X.Sanctus

X.Sanctus, (born Christopher Heiling on July 10, 1987)Interview with X.Sanctus and Ronny Rolls, is a German musician and composer from Wiesbaden, known for his contributions to various musical genres, with a particular focus on Video Game Music (VGM). As a composer, arranger, and music theorist, X.Sanctus has garnered recognition for his compositions, thought-provoking insights into music theory, and active engagement within the music community advocating for diversity, inclusivity and accessibility.
==Early life and Musical Influences==
Christopher Heiling, known professionally as X.Sanctus, was born on July 10, 1987. His passion for music began at a young age, and he experimented with different musical styles and instruments throughout his upbringing. He drew inspiration from a diverse array of composers, including Nobuo Uematsu, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and many others. His eclectic taste in music spans from Baroque over classical, romantic and impressionistic to a particular affinity for video game music.
X.Sanctus's musical journey began at age 7, when he began playing accordion and piano and learning music theory. He later became a member of an accordion orchestra, where he also served as an arranger and conductor. X.Sanctus played a pioneering role in popularizing Video Game Music in concert settings by arranging pieces for the orchestra to perform, thus introducing audiences to the mmersive soundscapes of video games.
At age 14, he was awarded the 'Violin Clef in Silver' by the Accordion Teachers Association.
X.Sanctus's later played the organ in the local church of Goldlauter, his childhood home. It was here, amidst the echoes of Dr. Ernst Anschütz's reknown compositions, that X.Sanctus developed a deep appreciation for the power of music to move and inspire.
X.Sanctus sang in a choir throughout elementary and high school.
Since 2014 he is publishing his arrangements and compositions online. Although initially not intended for pronunciation, the pseudonym X.Sanctus holds a symbolic significance. The 'X' symbolizes a cross, serving as an abbreviation for Heiling's nickname 'Chris'. The term 'Sanctus' is the Latin word for 'holy', reflecting the original meaning Heiling's last name.
==Musical contributions==
X.Sanctus is known for his experimentation with various musical eras and styles, often combining elements of different genres to create compositions that evoke specific emotions and tell compelling stories. His favorite keyboard instruments include the organ and piano, while he also appreciates woodwind instruments like the bassoon and oboe, as well as the brass instruments horn and trombone. His compositions often feature plain melodies over captivating ostinati, intricate harmonies, and dynamic textures, drawing listeners into immersive musical landscapes.
X.Sanctus writes music for solo instruments, as well as for both chamber and symphonic orchestra. Typical aspects of his style are compound time signatures, such as 6+4/8. His approach towards chromaticism involves pandiatonicism, modal mixture, the use of chromatic mediants and multipolar tonality.
In addition to composing original music, X.Sanctus has arranged music for different ensembles, crafted audio branding for commercials and jingles, and taught classes in Music Theory and Composition Technique.
===Contributions to the VGM Lounge Library and Albums===
X.Sanctus has made contributions to the VGM Lounge Library, a collective effort to curate and distribute Original VGM Music for game developers and content creators. His compositions have been featured in albums published by VGM Lounge. Additionally, X.Sanctus's participated in a collaboration composing the soundtrack for the popular Stardew Valley Mod 'Downtown Zuzu'.
===Collaborations with Ronny Rolls===
X.Sanctus collaborates with Ronny Rolls on various projects, including the podcasts 'Nachtgedanken' and 'Stadtgespraeche'. 
==Selected works==
The following list provides a short overview over some notable works by X.Sanctus. The list is split up into a list of Video Game Music featuring Library Music and works from competitions and challenges, as well as a list featuring other works, such as Fantasias and symphonic pieces.
===Video game music===
# Stardew Valley Downtown Zuzu: Joja HQ - CEO Office
# Coming Home - Peaceful Village Theme
# On the Battlefield
# Early Encounters
# Epic Adventures - Rainbow Squad Theme
# Sormir Forest
# The Surgeon of Time - Val'Kutro's Theme
# The Demon Whisperer - Shamahra Indrit's Theme
# A Pirate's Gigue
# Leon's Theme - Mixolydian Theme & Presto Agitato
# Final Dungeon
# Fanfare
===Other works===
# Canon in C#-Major - Amelia's Lullaby
# Symphonic Tale - A Journey to the Stars
# Prelude and Hymn: Prologue in Heaven
# The Elfking
# Fantasias C-Minor, B-Minor, F#-Major, D-Minor and E-Minor
# Short Fugue
==Recognition and community engagement==
X.Sanctus's compositions have received positive critques from fellow musicians and enthusiasts, with them commending his ability to create vivid musical landscapes and evoke powerful emotions. He is an active member of the Label VGM Lounge, a community dedicated to sharing and discussing Video Game Music. He also contributes to the Composer Collective, which aims to create an Original VGM Music Library for game developers and content creators.
==Personal life==
Outside of his musical endeavors, X.Sanctus is involved in the Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences and is the founder of the Rainbow Squad, an LGBTQIA+ gaming community centered around the MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, where he is known as the player Xy Cijll.
Category:1987 births
Category:German musicians
Category:Composers
Category:German people