MYST - Music in the world of the Myst game series

D'ni

The D'ni have a very long and (until recently) stable history. They do not appear to have any written form of music I'm aware of. However, a Music Guild would allow complex musical style and composition to be maintained in such a society. One could perhaps imagine hearing a recital given by the early king Kerath, having stepped down in favour of the five lords and council elect.

It may be presumed that a great deal of music died with the masters at the fall of D'ni.

Terahanee

The music of the lately rediscovered Age of Terahanee would probably have some similarities to D'ni, but perhaps retain more of the tradition of music played on the ancient D'ni home Garternay. The style would be frivolous, designed to amuse the aristocracy with its virtuosity, yet with the brutish carelessness of a society based entirely on a slavery class system. It would likely be assumed that the slaves were incapable of music, so probably music would be a privilege of the ruling class only.

Reflections

Music is a creative art which reflects the state of the individual and thus also society. It is no wonder that music from different regions in China was once played for the priests and emperor to gauge the state of well being of people in those regions. Conversely music can also influence the individual.

Variation in style usually reflects the amount of travel and communications in an area. In isolated communities, music tends to be similar while centres of trade often house the latest and most varied styles.

All music is an aquired taste. Some styles influence certain emotions more than others, but most people listen by choice to styles of music with which they are familiar. For instance, the style of music dolphins prefer turns out to be boat-anchors rather than something from the 'top-of-the-charts' of popular music.

Music in very ancient times had remarkably strong parallels to [D'ni Writing]. Many ancients fell into Gehn's error of thinking that his words themselves created worlds, rather than echoed them. They presumed that the music itself, especially when combined with words, could create and influence the nature of the universe. As the D'ni knew however, it was mere shadow of things Divine, an alignment with the will and purpose of the Maker. A lack of this resulted in Ages dying (and bad music).

I'd love to hear any comments or ideas you may have on the above. The music pieces are selected from several hundred tunes I've written. They were chosen by myself as being closest to what I imagine the feel (if not sound) of the D'ni.

love,
Andrew (Atrius)