David Arkenstone (born July 1, 1952) is an American composer and performer.… Read Full Bio ↴David Arkenstone (born July 1, 1952) is an American composer and performer. His music is primarily instrumental, with occasional vocalizations. Most of Arkenstone's music falls into new age category; however, he also worked in other genres; including a heavy metal soundtrack for the Emperor: Battle for Dune video game. His music has been described as 'soundtracks for the imagination'. Throughout his career, Arkenstone released over 50 albums and composed music for video games, including World of Warcraft, and for television, including NBC's Kentucky Derby. David has been nominated for Grammy Awards four times.
After moving from Chicago to California at the age of ten, he was involved in various high school bands playing guitars and keyboards, playing baseball in his spare time. He studied music in college and started a progressive rock band named after himself, but he soon discovered the music of Kitaro and was heavily influenced by it. Arkenstone was influenced by writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Ian Fleming, and grew up listening to bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Deep Purple, and Yes, as well as listening to classical music.
Arkenstone went solo and found his own sound in New Age music. He says that has been greatly aided by technology: "Technology has produced some wonderful tools for making music. The computer allows me to fully orchestrate my pieces and really fine tune them". His music is primarily instrumental. His albums, typically fantasy themed, often come packaged with literature and art. He worked with fantasy novel writer Mercedes Lackey on a few of his albums. Arkenstone and his ex-wife, Diane, created their own record label called Neo Pacifica. In addition to releasing their own music on the label, they have included other bands such as Earth Trybe, Enaid, and the Marquis Ensemble.
He has also composed music for television; channels such as the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and NBC Sports include his music. He has also written music for trailers and film soundtracks, including the independent film PRISM, as well as computer game soundtracks such as World of Warcraft, Lands of Lore 2 and 3, Earth and Beyond, and Emperor: Battle for Dune; and Starlight Inception. He also features on 20 Years of Narada Piano.
Arkenstone has earned four Grammy nominations for his work: In the Wake of the Wind in 1992, Citizen of the World in 2000, and Atlantis in 2004. 'Fairy Dreams in 2020.
Arkenstone has learned to play a variety of musical instruments, including bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, harp, cello, flute, electronic keyboards, piano, Turkish saz, pennywhistle, melodica, and pan pipes. He also plays drums and percussion and has performed some vocalizations on his albums.
Arkenstone is also involved in the band Troika; their sound is similar to his solo work. The band members like to remain anonymous, although the compositions are credited to Arkenstone.
His theme "The Journey Begins/Kyla's Ride" was used for the FIFA World Cup France '98 broadcastings intro by the Mexican television network Azteca.
His song "Papillon (On the Wings of the Butterfly)" is used as background music in Future World at Epcot in Walt Disney World. His song "The Palace" was once used as background music in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom as well. "The Palace" also used to play in Tokyo Disneyland's Tomorrowland, and another one of his songs, "Valley in the Clouds" was also used.
He signed with Domo Records and re-released the album Echoes of Light and Shadow in 2010.
Arkenstone was a member of the composing team who developed the music for Blizzard Activision's World of Warcraft videogame's Cataclysm expansion. Along with Arkenstone, the team consists of Derek Duke, Glenn Stafford, and Neal Acree.
After moving from Chicago to California at the age of ten, he was involved in various high school bands playing guitars and keyboards, playing baseball in his spare time. He studied music in college and started a progressive rock band named after himself, but he soon discovered the music of Kitaro and was heavily influenced by it. Arkenstone was influenced by writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Ian Fleming, and grew up listening to bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Deep Purple, and Yes, as well as listening to classical music.
Arkenstone went solo and found his own sound in New Age music. He says that has been greatly aided by technology: "Technology has produced some wonderful tools for making music. The computer allows me to fully orchestrate my pieces and really fine tune them". His music is primarily instrumental. His albums, typically fantasy themed, often come packaged with literature and art. He worked with fantasy novel writer Mercedes Lackey on a few of his albums. Arkenstone and his ex-wife, Diane, created their own record label called Neo Pacifica. In addition to releasing their own music on the label, they have included other bands such as Earth Trybe, Enaid, and the Marquis Ensemble.
He has also composed music for television; channels such as the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and NBC Sports include his music. He has also written music for trailers and film soundtracks, including the independent film PRISM, as well as computer game soundtracks such as World of Warcraft, Lands of Lore 2 and 3, Earth and Beyond, and Emperor: Battle for Dune; and Starlight Inception. He also features on 20 Years of Narada Piano.
Arkenstone has earned four Grammy nominations for his work: In the Wake of the Wind in 1992, Citizen of the World in 2000, and Atlantis in 2004. 'Fairy Dreams in 2020.
Arkenstone has learned to play a variety of musical instruments, including bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, harp, cello, flute, electronic keyboards, piano, Turkish saz, pennywhistle, melodica, and pan pipes. He also plays drums and percussion and has performed some vocalizations on his albums.
Arkenstone is also involved in the band Troika; their sound is similar to his solo work. The band members like to remain anonymous, although the compositions are credited to Arkenstone.
His theme "The Journey Begins/Kyla's Ride" was used for the FIFA World Cup France '98 broadcastings intro by the Mexican television network Azteca.
His song "Papillon (On the Wings of the Butterfly)" is used as background music in Future World at Epcot in Walt Disney World. His song "The Palace" was once used as background music in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom as well. "The Palace" also used to play in Tokyo Disneyland's Tomorrowland, and another one of his songs, "Valley in the Clouds" was also used.
He signed with Domo Records and re-released the album Echoes of Light and Shadow in 2010.
Arkenstone was a member of the composing team who developed the music for Blizzard Activision's World of Warcraft videogame's Cataclysm expansion. Along with Arkenstone, the team consists of Derek Duke, Glenn Stafford, and Neal Acree.
Across The Great Oceans
David Arkenstone Lyrics
We have lyrics for these tracks by David Arkenstone:
All Souls Night Bonfires dot the rolling hillsides Figures dance around and …
Angels in the Snow Music Only - No Lyrics…
Be Thou My Vision Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be…
Caravan Night and stars above that shine so bright The myst'ry…
Cruisin Baby let's cruise, away from here Don't be confused baby, th…
Cruisin' Baby let's cruise, away from here Don't be confused baby, t…
Deliver Me Deliver me, out of my sadness. Deliver me, from all of…
Far Far Away I am lost in a dream far away Lost in a…
Only An Ocean Away I see a shadow every day and night. I walk a…
Safe & Sound I remember tears streaming down your face When I said, I'll…
Sanctus Once upon a long night after a hard cry Somewhere in…
Taken By The Wind It′s a mystery When love comes in your door And you know…
The Voice In a dream you will see Darkness calls your name All…
Valley in the Clouds Music Only - No Lyrics…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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Jerry Strange
An AMAZING composition! Nothing unusual! ALL of his compositions are absolutely stunning and spectacular! The man has an AMAZING GIFT FROM GOD!
Kat Blehm
I was in charge of the music for my Dad’s funeral 15 years ago. I had to put this one in there… my Dad was a Pisces and this song fit his personality to a “T” . Deep bows, David. Your music is always appropriate and much appreciated. ❤️
Гоха Зверь
One of most underrated musicians.
Carol Long
I once read an early interview with David and he said that one of his dreams was to be able to perform his music with a full orchestra. Until then he was the only player, with maybe one more percussionist on stage with him. But, I suspect in his amazing mind, there were many other instruments and harmonies going on. This is a wonderful performance by everyone, and it's so special to know that his dream has come true.
Bob Vedder
I have yet to hear anything by David Arkenstone that wasn't absolutely beautiful.
Polly Webb
Agree
David Arkenstone
Thank you, Bob!
Jess Quinn
David, your work has always touch me in so many way; from moments of great joy, to mystical travels, and yes, even to tears. Ever since 1992 when I bought my first DVD, which was one of yours, I have been dedicated to your work. I have to honestly say you are the only musical artist that has touched me so deeply. And for all that and more I think your from my inner spirit. Your music is my ray of light in such dark times.
David Arkenstone
Thank you, Jess. I'm still amazed how this song resonates with people...:)
Lu E .
I'm in awe of your compositions. Soothes our soul. Gratitude!!🙏💐🇧🇷👏👏👏