I love how the sound of the song is exactly like how light playing on the rippling water sound like. You can actually hear the sun glinting off the water! It’s so mesmerizing!
I love the way the main theme melody is used here in the chorus... in the main theme it's big and heroic, but here in this new context it's so delicate... great use of a leitmotif.
Leitmotif is the most powerful tool in video game music imo. Just look at The Elder Scrolls games, its all the same song at its core, but theyre so different. Same song, telling entirely different emotions and stories. Its powerful in every kind of media, but video games is where I truly noticed it. Another good example is the fire nation theme in ATLA as it relates to Zuko and his story.
The last time I fell in love with a game that much was 18years ago, or 19 by now, with WoW. BG3 is such a special game and being able to be part of it/being able to play it and hear it is just magical.
For me it was back in 2004, Metroid Prime 2 Echo's....in my 28 years of gaming, that has my top spot for best music in a video game. Then Ocarina of Time right on it's heels. I might give BG3 the 3rd spot.
BG3 has made me finally go buy the Violin I've always wanted. I'm getting it in the next hour. I can't wait to learn some BG music Update 5 hours later: Well I got the violin. It was cheaper than expected. Ended up with a new red Studio 6 string acoustic too lol
To me, the ending just emphasizes the fact that it's all a dream and an illusion. The entity singing is trying to hold you in this magical dream where everything is beautiful and peaceful, but throughout the song you get these small hints that something just isn't right. Masterpiece.
For me it is a big sadness. I was in love with a beautiful girl and wanted to dive into BG3 with her, but we broke a month b4 release:( and now, sometimes i have dreams about our good days, that are gone... so for me is very soul and special, and the ending is ... just me. "Dont wake me up, just leave me there dreamin'.." in my magic, spring dream with her.
Your interpretation is actually really similar to the original plot for BG3. If you haven’t played the EA of BG3, originally the Emperor is a character name Daisy who will continue to flirt and seduce you during the dreaming sequence. They will also try to ask you to embrace the parasite. Turns out it is actually the Netherbrain seducing you to give up and the ending for it is you taking Daisy down by the river and stay with her forever
@@ZeallustImmortal 12 classes, 11 races, tons of visual customization options, spells and abilities to pick, in addition to the main cast templates plus the Urges....yeah, only 10 options total, sure if you're blind and unimaginative
@@vaidenkelsier7757 Sure man, go ahead and create a character that looks anything like you then, pick from all 4 options for how your character can look. Very unique
it's also a huge spoiler. he mentioned having made a character, so if he's playing the game it might be a good idea to avoid songs with lyrics that reference events in the game.
Not gonan lie I heard this during character creation and I was stunned at its beauty, I don't think it plays all of it, and then it leads into other pieces. I sat in character creator for like 15 minutes to hear it come back. Twice!
And it's such an amazing performance. I feel like the story around the song may have been cut from the game but Larian knew how amazing the song was so they kept it in anyways. Im glad they did if thats the case
This game nails everything, from details to gameplay to the world to the OST, amazing. Baldur's gate 3 menu theme has become my favourite videogame theme ost
Pretty sure the "flute" at the beginning is a penny-whistle-style woodwind. They're kind of a fascinating instrument, in how even the cheap ones you buy for your kids in gift shops can be a really good instrument, if it's by the right manufacturer. $15 and you've got yourself a woodwind that would be capable of being played in a professional musical ensemble, but you can also have some that go for many hundreds of dollars, too!
The original intent of "Down by the River" was that it was the Mindflayer parasite speaking to you, trying to convince you to relax and let it take over. It's trying to entice you to lie down by the river and let yourself be swept away. That's why the melody is worked into so many situations. The parasite's influence is always present.
BG3 is such a big W for the games industry. It's by no means a perfect game... but the positives far outweigh the negatives, by a mile. I would definitely be surprised if this game won't win at least 1 GOTY award in 2023.
I know it’s very short, but my favorite theme is the night songs theme. I honestly wouldn’t listen to it before you get the scene in game because the piece was designed to light up with the animation from the game.
