Conquest of Paradise
A march over a bass that never changes – in Germany known above all as entrance music.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Vangelis
- Year
- 1992
- Origin
- Film score for 1492: Conquest of Paradise
- Key
- D minor
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The recurring bass is simple, so is the melody above it. The weight comes from doubling in octaves.
The real hurdle
The melody often lies in octaves. Small hands can drop the lower note – the character survives.
How long does it take?
Four to six weeks.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Needs bass range and volume. On 61 keys the foundation is missing.
Instruments that suit it
Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Conquest of Paradise?
The recurring bass is simple, so is the melody above it. The weight comes from doubling in octaves.
What key is Conquest of Paradise in?
Conquest of Paradise is in D minor.
How many keys do you need for Conquest of Paradise?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Conquest of Paradise?
Vangelis, 1992.
Can you download the sheet music for Conquest of Paradise for free?
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
How long does it take to learn Conquest of Paradise?
Four to six weeks.
If this suits you
Organ textures building over minutes – film music that lives on patience rather than dexterity.
The closing piece of the film – a melody over a bass that never changes, carried by a voice without words.
Wide, open harmonies that mean landscape – Zimmer before his dark phase, bright and unrestrained.