The composer of the striking score to "Skyrim" is branching out into music not bound by the world and actions of video games with a new Kickstarter campaign, which is receiving a very enthusiastic response. Looking to raise $10,000 for a new work called "Soule Symphony No. 1: The Northerner," Jeremy Soule has already garnered close to $15,000 in pledges.
From SNES classic "Secret of Evermore" to the recent "WoW" expansion "Mists of Pandaria," games have featured Soule's music for nearly two decades. Perhaps his most celebrated work is the music for Bethesda's wildly popular "Skyrim," the latest in the Elder Scrolls franchise — the last two games of which Soule scored as well.
"The Northerner" is a name that should strike a chord, so to speak, with "Skyrim" enthusiasts: The reference of a game character and promotional art suggest a symphony influenced by the game's lush and mountainous setting. It is only described, however, as his "first foray into the grand traditions of classical music."
The $10,000 he sought would go to the usual hiring of a live orchestra and singers, and of course for the usual mastering and packaging costs — and that sum was raised in about a day. The total pledge amount stands at nearly $15,000 as of this writing. Hundreds of backers have chosen to pledge $15, at which level they are rewarded with a CD of the recording, but one laid down $1000 and will receive a page of the symphony's hand-notated manuscript.
The Kickstarter campaign may be long past its goal, but supporters can still chip in to receive a CD, or just a few bucks to support the project. "The Northerner" should be out in September.
Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.
