Hapan Music

Template:UnderConstruction Hapan music is a major part of Hapan society, and many are taught to play instruments at a young age. However, having lyrics or vocals attached to their music is not considered an important part of the majority of works produced. Hapans simply enjoy the simplicity of polyphonic melodies and their natural flow. However, on the occasions where choirs are used along with the instruments, they often do not sing lyrics but merely hum along with the melody. Some recent works have included actual lyrics, also in Galactic Basic, and this is inspired by foreign cultures. Hapans enjoy ostentatious orchestral music with a lot of grandiose pomp but also quiet melodies where one to three instruments playing slowly in unison.

Styles of Hapan Music

The Capital & Interior

The Hapan system in the Capital often dictated policy on what musical works should be available to the masses throughout the Age of Queen-Mothers. The rise of destinct Hapan music occured in the Antiquity Era and progressed steadily to reach new heights during the Second Expansion Era. The first official national anthem was produced for the Hapes Consortium in 1649 by Queen-Mother Rel'amma V, the Royal Hapan Orchestra and Wen'taris Zuliu.

Ut in the Hapan system was the heart of the Hapan musical world until it's destruction by forces of nature in 3921. The planet produced many talented musicians, especially singers, and many Ut-descendant communities exist around the Hapes Cluster (notably on the many moons of Hapes Prime).

Residents of these two regions often prefer classical instrumental music, with only female vocals if any.

Important Musical Works

Across the Hapan Stars

Across the Hapan Stars is a lengthy composition often performed as an opera, with singers and dancers acting out highlights of Hapan history. It includes some of the most famous musical works of all time, such as the national anthem, but also newer works that pay tribute to recent achievements or events, such as Return to Charubah and Requiem for Belgor.

It was first performed in the Royal Hapan Opera House on Hapes Prime in 4027.

Requiem for Belgor

Requiem for Belgor is an arioso which was primarily performed by the late Countess Tami Ci'hani, best known under the artist name Kora Valente. It pays tribute to the billions lost in the bombardment of Belgor in 3977.

During the Hapan Civil War it was used by the Draconian Union in anti-Sword Confederacy propaganda, playing along slow-motion images depicting the destruction of Belgor and was often followed by the message "Remember Belgor - Resist Now!". It has since been made part of the Across the Hapan Stars opera.

Though this arisoso does not reflect Valente's legendary mezzo-soprano to contralto vocal range, her use of the lower register along with the soft, melodic accompaniment (feegharp, duggleflute and selii) fashioned a somber and dramatic field that accurate portrays the mood of the composer. Valente also often played the feegharp herself while performing this piece.

In little that I have

In Little That I Have from the Antiquity Era-style opera "Avania and Herugrim" tells of the fictional love story between the legendary Hapan folklore figure, Herugrim and the peasant girl, Avania, who would become the matriarchal figurehead of Hapan society. This famous solo marks the turning point of the opera, where a poignant Avania (played by Kora Valente), in which she reflects on her lover's decision to betray the evil King Ahazi and fight against his corrupt army.

Common Musical Instruments

Feegharp

Traditional feegharp.

The feegharp is large, stringed instrument that was created on the planet Hapes Prime, and is often centerpiece of classic sonatas and other instrumental pieces. The arioso Requiem for Belgor contains primarily the sounds of a feegharp.

Dugglehorn

The dugglehorn is a traditional Hapan trumpet used in many anthems. It has also been known used by the Royal Hapan Army throughout Hapan history and also at the Royal Hapan Palace and Lorell Hall to announce the arrival of the Royal Family, nobility and various dignitaries.