Music Design

TEARS FROM TIBET is Terry Oldfield’s homage to the struggles of the Tibetan people. In the liner notes, Oldfield describes the soundscape as bittersweet, which is true; the compositions are at once happy and sad. The story of the Tibetan refugees is a tragic one and the music’s somber, at times longing tone reflects that. Yet, Oldfield often opts for a victorious air, depicting the fact that these poor souls may have lost their home, but their spirit cannot be broken. The music is often focused on the wispy beauty of Oldfield’s flute playing, which provides the cornerstone for the album’s melodies. Synthesizer moods are used to evoke emotions in the listener, while the sounds of brisk wintry winds whistle through the album’s backdrops. Excerpts of the Dalai Lama speaking and chatter from children playing also add a sense of gravity to the music.