Thank you for your sophisticated and emotional reactions. I lack the knowledge about music and it's like therapy from a sountrack that makes me cry and tingle every time. There's something wrong with this game, it makes me speechless.
automata has a super sad yet beautiful ost and this song reminded me of that even if down by the river isn't as sad/ haunting as something like blissful death i love BG3 and automata, both easily in top 2 fav games for me
I can't wait to get the OS with the physical edition collectors set. I love the music in this game. It really helps transport you to the world while playing.
I like the narrative of this song as much as the song itself. Slight spoilers : The only other time you hear someone calling you " down down down " is when you are near the absolute. That is who is singing in the infected minds!
@@tiramin That is fine I am still sure the absolute is the one singing that song. The mind control has been referred too as some sort of signal/sound/music many times.
The voice and song belongs to Daisy - an NPC that was cut from the game and changed to "the guardian" we have now. Remnants of this character, other than in the game files, are in the BG3 Artbook, notable for its pink dress. Bascially, Daisy was an entity taking shape as manifestation of your desires and there was cut content/ending where you could supposedly go down a blissful path of ignorance and romance with Daisy - in a pocket of happiness in your mind, while your body undergoes ceremorphosis. Hence the spookiness at the beginning/end, as well as the ending line. "Don't wake me up, Just leave me there dreaming" "The Power" is also in close relation with Daisy, if you decide to accept the allure of tadpole's powers. Both of those songs their themes are tightly connected with Daisy and the storyline that was waiting there to be explored.
@@sasha023iiii On The Power part... Guardian, formerly Daisy: THERE'S A PARASITE IS THAT CORPSE, TAKE IT! IT'S GLEAMING WITH POWERFUL MAGIC. PS: I'm in the final area of Act 2, so far refused to consume parasites. Will eat those tadpoles if the difficulty ramps up too much.
@@sasha023iiii Exactly i think this concept was split between the emperor and the absolute. The first is about the temptation for power and control. The absolute is just the mind control "comfort" you get by joining the hive mind. The cultist refers to her voice and singing MULTIPLE times in the game. i guess that mind control "voice" is attenuated by the emperor.
Oh wow i had no idea Borislav did the soundtrack, i know him for doing the soundtrack for Ryse: Son of Rome one of my all-time favorite story games. incredible music
From what I've heard the reason for that scary undertone is because of a cut content where you get tricked into staying with a character forever. Apperently this song plays each time you spend time with that said character.
Correct, this song was made for the original story of the game which was heavily changed for release so unfortunately such a beautiful song and its lyrics dont fit the game that well anymore.
There's a live version concert of this where Borislav's compositions for both Divinity and Baldur's Gate are played. Definitely worth checking out. Also you should check out the main theme for Divinity. Borislav is a genius. This game is like a perfect storm of great minds that gathered together to venture forth 😁
Like everything else about game development, it seems that only once a decade do developers make an effort to make at least one aspect of their game into a work of art that is appreciated by the masses. The last one I remember was Skyrim.
I read somewhere that this song was used in a cut scene, where the character is being deceived and lured (without any spoilers). That's the reason of the occasional sinister feeling I guess.
You really need to listen to "I want to live" from BG3. The song only plays in a particular part of the game and it absolutely caught me off guard... in the best of ways.
Great. For me is the Songtext+Melody importent. Lace your heart with mine.... Its still Daysies Song....every BG3 EA Player knows her. This part with: just leap the flames to take a chance to be with me tonight, take my hand and hold it tight Can i resist?No?Beautiful.
If you like this, go to the innovator herself of this musical style- musical genius singer/songwriter/ musician, Loreena McKennitt. In fact this is kind of a copy of her stuff. She created that New Age/ Celtic/ Middle Eastern blend. Check out “ Dante’s Dream”.
I know it isn't a big music but it's a music called INSOMNIA by Naktigonis, its the OST for a game called Deepwoken and i think you should listen to it, if you heard it i would be really happy
Is it just me but every time he sings I just get flashbacks to my high school band classes with my band director attempting to sing (no hate on you're singing xD)
I think you really really need to check out Raphaels final act and Harpy Song. Down by the river, Final act, and Harpy song are my 3 most favorite songs in BG3. The rest are still fire tho.
I think Skyrim music is still at the absolute top of the industry but some tracks in BG3 really are incredible. Both Down by the River and Twisted Force are great examples.
