Milan Pilar (born 1934 in Czechoslovakia) is a master of fantasy melodrama. Once he came to use synths, his music became the soundtrack for finding a magic necklace in a pastel-colored forest where anything can happen. Milan created these images in gorgeously exaggerated detail that fills the room with color. He had a talent to induce the most grandiose emotions with impact and genuine tenderness.
Most songs will have sweeping synths and/or strings as a backbone, with digital bells and flutes playing the melodies. Many are wistful and sensitive as if telling you secrets in their hiding place, some carefree and happy, others cinematic and awestruck. No matter the mood, they never lose their Moomin-worthy fantasy charm and elegant expression. It’s a shame Pilar didn’t wind up directly composing for fantasy movies.
He also kept a distinct sound across ten-plus years, something rare for library composers. For instance, his 2003 album Nature In Motion has the virtual same approach as his late-eighties work.
Playlist
I’ve gathered my favorites from across his albums to give a good taster for his style (link above).
1. February – Pastoral Seasons, Coloursound, 1982
2. Reconciliation – Nature Spoiled and Unspoiled, Coloursound, 1983
3. Above / Extensions – Extensions, Sonoton, 19??
4. Industrial Signature 11 – Industrial, Coloursound, 1986
5. Fountain Idyll – Above And About, Coloursound, 1989
6. Birdlife – Above And About, Coloursound, 1989
7. Digital Structure 2 – Digital Structures, 1990
8. Digital Structure 25 – Digital Structures, 1990
9. Softly As The Summerwind – Nature Study, 1990
10. Wind And Waves – Nature Study, 1990
10. Caravanseral – Nostro Mondo, 1993
12. Irish Autumn – Floating Line, 1993
13. Rainbow – Textures And Fusion, 1994
14. Lost Game Blues – Signs Of Wisdom, 1999
15. Call Of The Mountains – Nature In Motion, 2003
16. Deep Sea Romance – Green Planet, 2004
Moons And Melodies 