Hymn of Remembrance to Sanguinius - [Warhammer 40k Themed Music, Horus Heresy Opera]
75Another work for the Horus Heresy-themed opera concept. This time a hymn to be sung in honour of the fallen Primarch.
Hymn of Remembeance to Sanguinius for the opera 'The Death of Sanguinius'; a Warhammer 40k in-universe themed propaganda opera/oratorio based upon that pivotal moment in the lore aboard the Vengeful Spirit.
My inspiration for this work comes most obviously from the classic Easter hymn 'O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden'; drawing on the parallel symbolism of Sanguinius/Jesus. The lyrics match the more hostile, militaristic and dogmatic tone of the Imperium's ideology, but draw upon Christian liturgical tropes and phrases. The aesthetic of the Imperium is so heavily influenced by Classical and Baroque themes, both sacred and secular, which is why I see musical forms like Opera (especially Oratorio) having a strong case to be well-received by its citizens. Naturally, any form or entertainment in the Imperium must teach a lesson in-line with the ideals of the Imperium; very little works of art wouldn't serve a propagandistic purpose I would assume.
As for instrumentation, I went with a sort of Wendy Carlos-esque, almost outdated sound for the synths. My reasoning is that the music of the Ecclesiarchy would draw upon 'classic' or 'traditional' sounds to entrench its beliefs as timeless. In the Grim Darkness of the Future, those sounds might include 80's-style synth sounds. Eventually 'acoustic' instruments join the cacophonous praise, but I added distortion effects to them (especially the organ) to imply that they too are advanced through some sort of technological 'enhancement'. Only the bells remain untouched.
The lyrics are my own creation, however the music used is not my own composition, but a rework of three versions of 'O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden mostly by J. S. Bach, with virtual instruments and synths used.
This is fan-made and not endorsed by Games Workshop. Without producing any profit, or claiming intellectual property.