Honestly I don’t like the song, but that’s mostly because early on in Early Access, the vocals were on repeat during character creation and I got so tired of it. I can appreciate that it is good and still despise it lol I prefer “I Want to Live” both the instrumental and vocal versions.
Video Question: What is your favorite class to play in BG3??
Clearly Monk !
Cleric. There is only cleric. A party of just clerics is the superior party.
Warlock!
The Barbarian, its OP and very fun yo play
Devotion Paladin
Shout out to @Melethiel, Mariya Anastasova, the vocalist in this amazing OST.
I love how the sound of the song is exactly like how light playing on the rippling water sound like. You can actually hear the sun glinting off the water! It’s so mesmerizing!
Her voice is angelical; what a powerful angelical voice.
I love the way the main theme melody is used here in the chorus... in the main theme it's big and heroic, but here in this new context it's so delicate... great use of a leitmotif.
well, due to hearing this like 2h this is the main theme for me xD
Leitmotif is the most powerful tool in video game music imo. Just look at The Elder Scrolls games, its all the same song at its core, but theyre so different. Same song, telling entirely different emotions and stories.
Its powerful in every kind of media, but video games is where I truly noticed it. Another good example is the fire nation theme in ATLA as it relates to Zuko and his story.
It's like it's the dream-moment of that heroic 'to-be'.
The last time I fell in love with a game that much was 18years ago, or 19 by now, with WoW. BG3 is such a special game and being able to be part of it/being able to play it and hear it is just magical.
For me or was 2001 and Neverwinter Nights
For me it was back in 2004, Metroid Prime 2 Echo's....in my 28 years of gaming, that has my top spot for best music in a video game. Then Ocarina of Time right on it's heels. I might give BG3 the 3rd spot.
@@PenguinsAreColdish Blocking you from the channel. You have been a dick in several different comments
@@DrumRollTonyReacts Neverwinter Nights was such a game changer! Insanely good game.
BG3 has made me finally go buy the Violin I've always wanted. I'm getting it in the next hour. I can't wait to learn some BG music
Update 5 hours later: Well I got the violin. It was cheaper than expected. Ended up with a new red Studio 6 string acoustic too lol
To me, the ending just emphasizes the fact that it's all a dream and an illusion. The entity singing is trying to hold you in this magical dream where everything is beautiful and peaceful, but throughout the song you get these small hints that something just isn't right. Masterpiece.
For me it is a big sadness. I was in love with a beautiful girl and wanted to dive into BG3 with her, but we broke a month b4 release:( and now, sometimes i have dreams about our good days, that are gone... so for me is very soul and special, and the ending is ... just me. "Dont wake me up, just leave me there dreamin'.." in my magic, spring dream with her.
yess
Your interpretation is actually really similar to the original plot for BG3. If you haven’t played the EA of BG3, originally the Emperor is a character name Daisy who will continue to flirt and seduce you during the dreaming sequence. They will also try to ask you to embrace the parasite. Turns out it is actually the Netherbrain seducing you to give up and the ending for it is you taking Daisy down by the river and stay with her forever
@@bluesyrupgc4224damn didn't know that that was cool idea, wonder why they ditch it
@@bluesyrupgc4224That sounds dope, im glad they went with what they did instead of that, but that would have been cool too.
Oh the collective thousands of years that people spent in the character creator, being serenaded with this gorgeous song
I love this song.
In a character creator with like 10 options total
@@ZeallustImmortal tell me you havent played the game without telling me you havent played the game
@@talolsen8513 Its more like 6
@@ZeallustImmortal 12 classes, 11 races, tons of visual customization options, spells and abilities to pick, in addition to the main cast templates plus the Urges....yeah, only 10 options total, sure
if you're blind and unimaginative
@@vaidenkelsier7757 Sure man, go ahead and create a character that looks anything like you then, pick from all 4 options for how your character can look. Very unique
I love this song so much. It’s so beautiful and her vocals are perfection. I just wish it was longer, it’s over way too soon!
I agree!
well dont worry you'll hear it sproadically over 100+ hours throughout the game because its melody is the main theme of the game.
