Looking for triumphant but sad music

[tensai_oni]

Like the thread title suggests, I am looking for songs that sound heroic, uplifting and triumphant, maybe even soaring - but on the other hand, these songs must also be sad and depressing. Like if the hero achieved a great victory but had to sacrifice so much to get there.
Some examples:
-Many Mass Effect songs
-Many Two Steps From Hell songs (especially those that were ALSO used for Mass Effect)
-This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VDuLiqCmDE)

My examples are instrumentals, but songs with vocals are fine too. Give me your suggestions, post links!

[Dr.Epic]

Check the soundtrack for FMA.

[tensai_oni]

Check the soundtrack for FMA.

Any specific songs you have in mind?

[Dr.Epic]

Any specific songs you have in mind?

There are a number, but the best one that comes to mind I don't know the name of. It's played a few times in the series including the epilogue in the final episode. It's the music playing at the end during Alphonse speech.

[Jimorian]

Soundtrack to Gladiator might have some pieces that fit the bill.

[Ravens_cry]

Apollo 13's Main Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhxBAegoebI). I don't listen to much at high volume, but Apollo 13 is my one exception, and much of the soundtrack qualifies.

[Poison_Fish]

Banshee (http://youtu.be/jkvwkM2a39g) and a few other tracks from Unicorn Gundam work pretty well. Say what you will about the series, but the music is excellent.

Watercolor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEeI8g95zQw) from Pendulum may work, as could a few of their other songs.

Gladiator (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbHPTPUpQ1I) got mentioned, which is great. It seems to a special thing for Hans Zimmer music, such as Time (http://youtu.be/srrAm9Eiqcw) from Inception and a Dark Knight (http://youtu.be/94TAFSMdkvk) from The Dark Knight.

METAL GEAR!? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhRw3nE67aw)

[Fri]

Is Enya's Book of Days triumphant or sad enough?

Other than that...

Medal of Honor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuv69dyiQ1M) and

Medal of Honor Allied Assault (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ELFxB-tGhE) Main Theme.

[Man on Fire]

Asura's Wrath has In Your Belief, there are few varieties of it actually, I think, some are slower and sadder and others are louder, the song works on both sucess and sad moment.

[Radar]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpa8zjfTz2o) piece from Conan is leaning much more toward the sad side, but the part starting around 3:00 might be, what you look for.

Yoko Kanno made a really great soundtrack for a MMORPG once and among other gems, there is this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LtA9pzDbo4).

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygNuRpwZqRU) theme from The Last of the Mohicans might be of interest as well (if you're unsure about the begining, then the first really strong moment comes at about 2:00 - there's more).

[kamikasei]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o33Rv2Z-4iI) might not be triumphant enough, but I thought of this thread as soon as I was reminded of it.

[Dr.Epic]

Soundtrack to God of War might also have a few gems too.

[Prime32]

Maybe Asem's theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk74dtIviY4) from Gundam AGE.

There are a number, but the best one that comes to mind I don't know the name of. It's played a few times in [FMA] including the epilogue in the final episode. It's the music playing at the end during Alphonse speech.

Is Brothers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXQLrkW33f0) what you were talking about?

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

Possibly "Golitsin's Exile/Departure from Khovanshchina" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qOdAU7USfw) by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky? I just adore Mussorgsky, I dunno.

[Dr.Epic]

Is Brothers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXQLrkW33f0) what you were talking about?

No. That's right before Al's epilogue. It plays during the part when Al says:
I no longer think of Equivalent Exchange as a law of the world. But as a promise. A promise I'll one day see my brother again.
And the rest of his speech.

It also plays when...
seriously, major spoiler:
Not joking, major spoiler, if you haven't seen the first anime turn back now
last chance to turn back
okay, by this point I'll just assume you've seen the first FMA anime
It plays when Scar activates the transmutation circle to make the Philosopher's Stone and he sacrifices himself to save Al.

[VeisuItaTyhjyys]

Here's to You (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oday_Fc-Gc) by Joan Baez and Ennio Morricone, is a song about Sacco and Vanzetti which uses Vanzetti's quote that "agony is [his] triumph" as its refrain.

