Words by Reid

  Ori and the Blind Forest - Music and the Fictive Dream      Ori and the Blind Forest  is an enchanting video game crafted by Moon Studios. Released in 2015,  Ori and the Blind Forest  follows the journey of Ori, a guardian spirit, through the mystical and awe-inspiring Blind Forest. From the beginning, the game captivates players with its enchanting atmosphere, mesmerizing narrative, and beautiful music.      Moon Studios is an independent game development company established in 2010. A diverse group of international artists and designers created this masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from classic animated films, the game boasts a beautiful musical score that perfectly complements its captivating visuals.  Ori and the Blind Forest  blends art, storytelling, and gameplay, showcasing Moon Studios' deep commitment to creating an emotionally moving experience. Unsurprisingly, it has become a landmark achievement in indie gaming, ...

 The Blue Man Group - Role of the Performer      The Blue Man Group is fantastic! They are a performance art company that's unique, innovative, and known for their incredible blend of music, comedy, and multimedia elements. What's fascinating is that their musical journey is just as interesting as their live shows.       It all started in the late 1980s in New York City when friends Chris Wink, Matt Goldman, and Phil Stanton decided to create a performance art project. They aimed to explore the intersection of art, music, and technology in a way that engaged and entertained audiences. Thus, the iconic blue-skinned characters were born, who used to communicate through expressive movements and drumming. Music has always been an integral part of their performances, and they used a variety of unconventional instruments and objects to create a distinctive and rhythmic sound.      As their popularity skyrocketed, their musical exploration...

Lithuania - A Musical Trip      When thinking about topics for this assignment, I wanted to choose a topic I could "relate" to. When considering my genealogy, my Lithuanian roots brought our family to the United States. So, I decided on Lithuanian music...      Lithuanian music differs from mainstream music's timbre, harmony, texture, rhythms, and vocal traditions. These differences are closely linked to the social and cultural context in which the music originated and is still performed. Lithuanian music is a reflection of Lithuanian identity and heritage, highlighting a connection to the country's traditions and history, which distinguishes it from the more commercial and diverse landscape of mainstream music.      Old Lithuanian music is characterized by its unique timbre. This is due to the traditional instruments used in the music, such as the kanklės (a type of zither), duduk, birbynė (a kind of flute), and other folk instruments. These...