I love the "Who are you?" version of it too. So hauntingly beautiful
i would highly suggest to check out Loreena Mckennitts Albums ... this song has a vibe that heavily reminds me of her albums from the 90s
@@Ashorisk ooh I will! Thank you for the suggestion :)
If you like this song, you have to check out Raphaels final act, easily the best music theme in Baldurs Gate 3.
Before he does, the composer posted on Twitter that a longer version will be released soon.
That encounter was already really epic, but damn that music surprised me with how good it was
yes PLEASE
Don't spoil please
it's also a huge spoiler. he mentioned having made a character, so if he's playing the game it might be a good idea to avoid songs with lyrics that reference events in the game.
Not gonan lie I heard this during character creation and I was stunned at its beauty, I don't think it plays all of it, and then it leads into other pieces. I sat in character creator for like 15 minutes to hear it come back. Twice!
The melody writing is amazing, but for me the vocalist elevates this to another level ..
Lead vocalist for the game is Maria Anastasova, who is from the same country as Borislav.
And it's such an amazing performance. I feel like the story around the song may have been cut from the game but Larian knew how amazing the song was so they kept it in anyways. Im glad they did if thats the case
This game nails everything, from details to gameplay to the world to the OST, amazing. Baldur's gate 3 menu theme has become my favourite videogame theme ost
As for me, the theme song and main menu from Divinity 2 is the best
I actually stopped creating my character for a bit to take in the music. The entire game is so captivating!
Pretty sure the "flute" at the beginning is a penny-whistle-style woodwind. They're kind of a fascinating instrument, in how even the cheap ones you buy for your kids in gift shops can be a really good instrument, if it's by the right manufacturer. $15 and you've got yourself a woodwind that would be capable of being played in a professional musical ensemble, but you can also have some that go for many hundreds of dollars, too!
Larian are a pro these days in making Fantasy RPG music that's also an earworm
I love that the game uses this song as a motif for many other situations in the game as well.
The original intent of "Down by the River" was that it was the Mindflayer parasite speaking to you, trying to convince you to relax and let it take over. It's trying to entice you to lie down by the river and let yourself be swept away.
That's why the melody is worked into so many situations. The parasite's influence is always present.
What I really like about this song is that it keeps the rythm of the main theme of the game. I love when the games do this.
BG3 is such a big W for the games industry. It's by no means a perfect game... but the positives far outweigh the negatives, by a mile. I would definitely be surprised if this game won't win at least 1 GOTY award in 2023.
ok, it won all of them ;)
I know it’s very short, but my favorite theme is the night songs theme. I honestly wouldn’t listen to it before you get the scene in game because the piece was designed to light up with the animation from the game.
Would love to see your reaction to “I want to live” such a beautiful song!
Thank you for your sophisticated and emotional reactions. I lack the knowledge about music and it's like therapy from a sountrack that makes me cry and tingle every time.
There's something wrong with this game, it makes me speechless.
Raphael's Final Act and the Song of Balduran were two moments when I stopped playing and just sat back genuinely enjoying the music.
I was half way through my own character creation when I started to notice the music, and then I just stopped for 5min to listen. It's so beautiful.
BTW I'm almost certain that the lyrics refers to the river Chionthar and the fact that down by the river lies Baldur's Gate.
Unfortunately, the song is in reference to the cut character Daisy, and them romancing Tav, before it was cut and replaced by the Dream Guardian
How on earth is it possible to sing that well that high pitched?! Enchanting, mesmorising.
High-end musicians. ✔️
An Oscar nomination for the best game intro music ever composed!
The Nier: Automata OST might have a contender for most beautiful, but this is the most beautiful melody of 2023 at the very least.
👏
listening to this did make me think about nier music, its crazy how nier can have multiple songs that are on the same level as this one
automata has a super sad yet beautiful ost and this song reminded me of that even if down by the river isn't as sad/ haunting as something like blissful death
i love BG3 and automata, both easily in top 2 fav games for me
ROR2 tho
Baldur's Gate 3 soundtrack gives me tremendous nostalgia even though it's the first and only title I've played.
Love it.
Only character creation theme that made me shake with excitement to play.
best song of bg 3 and that tells a ton because the soundtrack is amazing.