Charred Resentment the Same (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANEV9PfJ0-A) by South San Gabriel isn't so much triumphant as it is confident of triumph, but there's nothing but tragedy behind it all.

[Kitten Champion]

I've always thought that described Terra's Theme from FF6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT9ReWDV0IU) fairly well.

Oh, and Libera Me From Hell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAlztMvvNkk) from Gurren Lagann

[Meph]

In the list of the soundtracks I cannot but add this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHj56_F3v-0).

Back in "normal music" instead, have you considered Bathory (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZYa5-LWAYQ)
or Agalloch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuPz7cMD3qs)?

[Otomodachi]

Oh, and Libera Me From Hell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAlztMvvNkk) from Gurren Lagann

AKA Libera Me from Gabriel Faure's 'Requiem'. Honestly, parts everything minus Pie Jesu are good fits. It IS a Requiem after all. Extra points for Baritone love.

Libera Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpM0dmxmwzE)
and also the Agnus Dei (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMlr4XKNcNo) which might sound happy to start but give it a minute.

Dvorak's Slavonic Dance no. 7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4poPlPxzO9E)?

EDIT: Somebody to Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pMM4iwC-ag) by Queen?

[pita]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNbTg0Li36k) is a pretty good instrumental, IMO. Another (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dssNa11htIM) good one. I generally like the Starcraft 2 soundtrack. There's probably other good music. The Terran themes are great war music.
Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moZExve-AeQ) with lyrics, but it's from Game of Thrones, so it might not be suitable.

[Quirinus_Obsidian]

Well, if you are looking for just soundtracks, than might I suggest Emilie Autumn's "Fight Like a Girl"? It is basically the first part of a soundtrack to her book and corresponding stage show.

Heck, just about anything from EA could be considered sad and uplifting, considering what she has gone thru.

[paddyfool]

Opera has sooooo many songs along these lines. For instance (and it's been a while since I've heard this, and I have no headphones / sitting in a place where I shouldn't turn on the sound, so I can't guarantee the quality of the specific recording)... this little gem (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqVULRuLm6g).

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

Well, if you are looking for just soundtracks, than might I suggest Emilie Autumn's "Fight Like a Girl"? It is basically the first part of a soundtrack to her book and corresponding stage show.

Heck, just about anything from EA could be considered sad and uplifting, considering what she has gone thru.

Only issue is it has vocals. But One Foot In Front Of The Other is one of the saddest yet most triumphant songs ever so yeah

[Dr.Epic]

What about Guile's theme? It goes with everything.:smallwink:

[tbok1992]

I'm pretty sure that whenever you're talking about said yet triumphant songs, you have to bring up this. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ADh8Fs3YdU)

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

How about the song Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness off the album of the same name by the Smashing Pumpkins?

[Negativethac0]

Like the thread title suggests, I am looking for songs that sound heroic, uplifting and triumphant, maybe even soaring - but on the other hand, these songs must also be sad and depressing. Like if the hero achieved a great victory but had to sacrifice so much to get there.
Some examples:
-Many Mass Effect songs
-Many Two Steps From Hell songs (especially those that were ALSO used for Mass Effect)
-This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VDuLiqCmDE)

My examples are instrumentals, but songs with vocals are fine too. Give me your suggestions, post links!


You might look into:

Dragon Age Origins - I Am the One (Dark Fantasy Edition)
Dragon Age Origins- Coronation (May be a little too cheerful, but still has a sadness to it, I believe)
Groove Addicts - Road to Glory (I _really_ love this one)
George Fenton - Blue Whale (Yes, from BBC, I'm serious. Just stop around the 2:45 marker, as it becomes too cheerful. The first is great, though).
Eric Brosius - I Just Saved the World (From the Thief 1 OST, this is a short, victorious and really sad melody that still gets to me. Brilliant soundtrack btw.)

Will try and think of more.

[paddyfool]

I'm pretty sure that whenever you're talking about said yet triumphant songs, you have to bring up this. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ADh8Fs3YdU)

Very good shout! I might also suggest this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jtpf8N5IDE), just to cap it off.

