The Enchanted Library: Musical Escapes for Readers
If you love getting lost in a book, you know that the right music can turn a simple reading session into something magical. The soft glow of a lamp, the rustle of pages, and a soundtrack that feels like it was written just for the world you’re stepping into – there’s nothing quite like it.
The Enchanted Library: Instrumental Escapes for Readers is a curated guide to composers whose music captures that dreamy, bookish atmosphere. These artists craft soundscapes that feel like secret worlds of their own. Whether you’re opening a new book filled with pirates, returning to a well-loved tale of a lost princess, or sitting down at your computer to write a story of your own, their music turns quiet moments into magical ones.
Andreas Müller
Andreas Müller blends classical and cinematic elements, creating music that feels both expansive and intimate, allowing listeners to feel the weight of epic adventures alongside the delicacy of quiet, reflective moments. He leans on piano, strings, and cinematic percussion to build tracks that tell a story without words or images. Listening to Müller’s music feels like following a main character through a pivotal scene; whether it’s the thrill of a battle or the unfolding of a romantic truth. His compositions often carry a bright, whimsical quality reminiscent of Disney scores, with magical textures that make every melody soar.
Listening Recommendations:
“Wings on the Horizon”
This track instantly reminded me of the thrill of Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing. Sweeping strings and bold piano make it feel like you’re soaring through the sky on the back of a dragon, capturing the tension, excitement, and danger of the story.
“Bazaar”
Full of mystery and a sense of exploration, this piece feels like wandering through a city for the first time. Its playful melodies and intricate textures remind me of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval, bringing the wonder of discovering hidden magic to life with every note.
“Exalted”
Lighthearted, bright, and contemplative, this track captures the feeling of falling in love from afar. Soft piano, warm strings, and gentle percussion make it feel like a happy ending is just around the corner, perfectly complementing a story’s tender moments.
Johannes Bornlöf
Johannes Bornlöf is a Swedish composer who has been surrounded by music his entire life. He began piano lessons with his brother at eleven and has since continued to hone his skills and experiment, developing a distinctive, melodic style. Bornlöf’s music is unique yet instantly recognizable, with a signature sound that ties every piece together. Centered around piano, his compositions are intimate and reflective, making them perfect for pairing with stories, daydreams, or quiet moments filled with wandering thoughts.
Listening Recommendations:
“The Enchanted Library”
This track feels like sitting alone at an old wooden desk in a room full of dusty books, where every spine holds a secret. It carries a quiet sense of curiosity and contemplation, the kind of song that makes you want to learn, think, and linger in the stillness.
“A Spellbook Closed (Postlude)”
Warm, magical, and a little whimsical, this piece feels like stepping into a cozy cottage tucked deep in the woods. There’s a soft, fairylike sparkle to it, like a warm spring breeze drifting through an open window.
“A Land Above The Clouds”
Light and airy, this song feels like lying in a sunlit field watching the clouds drift by. It has that carefree summer-afternoon glow – pensive, content, and joyful. It’s the musical version of realizing that life is good in the small, quiet moments.
Taylor Ash
Taylor Ash is a Philadelphia-based composer and songwriter crafting cinematic, story- driven orchestral music. She strives to bring stories to life through a blend of classical, folk, and rock elements. Listening to her music can feel like stepping onto a battlefield or walking through a magical forest. Her compositions often involve an orchestral arrangement with many textures, giving her tracks a cinematic quality. Ash considers her major influences to be John Williams and Hans Zimmer, but she has crafted her own voice through her works.
Listening Recommendations:
“City of Starlight”
Ash’s track captures the glowing, magical feel of Sarah J. Mass’s A Court of Thorns
and Roses series perfectly. The piano and sweeping strings make it feel like being
pulled into the Night Court’s otherworldly magic.
“The Cruel Prince”
Dark, whimsical, and layered, this piece perfectly mirrors the tension and scheming in
Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series. The composition mirrors the story’s political
intrigue and cunning characters, making it feel like you’re slipping into the sharp,
glittering world of Elfhame.
“Six of Crows”
Fast rhythms and dramatic flourishes capture the fast-paced energy of Leigh
Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology. It carries the thrills of heists, high-stakes gambles,
and danger, making the story’s tension almost tangible.