This track is amazing, but I think my favorite is one called "Wash My Pain Away". Very melancholic and hauntingly beautiful
I can't wait to get the OS with the physical edition collectors set. I love the music in this game. It really helps transport you to the world while playing.
I like the narrative of this song as much as the song itself.
Slight spoilers :
The only other time you hear someone calling you " down down down " is when you are near the absolute.
That is who is singing in the infected minds!
Nah, it's talking about the river Chionthar. Baldur's Gate is "down by the river" you're travelling.
@@tiramin
That is fine
I am still sure the absolute is the one singing that song.
The mind control has been referred too as some sort of signal/sound/music many times.
The voice and song belongs to Daisy - an NPC that was cut from the game and changed to "the guardian" we have now. Remnants of this character, other than in the game files, are in the BG3 Artbook, notable for its pink dress. Bascially, Daisy was an entity taking shape as manifestation of your desires and there was cut content/ending where you could supposedly go down a blissful path of ignorance and romance with Daisy - in a pocket of happiness in your mind, while your body undergoes ceremorphosis. Hence the spookiness at the beginning/end, as well as the ending line.
"Don't wake me up,
Just leave me there dreaming"
"The Power" is also in close relation with Daisy, if you decide to accept the allure of tadpole's powers.
Both of those songs their themes are tightly connected with Daisy and the storyline that was waiting there to be explored.
@@sasha023iiii On The Power part...
Guardian, formerly Daisy: THERE'S A PARASITE IS THAT CORPSE, TAKE IT! IT'S GLEAMING WITH POWERFUL MAGIC.
PS: I'm in the final area of Act 2, so far refused to consume parasites. Will eat those tadpoles if the difficulty ramps up too much.
@@sasha023iiii Exactly i think this concept was split between the emperor and the absolute.
The first is about the temptation for power and control.
The absolute is just the mind control "comfort" you get by joining the hive mind.
The cultist refers to her voice and singing MULTIPLE times in the game.
i guess that mind control "voice" is attenuated by the emperor.
the coldest of hearts melt....
Did you bump into the bard in the druid grove who plays weeping dawn? I think thats even more beautiful :)
Just imagine this playing in the character creation part
Such a magical experience
Harpy's theme is probably the next one I enjoy after these. I even have the mp3 set to my alarm to wake me up in the morning XD
Oh wow i had no idea Borislav did the soundtrack, i know him for doing the soundtrack for Ryse: Son of Rome one of my all-time favorite story games. incredible music
Very dreamlike.
3:56 lol what was that star wars reference there ? 😂 That was so unnecessary 😂😂
😅😅😅😅😅
From what I've heard the reason for that scary undertone is because of a cut content where you get tricked into staying with a character forever. Apperently this song plays each time you spend time with that said character.
Correct, this song was made for the original story of the game which was heavily changed for release so unfortunately such a beautiful song and its lyrics dont fit the game that well anymore.
Oy can you realize the amount of babues potentially doable under that song?
Hm.
The Power is my favorite score from the OST and I would love to hear your take on that!
The absolute is a good singer !
Who knew.
There's a live version concert of this where Borislav's compositions for both Divinity and Baldur's Gate are played. Definitely worth checking out. Also you should check out the main theme for Divinity. Borislav is a genius.
This game is like a perfect storm of great minds that gathered together to venture forth 😁
I second this, main theme of D:OS2 is phenomenal.
Is there a link or search string which I can use in youtube for search.
@@nikverschuren4291 I got u fam, look up "The Symphony of Sin" (on yt) game music festival channel for the live concert of this, at roughly 1 24 50
Where can I find?
this song haunts me
i moved so i cant play this game anymore
it was such a beautiful experience
Like everything else about game development, it seems that only once a decade do developers make an effort to make at least one aspect of their game into a work of art that is appreciated by the masses. The last one I remember was Skyrim.
Favorite so far was Open Hand Monk for just sheer damage. Circle of Spores Druid also has a lot going on for it too.
I read somewhere that this song was used in a cut scene, where the character is being deceived and lured (without any spoilers). That's the reason of the occasional sinister feeling I guess.
Instead of scary to describe the mood, I would rather use eerie because of the mysterious and otherworldy aspect of the music
Please do more BG3 reactions! Can't get enough
This song (without lyrics) is also used in some of the romance scenes.
