Quite frankly, there are too many fantastic tracks for me to put on this list to elevate your reading experience. However, the following recommendations will likely become your go-to tracks for quite a while to come. So sit back, get comfy, and get swept away.
I have gathered these tracks from my own extensive personal research, and from very popular recommendations from fellow fantasy readers, making this list rather comprehensive. Certain readers will want specific tracks to compliment the genre of fantasy they’re reading, so thankfully the following composers and OSTs will have something for everyone.
Table of contents
Best composers and bands for fantasy reading
OSTs get a lot of love when it comes to fantasy music, so I’ll be starting with some lesser-known – yet excellent – composers. I either listen to these composers myself or keep seeing their names pop up around this discourse. Although there’s an unimaginable wealth of fantasy music out there, the following composers are some of the best.
There are some names you may expect to see here that I’ve omitted, as their works will be included in the OST section, so don’t worry.
Faun
Faun is a band I’ve only just come across. Their music ranges from sweet and light fantastical pieces to more somber numbers with lyrics. It sounds not inspired by fantasy worlds but as though it were ripped right out of one. Heavier, darker pieces and more upbeat jigs also populate their works.
This is a band I’m going to be listening to more of immediately, as their music seems to fit effortlessly into almost any fantasy setting.
I’d personally recommend their Eden album, although honestly, any will do.
Adrian von Ziegler
Adrian von Ziegler is a composer I had the privilege of stumbling across many years ago. He composes mostly Celtic pieces, although he does dabble in a variety of other genres. He has years of musical content to listen to, including collections of his compositions for an uninterrupted and flowing listening experience.
I would strongly suggest the celtic music, not only as there’s so much of it, but because it’s some of the best upbeat and lively fantasy music out there. As there are no lyrics, I can properly be immersed in the ebbs and flows of the music. His pieces immerse themselves into your reading experience fluidly.
I’d personally recommend the Celtic Collection.
Thomas Bergersen
You’ve likely already heard lots of Thomas Bergersen’s music, or at least music from his production music company Two Steps From Hell. Seriously, open up Spotify or YouTube and search his name. The Invincible album is full of classic pieces that are instantly recognizable.
For more exciting and action-packed fantasy stories, you can’t really go wrong with putting any of Thomas Bergersen’s tracks on. They have the power to turn any scene you’re reading into something ten times as epic.
I’d personally recommend the Invincible album for dramatic moments and chapters.
Peter Gundry
You have likely heard of Peter Gundry, for he is a rather popular composer. His music is typically slower, with more sinister or somber undertones for the most part. Each track makes the perfect background noise for darker or tragic fantasy stories.
They will blend in with the words, slowly protruding into your mind until they become the backing track of the film playing in your mind. He is truly an excellent composer that I’ll certainly be listening to more of.
I’d personally recommend The Edge of Darkness album.
Nest
I kept seeing Nest pop up – and I couldn’t resist but to give them a listen. The tracks that Nest produces are more mystical and slower pieces, to allow for the story to take center stage in your mind.
The tracks are very lyric-light and tend to meander and weave around your mind. They’re not particularly exciting, although they’re not boring either. Such tracks could prove perfect for those who do not want anything too obnoxious to distract them from their reading.
I’d personally recommend the Trail of the Unwary album for moody and more somber fantasy reading.
Rest Here Traveler ambient music
This isn’t a composer, but is one track I thought I’d add as a little bonus. I am unsure why, but I adore this track, and it is my go-to for lots more than just reading. Although it’s essentially the same melody repeating with the sound of a bonfire, I have yet to get bored of it.
This track is a personal recommendation, sure, but I feel so strongly about it that I can’t not include it.
I’d personally recommend this track for more relaxing reads or to block out background noise.
Best OSTs to listen to for fantasy reading
Most readers who listen to music, myself included, love to listen to OSTs. So popular are these OSTs that you’ve likely already used them for your fantasy listening pleasure. If you find one or two that you haven’t yet listened to – then save it for later.
Dwarf Fortress OST
Starting off with an OST I simply keep coming back to that’s also criminally underrated, I’d love to introduce you to the Dwarf Fortress OST by Dabu and Simon Swerwer. There is something too rich about this OST that is a struggle to put into words, but I’ll try my best.
These tracks, especially the main theme, are brimming with their own stories woven into the mystical notes and melodies. This OST provides you with ominous ambiguity, action, melancholy, and, strangely, hope. I am literally listening to this OST as I write.
I’d personally recommend this OST for melancholic, casual, and deeper fantasy stories (and for life in general).
The Witcher 3 OST
The Witcher 3 is very renowned for its OST by Marcin Przybyłowicz. Many readers recommend the tracks in this OST that resemble the White Wolf himself: dark and hopeful, quick and calm, powerful and gentle.
The world of The Witcher is a very detailed and rich fantasy world, and this OST pays it a huge compliment. These tracks feel native to the continent, and they’ll seep into your fantasy worlds effortlessly.
I’d personally recommend this OST for casual high-fantasy reading.
Pirates of the Caribbean OST
The Pirates of the Caribbean has a vast OST if you include all five films, which I highly recommend you do. Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt, and Geoff Zanelli all contributed to the exciting and incredible scores that make whatever you’re doing so much cooler than it already is.
These OSTs hit many different themes expertly. You’ll find gloomy and sad pieces, romantic and tragic pieces, and, most importantly, epic action scores. The films are known for their excellent fantastical elements and action sequences, and none of them would be as good as it is without the music.
I’d personally recommend this OST for grand adventures or action sequences.
Elder Scrolls OSTs
The Elder Scrolls series is a franchise rich with entries – and with music. The past three installments of the main Elder Scrolls franchise, Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim, have incredible and renowned fantasy tracks that inspire all sorts of emotions. Jeremy Soule is the music composer for all three titles.
Considering how vast each of these three games is – in theme, locations, story, and setting – the soundtracks from these OSTs are ripe for any fantasy scenario. With such a grand catalog of premium fantasy music, you won’t be running out of music to listen to any time soon.
Out of all the games, I’d personally recommend the Skyrim soundtrack for all sorts of fantasy reading.
The Lord of the Rings OST
Ending this list with an absolute classic and staple of fantasy culture – The Lord of the Rings OST, by Howard Shore. This collection of tracks really doesn’t need an introduction and has become the official soundtrack of fantasy for many.
The pinnacle of fantasy – the books and films – were complimented perfectly by these tracks, so I’m sure they’ll transpose your stories into something even more magical. Also, there are loads of remixes and covers out there. I personally enjoy the Lofi versions from Bits & Hits.
I’d recommend this OST for almost any fantasy reading, be it dramatic, tragic, adventurous, or romantic.
With these excellent music recommendations, your fantasy reading will be elevated to new heights.
