Key Instruments in World Music
World music is a rich tapestry of sounds, deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Many of the instruments used in world music are now being incorporated into modern commercial music, TV shows, and film scores. These instruments add authenticity and emotional depth, enhancing the viewer's connection to the content. In this brief overview, we explore some key world instruments and their role in various media formats, providing examples of how they’ve been used in film scores, TV shows, and commercial music.
For any music library or bespoke music provider, offering these instruments can provide immense value to clients in need of unique and diverse sounds.
1. Organ, Harp, and Bells
Organ: The organ’s grand, resonant sound is often associated with religious and classical settings, but it has been used in numerous TV shows and film scores. For example, Hans Zimmer used the organ in the film score for "Interstellar" to create a sense of awe and scale. The organ’s dramatic tone makes it perfect for intense or emotional scenes, and it’s also used in commercials to evoke power and timelessness.
Harp: The harp’s delicate and ethereal sound has been used in everything from cinematic scores to pop music. It’s frequently featured in film and TV for its ability to evoke fantasy and serenity. Angelo Badalamenti incorporated the harp into the iconic soundtrack for "Twin Peaks", as well as Game of Thrones, heightening each show’s dreamy and mysterious atmosphere. Harps are also used in commercials for luxury brands to add a touch of elegance.
Bells: Bells are often used to signify transitions, spirituality, or purity. They are prominent in horror film scores to create suspense and are also featured in commercial jingles. The "Harry Potter" film series uses bells to add a magical element to its soundtrack (main credited composers John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat)
Music Types: Classical, cinematic music, TV show soundtracks, ambient sounds, and luxury brand commercials.
2. Sitar, Tabla, and Harmonium
Sitar: Popularized in Western music by bands like The Beatles, the sitar brings an exotic, hypnotic quality to film scores and TV soundtracks. It was used in the James Bond film "Octopussy" to set the scene in India, and its distinct sound can add a cultural flair to commercials targeting global markets.
Tabla: The tabla’s intricate rhythms are essential in Indian classical music, but they’ve crossed into fusion genres and electronic music as well. The tabla is featured in the soundtrack of "Slumdog Millionaire," a film that fused traditional Indian sounds with modern beats. Commercially, it can be used to add a rhythmic, authentic world music sound to advertisements.
Harmonium: The harmonium, with its haunting, accordion-like sound, is often used in folk and world music. It was featured in "The Darjeeling Limited" soundtrack to evoke the feeling of travel and discovery. The harmonium adds an exotic, reflective quality to both film scores and commercial music.
Music Types: Indian classical music, world music, film scores, and global brand commercials.
3. Tibetan Singing Bowl, Drums, and Gongs
Tibetan Singing Bowl: Known for its calming, meditative tones, the Tibetan singing bowl is frequently used in ambient music and sound healing. It’s been incorporated into the scores of TV shows like "The OA", where its tranquil sound enhances mystical and spiritual themes. This instrument can be used in commercial music to create a sense of mindfulness and calm, particularly in wellness or lifestyle advertising.
Drums (Taiko): Japanese taiko drums are renowned for their thunderous, rhythmic power, making them a popular choice for film scores and TV soundtracks. They are featured in action scenes, such as in "The Last Samurai", adding intensity and drama. Taiko drums are also used in video game trailers and automotive commercials to convey strength and adrenaline.
Gongs: The dramatic resonance of gongs has been used to mark transitions in films like "Inception" and TV shows like "Lost". They are often featured in commercials to add a sense of importance or gravitas to a product launch.
Music Types: Ambient music, cinematic scores, TV soundtracks, and wellness brand advertising.
4. Oud, Daf, and Ney
Oud: The oud, a key instrument in Middle Eastern music, has found its way into world and jazz fusion. It has been featured in TV shows like "Homeland" and films such as "Syriana" to evoke the cultural atmosphere of the Middle East. Commercially, the oud is perfect for advertisements seeking to highlight heritage or authenticity.
Daf: The daf, a large frame drum, is often used in Middle Eastern film scores to build rhythmic tension. It has been featured in scores for films like "The Kite Runner," adding emotional intensity. The daf can be used in commercial music to add a powerful and earthy rhythm, particularly in global campaigns.
Ney: The ney flute’s haunting tones make it a favourite in film scores that require a mystical or reflective mood. It was used in the soundtrack of "The Passion of the Christ" to evoke spirituality. The ney adds depth to commercials and soundtracks that aim to highlight peace and reflection.
Music Types: Middle Eastern music, world music, TV soundtracks, and global commercials.
5. Clarinet, Violin, and Hand Drums
Clarinet (Klezmer): Klezmer music, with its lively and emotional clarinet lines, has been featured in films like "Fiddler on the Roof" and TV shows that explore Jewish culture. The clarinet’s expressiveness makes it a great addition to commercials seeking to evoke nostalgia or cultural vibrancy.
Violin: The violin is perhaps one of the most versatile instruments, appearing in everything from classical film scores to modern TV soundtracks. "Schindler’s List" famously uses the violin to evoke deep emotion. The instrument has also been featured in advertising for luxury products, highlighting its elegance.
Hand Drums (Tambourine): The tambourine’s rhythmic jingles can be heard in folk music, pop, and commercials that need an upbeat or energetic feel. Its simplicity has made it a staple in TV soundtracks and lighthearted commercials.
Music Types: Klezmer, classical music, film scores, and cultural TV shows.
6. Djembe, Kora, and Balafon
Djembe: The djembe, a West African drum, has been incorporated into both world music and pop genres. It was featured in the soundtrack of "Black Panther," representing African culture and rhythm. In commercials, the djembe can be used to create a lively, rhythmic backdrop that captures attention and adds authenticity.
Kora: A stringed instrument with a harp-like quality, the kora has been featured in TV shows like "Westworld," where its unique sound adds an otherworldly feel. It has also been used in commercial music to create a serene, reflective mood.
Balafon: This African xylophone is often used in world music to create cheerful, melodic tunes. It was used in the animated film "Kirikou and the Sorceress" to highlight African folklore. The balafon can be effectively used in commercials seeking a playful, upbeat sound.
Music Types: African music, world music, film scores, and pop music.
Native American Flute, Drum, and Rattle
Native American Flute: The Native American flute is widely used in TV and film to create a sense of peace and connection to nature. The film "The New World" used this flute extensively to evoke the untouched beauty of the land. It is also used in commercial music for wellness brands to create a serene atmosphere.
Drum: The deep resonance of Native American drums has been used in TV shows and films that focus on indigenous culture, such as "Dances with Wolves". The drum adds a sense of earthiness and connection to commercials for eco-conscious brands.
Rattle: Often used in indigenous ceremonies, the rattle has a simple yet powerful rhythmic effect. It’s featured in modern folk music and can be used in commercials to add texture and authenticity.
Music Types: Native American music, film scores, TV soundtracks, and folk music.
What it means…..
World music instruments are increasingly being used across TV, film scores, and commercials, providing rich, authentic sounds that enhance storytelling and brand identity. Whether it's the rhythmic power of the djembe, the haunting tones of the ney, or the tranquil resonance of the Tibetan singing bowl, these instruments bring a unique cultural dimension, and under exploited sound to any project.
For music libraries and bespoke music providers, offering a diverse collection of these world instruments can cater to content creators looking to enrich their soundtracks and commercials with global influences. 560 Music has access to international composers who understand the capabilities of all instruments and how they serve best represent any given creative brief. Let’s talk about your forthcoming projects!
Explore the versatility of 560 Music’s current World Music selection here