Started watching Frieren, and I couldnāt help but notice the subtle similarities between it and Violet Evergarden that make me love them even more.
From their indescribably beautiful animation quality, their masterful writing, and the godly soundtracks, theyāve just stolen my heart.
Theyāve enraptured me through way they depict the nuances of everyday life and relationships in such an endearing and realistic way, to the way they tackle major themes and issues with such grace.
And a major part of this was its soundtrack. The way itās OSTs would seamlessly complement its scenes and add just the right feeling to the story in such a unique way caught my attention. And upon further investigation (replaying them on Spotify and crying), I discovered that they had the same composer, Evan Call. Somehow, Evan Call, my hero, had composed his pieces in a way that was so subtly unique, yet so recognizably impactful. Iād gotten the chance to recognize each piece for their beauty and how much I adore them both, and now I have the privilege of finding their connections and enjoying the way they tie their stories together.
Watching Violet Evergarden, Iād IMMEDIATELY fallen in love with its soundtrack. It was just like that. In the snap of a finger I just found a sort of beauty in it that I adored with all my heart and which made me fall deeper in love with the story itself. The way the music perfectly complemented the story it followed, and the way it pushed the watchersā emotions in JUST the right way had me hooked from the start.
And when I had started Frieren, I noticed the exact same. In the moments where it mattered and even the ones where it didnāt, the music of Frieren would bring just the right character, create just the right mood, and always succeed in throwing my emotions through the ringer. Sometimes, it would make a scene so majestic and so eye-opening that Iād just have to pause and sit in silence to let it settle in. (Can you tell how much I love music now?) That feeling it induced had always been on my radar, and it only added to the excitement behind my little discovery.
Another part that made Frierenās OST so eerily familiar yet so incredibly unique was its orchestral composition. Itās not uncommon for a showās OST to be orchestral, and I will ALWAYS find them beyond beautiful, but itās as I said before. There was just something about Frierenās orchestral composition that was familiar to me, in the way that it conveyed itself and in the way that it set the showās mood, and it caught my attention more than Iād like to admit. What with the pops of eccentric flute playing, the sweet sweet violin melodies, or the power behind the French hornās moments, it was all so moving and unique, It was strange to me, really, when I would sit there and just appreciate the music to myself for a second and try to place why I loved it so much.
Now I have my answer, and his name is Evan Call. I can explain enough how much I adore this connection and his style of composition, and the joy it brings me to find the little bridges that tie my two favorite shows together. Really, these OSTs are a treat, and their shows are just as wonderful. So, please, if youād just consider that for a second as you watch, itād make all my rambling all worth it.
Thanks to all the creators of both shows for such a thrill.
