoughtful, soothing, serene, simple, repetitive and full of tropical holiday / beach atmosphere. Would suit dramatic / romantic / documentary / travel type projects. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 77 BPM]
Symphonie fantastique in G minor, Op. 14 IV. Marche au supplice (March to the Scaffold), by Hector Berlioz. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Medium, Fast / 0 BPM]
Emotional and Dramatic Cinematic music piece great for films, trailers and documentaries in the drama genre. Featuring instruments like solo Cello, Orchestral Strings, Acoustic guitar and Piano. [Tempo: Slow / 90 BPM]
A dark, ambient, electronic piece, with ominous bass and synth tracks. Elements of science fiction are present, with an overall sound that sits tensely just below the boiling point. [Tempo: Medium / 120 BPM]
Ravel's Bolero (Excerpt) - Arranged and recorded by Bryan Chi. A simple melody accompanied by a light tapping snare drums. More instruments join as the pieces moves forward. [Tempo: Medium / 0 BPM]
Spacey, dreamy,ethereal, trancey, exotic, beaty,dancey track with and Indian / Arabian vibe to it. Ethnic percussion fuses with atmospheric vocal samples to form a groovy & hypnotic ethno-pop. [Tempo: Medium / 122 BPM]
Traditional Chinese music with traditional instruments create a folklike and lively picture. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 0 BPM]
A traditional orchestral arrangement of the British national anthem 'God Save the Queen'. Arr. Lee Pritchard. This instrumental orchestral arrangement is reminiscent of the BBC's version used in association with The Proms, which is an annual celebration in British culture that encompasses many Classical music performances over a number of events. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 73 BPM]
Combining stylistic elements of traditional Indian music and western film music, this colourful and textured track gradually builds up to an emotional yet resolute and satisfying climax. [Tempo: Medium / 105 BPM]
Modern trance groove features authentic African percussion, kalimba and ram's horn. [Tempo: Fast / 126 BPM]
Traditional Indian instruments combine with an electronic flair to create this adventurous, grooving Middle Eastern piece. [Tempo: Medium / 104 BPM]
A polish renaissance music dance, danced at the court of 16th century Krakow. Performed live in studio by the Fleurdelis ensemble of soprano recorder, flute, authentic drums of the time, Irish Bouzouki and Rabab Kashgar (a long-necked Lute). [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 95 BPM]
Traditional percussion instruments combine with an electronic flair and mysterious background vocal tracks to create this grooving piece. [Tempo: Medium / 106 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 Javanese gamelan music with a touch of electronics. [Tempo: Medium / 112 BPM]
(Maurice Ravel) Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, Valse in G Major, M.61, I. Modéré, très franc. Performed and recorded by Abigail Mettry exclusively for Lynne Publishing. [Tempo: Medium, Fast / 0 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]
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]
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]
Nostalgic and intense. Deep and Honest. The Milonga is a Latin musical genre that originated in the Rio de la Plata areas of Argentina and Uruguay and represents in a reliable way the feeling of the people in those lands. 100% authentic & live performed. No computers, no samples. [Tempo: Slow, Medium / 67 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]
Beethoven's 5th Symphony, 1st movement. Recorded exclusively for Shockwave-Sound.com by D Hamilton. [Tempo: Slow, Medium, Fast / 0 BPM]