As an aside, music like the above which describes unhappy states thoroughly but makes them or awesome, that takes on tragedy and describes this thoroughly, but gets through it to a state of acceptance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFQQsu6VBYA) or even joy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9D1svZ9Y0s) has been a great comfort before in times of trouble :)

[Gnoman]

This might be a good fit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO1Pm4VQ0NI

[Wolf_Haley]

Broken Moon by SaXi

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaXc36p5cx0

[Anderlith]

Morrowind Theme song

The music score for any Squarenix game. Notably Kingdom Hearts & Legend of Dragoon.

Portal's "Still Alive"

[Sgt. Cookie]

Beneath the waves (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icO4gps51Oc) by Ayreon always made me a bit sad. I don't know if it's triumphant enough, though.

[zorenathres]

Sibelius: Tapiola, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy0_zqEOp4A

truly epic, tragic, & classic. for a reference the history channel uses Tapiola at the end credits for their WW2 shows, & its a great war piece, with low & high moments... give it a try

EDIT: halfway through the song is the more triumphant part, building up to a crescendo, which is the part they use on the history channel.

[Zamani]

I thought a lot of the LOTR music fits the bill - in particular Mist and Shadow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIcXxgZs9Xk

[Iku Rex]

Impartial (The Battle) - The Clockwork Dolls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULzDJTo1zNw)

Fight Song Of The Brunnen-G (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUCkNdvS85I) (from the TV-series Lexx)

Ere the World Cumbles - Age of Conan Soundtrack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvAj8YZ31ZI)

Sabbat - Traitor General OST (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0gPs1NgVl0) (an odd one, but it's sort of trimumphant IMO)

Mother Earth - Within Temptation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqijOklPw7k) (link to a Buffy fanvid)

Liberation - A.R. Rahman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb7BRBQnf78) (link to a Farscape fanvid)

[BWR]

Lots of the music from Planescape: Torment, like the Good Ending (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHGyxZz3c-Q)

neoBattlestar Galactica has lots of really good music. You can find lots of stuff. Farewell Apollo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoUEgtPE3UU) might be something like what you're looking for.

[Valwyn]

Some of these might not be heroic enough, but you might like them.

Rhapsody of Fire - The Wizard's Last Rhymes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L95MNCQzD-A&feature=player_detailpage#t=543s) (at least the last few minutes)
Rhapsody of Fire - Il Canto dil Vento (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--W4c_26S3k)
Rhapsody of Fire - Deadly Omen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j3MsFowhOQ)
Rhapsody of Fire - Lamento Eroico (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwvLKl7EQ94)
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 - I Don't Want To Say Goodbye (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4weEm8j5Lo)
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 - Memories of You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz_PuMz0k-4)
Pokemon Black and White - N's Farewell (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzKRuwKyJmY)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Underwater March (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh_h-6cnD1M)
Mozart - Lacrimosa (Slow Tempo) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=095XWHqiJKY)
Kill Bill - The Lonely Shepherd (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qsgBF7ZIsk)
Kill Bill - The Grand Duel (Parte Prima) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRfZvzOvs7Q)
Helen Jane Long - Embers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfQwT3Dr-r8)
Buffy - Slayer's Elegy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNFdIoe9W_c)
Bubba Ho Tep - All Is Well (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTr3SQtMoRE)

You could also ask around the music thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213466).
Hope this help. :smallsmile:

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Yuki Kajiura's got some great stuff.

Nux Walpurgis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYKr21uS_bA) from Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Tragedy and Fate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WugWHyGvDw) from Fate/Zero
On the Battlefield (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnghL47QMpI) from Fate/Zero
The Battle is to the Strong (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOzJPRNXt7s) from Fate/Zero (heck, noticing a pattern?)
Salva Nos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soGzGCxW27c) from Noir (a bit of an oddity, but a classic goodie)

[Hida Reju]

A Stray Child (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2La7UHRoR0&list=PLAEEDA124E9D806B1http://) from .Hack/Sign OST

Also The Key of the Twilight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_g83wO0g6Q&list=PLAEEDA124E9D806B1http://) from .Hack/Sign OST

Document (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktBmwP8KfXc) by Assemblage 23

Awake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLyUjjv8RPQ) by Assemblage 23