The albums that define
instrumental music.
Our picks for where to start with instrumental music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top instrumental music artists
Start with one of these.
The instrumental music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Audiomachine
Phenomena
An orchestral tapestry woven with epic themes and cinematic grandeur, designed to evoke the most dramatic of visual narratives.
Start here
Audiomachine
Epica
Orchestral grandeur meets cinematic intensity, weaving together lush melodies and driving rhythms in a tapestry of emotional soundscapes.
Start here
Michel Legrand
Noël ! Noël !! Noël !!!
A lush orchestral tapestry weaves together festive jazz interpretations and heartwarming seasonal classics.
Start here
Yanni
Dare to Dream
A sweeping orchestral landscape intertwines with serene melodies, creating an immersive auditory experience that evokes deep emotions.
Start here
Yanni
Yanni Mexicanisimo
A vibrant fusion of traditional Mexican melodies and contemporary new age orchestrations that transcends cultural boundaries.
Start here
Kaki King
...Until We Felt Red
A textured blend of intricate guitar work and ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of deep introspection.
Start here
Kaki King
Modern Yesterdays
A tapestry of intricate guitar work woven with ambient textures and introspective melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Start here
Bert Kaempfert
That Happy Feeling
A vibrant blend of orchestral arrangements and light jazz, evoking a carefree sense of joy and nostalgia.
Start here
Bert Kaempfert
A Swingin' Safari
Bright orchestral arrangements meet playful melodies in a lively celebration of global rhythms and carefree vibes.
Start here
Twelve Girls Band
Meili Yinyuehui
A vibrant fusion of traditional Chinese melodies and contemporary instrumentation, creating an enchanting tapestry of sound.
Start here
Twelve Girls Band
Beautiful Energy
A vibrant fusion of traditional Chinese instruments and contemporary arrangements, creating an uplifting and expansive sonic landscape.
Start here
Bell Orchestre
As Seen Through Windows
A lush tapestry of orchestral textures intertwines with intricate rhythms, evoking a serene yet dynamic soundscape.
Start here
Bell Orchestre
Recording a Tape the Colour of the Light
A lush tapestry of instrumental textures intertwines with organic rhythms, creating an ethereal soundscape that invites deep contemplation.
Start here
E.S. Posthumus
Unearthed
Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with modern electronic elements, creating a cinematic soundscape that evokes vast landscapes and ancient civilizations.
Start here
E.S. Posthumus
Cartographer
Cinematic soundscapes intertwine orchestral elements with electronic textures, creating a mesmerizing auditory journey through vast landscapes.
Start here
Ray Lynch
The Sky of Mind
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with delicate melodies, creating an immersive experience that transports listeners to serene realms.
Start here
Ray Lynch
Deep Breakfast
A serene blend of ethereal melodies and intricate instrumental layers that create a tranquil auditory landscape.
Start here
Jónsi & Alex
Riceboy Sleeps
Ethereal soundscapes blend with gentle melodies, creating a serene auditory experience that invites introspection and calm.
Start here
W. G. Snuffy Walden
Fountain & Vine
A serene blend of contemplative melodies and intricate guitar work that evokes a tranquil yet introspective atmosphere.
Start here
Blotted Science
The Machinations of Dementia
Start here
Raphael Rabello
Relendo Dilermando Reis
Start here
Michel Legrand
Legrand Jazz
'Legrand Jazz' highlights the interplay between rich orchestrations and lively jazz improvisation, making it an ideal starting point. It encapsulates Legrand's unique ability to create emotive musical landscapes that are both engaging and accessible.
Start here
Guilherme Arantes
Pão
Start here
Guilherme Arantes
Despertar
Start here
By decade
Where instrumental music landed in each era.