You really need to listen to "I want to live" from BG3. The song only plays in a particular part of the game and it absolutely caught me off guard... in the best of ways.
More!
Great. For me is the Songtext+Melody importent.
Lace your heart with mine....
Its still Daysies Song....every BG3 EA Player knows her.
This part with:
just leap the flames to take a chance to be with me tonight,
take my hand and hold it tight
Can i resist?No?Beautiful.
its a bamboo flute like the shrill sound in twisted force :)
1:12 sounds like a heavily processed Piccolo Flute to me
If you like this, go to the innovator herself of this musical style- musical genius singer/songwriter/ musician, Loreena McKennitt. In fact this is kind of a copy of her stuff. She created that New Age/ Celtic/ Middle Eastern blend.
Check out “ Dante’s Dream”.
Raphael's final act please!
You'd love Divinity Original Sin 2, I think it's not as well crafted at BG3's sound track, but it's soo unique. love it.
had trouble moving forward from character creation menu..... but it was because of the song, not from me taking the time to create my character lol
You need to listen to Old Time Battles Part I for BG3 and at 1:30 it gets soooo good!
It just sounds like Michiru Yamane most "ok" song
The more I hear this version, the more I get harpy/siren vibes from it. I don't know whether that's intentional or not, though.
I am pretty sure that the male voice in this piece is Borislav Slavov himself.
I know it isn't a big music but it's a music called INSOMNIA by Naktigonis, its the OST for a game called Deepwoken and i think you should listen to it, if you heard it i would be really happy
Please also look at Raphael's Final Act, that one is a soundtrack for the ages too!
Nier Automata is still my favorite soundtrack of all time, but… BG3 is damn close.
I don't know. The music from the elfsong tavern in bg 2 was pretty ethereal
If you haven't partaken, the music of another Larian game, Divinity Original Sin 2 is also amazing.
I'd love to see what do u think about "Mythic Power" from Pathfinder game.
Is it just me but every time he sings I just get flashbacks to my high school band classes with my band director attempting to sing (no hate on you're singing xD)
I think you really really need to check out Raphaels final act and Harpy Song. Down by the river, Final act, and Harpy song are my 3 most favorite songs in BG3. The rest are still fire tho.
I implore you to react to Raphael's theme and Raphael's Final Act songs from this game. very top. under 5 minutes for both. worth the listen for sure
I hope one day you will do “nine blades “ for BG3
this has sooo much Loreena Mckennitt vibes ...
The Raphael Fight music would be nice
Summit looks diferent 😮
remember priscilla song in witcher 3
You NEED to react to Raphael's Final Act!! Best song on the album by far!
Yes.
👏🤟
Nine Blades?
should definitely give some of the Divinity Original Sin 2 music a listen if you like the BG3 stuff
9sec delay version of Levitating by Dua Lipa... th-cam.com/video/yB6MCcaFMEo/w-d-xo.html converts the repetitive melody into recontextualizations.
Great melody, in fact maybe too great, after spending 30 minutes creating a character in game the song kept running in my head for a week straight.
this is nice song, but my favourite are another. Example Harpy song = maybe this harpies song isnt maisterstick:) but for me is beautiful too
Rapheals final act PLEASE!!!!
Raphael's Final Act, please.
Pls check out some divinity original sin 2 ost. Its from the same Studio and composer
Harpy Song next :)
Her voice and the style remind me a bit of Kate Bush.
Please, check out battle music from that game!
One things for sure...it's a mistake to start ANY of your videos without headsets 🎧😂👍
Great video, really hope u react to Raphael's Final Act OST also from bg3 its so so good..
theDivinity: Original Sin 2 is best also !!!
Raphael’s act there song next please
I think Skyrim music is still at the absolute top of the industry but some tracks in BG3 really are incredible. Both Down by the River and Twisted Force are great examples.
Honestly I don’t like the song, but that’s mostly because early on in Early Access, the vocals were on repeat during character creation and I got so tired of it. I can appreciate that it is good and still despise it lol
I prefer “I Want to Live” both the instrumental and vocal versions.
Good song? Yes. Best song. No by far. Leliana's song from Dragon Age is far better.