There is always a place for soulful music, which by their lyrics or melodies are somehow able to lift us to a higher plane, giving us a moment’s respite from the noise, confusion and despair of this world. While classical music has much to offer in this regard, other genres of music such as ambient music, film scores and “world music” can also set the perfect mood for reflection. Below are four pieces of modern music that may help you quiet down, relax as you soak in the beauty of the melodic notes. Incidentally, three of these pieces are film scores.

‘For the Love of a Princess’ (theme from Braveheart. Composer: James Horner)

Theme for Inuyasha (Composer: Kaoru Wada)

You know it is a good piece of music when your heart aches each time you listen to it; This next tune is one of them. ‘To Love’s End’ is the soundtrack from the anime series, Inuyasha by the Japanese composer, Kaoru Wada (b. 1962).

‘Evenstar’, from Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers Soundtrack. Composer: Howard Shore

Next, a haunting piece by the Canadian composer, Howard Shore. ‘Evenstar’ is the eighth track of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Sí Beag, Sí Mór. Composer: Turlogh O’Carolan (1670-1738)

This final piece is a beautiful folk tune by the blind Irish composer, Turlough 0’Carolan whose great fame is due to his gift for melodic composition, many of which were composed for the harp, and which are still appreciated today for their relatable, modernish sounds. Sí Beag, Sí Mór is translated as “Small Fairy Mound, Big Fairy Mound.”