# Anthem of the Universe

The Grandest piece of all. This one is supposed to unify the essense of existence in a perfect harmony.

Avoid any human conventions such as tempo in beats per minute, A440.

Rely on Universal Truth - Planck units, mathematical constants, etc. Avoid decimal system as it's too human.

In the end we should get a piece that is so Universal that it can be adapted to the ear and brain of any reasonable being existing in the confines of the laws of physics of our Universe.

## General structure

The piece has to be extremely authentic to be truly Universal. Hence why by this virtue it will have to rely mostly on consonant intervals and relatively simple harmonies and common tones. In fact, in order to maximize consonance, the piece should be played in [just intonation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_intonation). In order to work properly, it has to embrace you like a motherly hug and without words say: "I understand you. You're alive."

## Versions

### Reference version

This version should be tuned to the frequencies of the Universe. Yes, so it would have all kinds of inaudible frequencies that are not musical for humans. In fact, this will require developing a new format for storing music as all current music software is hardcoded to human ears and human brains.

Basically, it would have to be a set of abstract frequencies and abstract time points which would then be adapted to particular species so it can be heard as music.

### Full human version

This version has to be scored for a full orchestra with a mix of instruments from all over the world, signifying unity of different cultures. Of course, can't deny the impeccable beauty of full symphony orchestra but in order to be truly encompassing, there should be more variety.

#### Instruments

##### The essense of humanity itself - human voice

Of course, you can't have a human version without the primary musical instrument of humans - their own voice.

##### Western musical tradition

* Symphony orchestra - of course, the crown jewel of human music.
* Organ - the most grand instrument created.
* Acoustic guitars - representing many styles. Bringing this intimate feel of a raw string.
* Electric guitars - bringing a larger palette of sounds. Especially warm backdrops of power chords.
* Synths - pads, etc...

##### Eastern musical tradition

* Taiko
* Other percussion potentially
* Maybe some flourishes with ethnic string and woodwind instruments

### Minimalistic version

This version has to be scored for a single human-like being with a single human-like musical instrument. Think [guitar tabs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tablature). And it has to have the same emotional impact as the full version.

## Constants

* Mathematical: [link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mathematical_constants)
* Physical: [link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_physical_constants)

## Prior art / references for inspiration

### Richard Strauss - Also sprach Zarathustra

* Wikipedia: [link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Also_sprach_Zarathustra)
* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfwAPg4rQQE)

### Christopher Tin - Baba Yetu

* Wikipedia: [link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baba_Yetu)
* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJiHDmyhE1A)


### Hans Zimmer - No Time For Caution

* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpK4cDk2bRs)

### Hans Zimmer - I Was Just Trying To Be Brave

* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yss4Sf-_sqk)

### Toby Fox - Undertale

* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBhFHJMVfiI)

### Andrew Prahlow - 14.3 Billion Years

* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1R9NA-cseY)

### Johny Cash - Hurt

* YouTube: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI)