About the Soundtrack: "Paraworld" is a video game score from the German soundtrack studio, Dynamedion. Pierre Langer and Tilman Sillescu founded the company in 2001 and are both featured as the co-composers for the interesting score to"Paraworld" (among some of their other works). The score is entirely orchestral and offers a lengthy 77 minutes of material, the majority of which is robust and entertaining. I was pleasantly surprised with the overall quality of the music and the depth of the orchestra (Magdeburger Philharmonic).
What You Need to Know: I've recently been introduced to the music of Dynamedion Productions and I'm happy to proclaim that it was a fortuitous discovery; I really dig their style. As with "
Paraworld," the music is presented with old fashioned, classic values, even though the score is intended for a video game. One listen to the depth of melodies and exotic textures that the music offers quickly indicates that this is music worthy of any genre or medium. You don't have to be someone who has played the game to get into it, either -- this one goes out to anyone who enjoys fun, eloquent adventure soundtracks.
The score sparks to life with an opening theme for the cue entitled, "Titan." If you're a fan of heroic statements than you'll truly enjoy the nature of this noble fanfare, which produces a main theme that is called upon at various instances and moments during the soundtrack to great success. While the main theme does ground the listener into a certain style of music, the journey is only at its infancy....the score of "Paraworld" is a worldly adventure that ties in motifs of a variety of cultures, from nordic influences to sea faring Pirates.
The soundtrack etches a moderate balance between fluid action music, heroic motifs and lyrical beauty. The manner in which the composers crafted the flow of this score is impeccable, creating a listening experience that is full of surprises and entertainment. There is far too much originality for one to lose interest along the way with this one and the 34 tracks it offers. In fact, it's the type of soundtrack that's easy to get lost in! I also appreciated the sense of awe that is offered since I feel it's important to convey a sense of discovery especially for game scores.
Through vast lands, foreign landscapes and formidable foes, "Paraworld" has a story to tell through its music. To that end, I enjoyed the vast majority of the score. The only noteworthy critique that I can offer is that the album concluded with a track that provided a rather forgettable send off. I was expecting a grand farewell but instead was given a cue that simply trails off in a quiet fashion to conclude the experience. A rather minor negative point for an otherwise wonderful score, but it's one I felt inclined to make.
Final Score: It may take a bit of leg work on your part to purchase "Paraworld," but it's an effort that will be rewarded. It's simply a solid, captivating effort that fans of thematic orchestral music will enjoy. I look forward to hearing more that Dynamedion has to offer...
