YourClassical
Top Score

Top Score: Composer Goomin Nam writes music of solitude

Top Score: Goomin Nam and Monarch: Heroes of a New Age
DOWNLOAD
Composer Goomin Nam
South Korean composer Goomin Nam
submitted photo

South Korean composer Goomin Nam has scored more than 100 games, although many aren't released in the West. His newest game, Monarch: Heroes of a New Age, has yet to be released in the U.S.

The score is already here to enjoy, though, with its memorable melodies and calm demeanor. Monarch is a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG, or just MMO for short).

Thousands of people can play the game at once, but Nam knew players still had to seek each other out to interact. As a result, a player could feel lonely traveling around the land alone, looking for companions.

In order to reinforce that loneliness, Nam used solo instruments like piano, flute and cello; however, he wanted to comfort players with his music. Even though there is combat music in the soundtrack, much of the music is surprisingly relaxing.

In addition to the full soundtrack, Nam opened up his music for other artists to cover. Not only can you buy the full original soundtrack, you can also check out the Arrangements and Variations to hear delightful covers.

View a trailer of the game music below. And you can subscribe to Top Score on iTunes so you never miss an episode.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Top Score Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Top Score Episodes

Top Score: Robert Elhai makes a splash in Hollywood and beyond

Top Score: Robert Elhai makes a splash in Hollywood and beyond

Robert Elhai has worked on the music for Hollywood blockbusters like 'The Avengers' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' TV hits such as 'Hawaii Five-O,' and theatrical sensations like Broadway's 'The Lion King.' He's even worked with the heavy metal band Metallica and on a 'Call of Duty' video game. And he's done it all while living in Minneapolis.

Top Score: SonicPicnic and Awesomenauts

Top Score: SonicPicnic and Awesomenauts

The soundtrack for the game 'Awesomenauts' sounds like an alien radio station. The music was created by a group of composers who call themselves SonicPicnic.

23:31
Composer Ryan Ike got his career started at 'Gunpoint'

Composer Ryan Ike got his career started at 'Gunpoint'

Composer Ryan Ike got his first big break in video-game composition by answering an open call for composers on Twitter for a game called 'Gunpoint'. He got the job -- and a BAFTA nomination. Hear more about Ryan Ike on this week's episode of Top Score.

21:42
Serious music for a casual game

Serious music for a casual game

Millions of people around the world play the 'casual' game Candy Crush Soda Saga, but composer Johan Holmstrom took the music very seriously, even recruiting the London Symphony Orchestra for the recording session. Holmstrom is Emily Reese's guest on this week's Top Score.

14:31
A musicologist's look at 'Final Fantasy VI'

A musicologist's look at 'Final Fantasy VI'

Ryan Thompson is a PhD candidate in musicology at the University of Minnesota, with a special interest in ludomusicology. What is that, you ask? Ludomusicology is a growing field in which musicologists study the impact of music in video games.

19:59
Tom Salta's bold choice for subtle music

Tom Salta's bold choice for subtle music

The new game 'Spartan Strike' exists in an audio-dominant world. To make sure he could still capture a player's attention, composer Tom Salta decided to record quieter, more subtle cues. He also enlisted the help of the New York Film Chorale and the Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra. Hear more about it on this week's episode of Top Score.

19:50
Top Score says, 'Thank You, Pierce'

Top Score says, 'Thank You, Pierce'

Top Score says "thank you" to production assistant Pierce Huxtable for one year of great work. Pierce's position was funded by a (non-renewable) grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, an award for which Top Score is forever grateful.

13:01
What's old-school is new again for Michael Schiciano

What's old-school is new again for Michael Schiciano

Michael Schiciano joins Emily Reese on this week's Top Score to talk about old-school and modern approaches to composing. Thanks to the burgeoning mobile market, many composers use old-school techniques to create music for smartphone games.

19:39
Do a Barrel Roll create innovative covers of game music

Do a Barrel Roll create innovative covers of game music

The orchestral-rock video game cover band Do a Barrel Roll stopped by Classical MPR to record a set and to chat with Emily Reese, host of Top Score. 'They played a set and stole my heart -- I've always wanted to say that,' Emily says. Listen to the full session.

21:30
Sam Dillard is a one-man music-making machine

Sam Dillard is a one-man music-making machine

Completely self taught, Sam Dillard not only composes music, but he also performs and records his work. Recently hired by Kinect for its new Harry Potter trailer, Dillard joins Emily Reese on this week's episode of Top Score.

20:41
VIEW ALL EPISODES