Looking to play 'What Could Have Been' from Arcane on the violin? This emotional composition by Alex Seaver of Mako, featured in Riot Games' critically acclaimed series, has captivated fans worldwide. Whether you're a studio musician, violinist, or student, this guide covers everything you need to know about available violin sheet music, arrangement formats, technical tips, and where to find and learn the piece. Get ready to bring its haunting melodies to life with sheet music tailored for both solo performance and professional production.


Introduction to the Sheet Music

Sheet music serves as the written form of a musical composition, allowing musicians to interpret and perform a piece accurately. In the case of "What Could Have Been," the emotionally charged closing song from the Netflix animated series Arcane: League of Legends, sheet music plays a crucial role in enabling fans and musicians alike to bring this powerful soundtrack to life.

Composed by Alex Seaver of Mako, the song captures the essence of the show’s dramatic narrative, and its sheet music reflects this intensity with expressive markings, dynamic contrasts, and intricate harmonies. Whether performed on piano, violin, or other orchestral instruments, the sheet music for "What Could Have Been" offers a window into the composer's creative intentions and the show's emotional depth.

Types of Sheet Music Available

Currently, there are several arrangements of "What Could Have Been" available for various skill levels and instruments. Most commonly, musicians can find versions for:

  • Solo Piano: Arranged to retain the melodic and harmonic essence of the original track, suitable for intermediate to advanced pianists.
  • Violin with Piano Accompaniment: A popular choice among string musicians, often used in studio or recital settings to showcase the lyrical quality of the violin.
  • Voice and Piano: Includes lyrics and vocal melody, ideal for singers who want to perform the song authentically.

These arrangements are available through online platforms such as Musicnotes, Musescore, and Sheet Music Plus, with options to purchase digital downloads or printable PDFs.

Accessibility and Format

Most of the available sheet music for "What Could Have Been" is offered in digital format, making it accessible worldwide. Musicians can instantly download the music and begin practicing without waiting for physical delivery. Some platforms also offer interactive sheet music, which includes playback features, adjustable tempo, and transposition options — particularly useful for learners and educators.

In addition to standard notation, many arrangements come with chord symbols, fingerings, and performance notes, making them suitable for both classical and contemporary musicians. For violinists, bowings and articulations are often included to guide expressive performance.

Studio and Performance Use

The violin arrangement of "What Could Have Been" is especially notable in studio settings. Given the song’s cinematic quality, it lends itself well to recorded performances and reinterpretations. Studio musicians often use such sheet music to record covers, contribute to fan projects, or work on synchronized performances with other instrumentalists.

These studio-ready arrangements typically feature detailed notations, including tempo markings, expressive dynamics, and cues for emotional phrasing. This level of detail ensures that the emotive power of the original production can be faithfully recreated or even reimagined in a different musical context.

References

  • Seaver, Alex. "What Could Have Been." Arcane: League of Legends Original Soundtrack. Riot Games, 2021.
  • Musicnotes.com. “What Could Have Been – Sheet Music Downloads.” https://www.musicnotes.com
  • Musescore.com. “What Could Have Been – Fan Arrangements and Transcriptions.” https://musescore.com
  • Sheet Music Plus. “What Could Have Been by Alex Seaver – Sheet Music.” https://www.sheetmusicplus.com
  • Riot Games. Arcane Official Soundtrack, Netflix, 2021.

    Sheet Music Formats and Sources

When exploring the sheet music for "What Could Have Been" from Arcane: League of Legends, musicians have access to several formats and sources tailored to different skill levels and instruments. This diversity allows fans of the series and music enthusiasts alike to engage with the composition in a personalized and accessible way.

Available Sheet Music Formats

Sheet music for “What Could Have Been” is available in multiple formats to accommodate various musical setups and preferences:

  • Piano Solo Arrangements: These are among the most common formats available. They range from beginner-friendly simplified versions to advanced transcriptions that closely mirror the original studio performance.
  • Violin and Piano Duets: Some arrangements cater specifically to violinists, often paired with a piano accompaniment. These are ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking to capture the piece’s emotive string melodies.
  • Lead Sheets: For those interested in vocal performance or improvisation, lead sheets provide the melody line, lyrics, and chord symbols. This format is useful for singers and instrumentalists who prefer to build their own interpretation.
  • Ensemble Arrangements: Although less common, some music publishers offer arrangements for string quartets or small ensembles, allowing for collaborative performance in group settings.

Digital vs. Physical Formats

Most of the sheet music for this piece can be obtained in both digital and physical forms:

  • Digital PDFs: Easily accessible from online sheet music retailers such as Musicnotes, Sheet Music Plus, and Jellynote. These versions often include interactive features like audio playback, adjustable key, and annotation tools.
  • Printed Scores: For those who prefer traditional practice methods, physical books or individual printed sheets are also available, though they may have longer delivery times and limited international availability.

Where to Find Sheet Music

Several trusted platforms and sources carry sheet music for “What Could Have Been.” These include:

  • Musicnotes.com – Offers high-quality, officially licensed arrangements in various formats. Their digital platform allows transposition and interactive playback.
  • Sheet Music Plus – A vast online catalog with versions for different instruments and skill levels. They also include customer reviews to help guide selection.
  • Jellynote – Specializes in community-driven sheet music, where users can upload and download arrangements, often with video tutorials.
  • Musescore – A user-generated platform where musicians share their own transcriptions. While not always officially licensed, it offers a wide range of interpretations, including violin parts and ensemble versions.
  • Official Riot Games Releases – Occasionally, Riot Games, the creators of Arcane, release official sheet music and transcriptions through their music or fan content channels. These versions are typically faithful to the original studio production.

Considerations When Selecting Sheet Music

Choosing the right sheet music depends on several factors:

  • Skill Level: Beginners should look for arrangements labeled “easy” or “simplified,” while more advanced musicians may seek out transcriptions marked “intermediate” or “professional.”
  • Instrument: Ensure the arrangement is written for your primary instrument, whether piano, violin, voice, or another.
  • Authenticity: Officially licensed versions tend to reflect the original song more accurately and support the original artists.

For violinists, in particular, several arrangements incorporate the haunting string lines heard in the original studio version of the song, making it a compelling choice for solo performance or duet with piano. Though not always available as part of standard releases, these violin-specific scores can often be found through community platforms like Musescore or by contacting independent arrangers.

Technical Aspects for Violin Players

Sheet Music Interpretation

Violinists approaching “What Could Have Been” from Arcane: League of Legends should be aware that the original composition is primarily vocal and piano-driven. However, through transcription and arrangement, violinists can evoke the emotional depth of the piece. The available studio sheet music often includes simplified melodic lines that match the vocal themes, which are ideal for violin adaptation. Players may need to adjust bowings, fingerings, and phrasing to suit the instrument’s expressive range.

Violin adaptations typically follow the vocal line, which means that mastery of lyrical phrasing and vibrato is crucial. The violinist must mimic the human voice in dynamics and tonal shading to bring out the dramatic and melancholic character of the piece.

Key Signature and Tonal Challenges

“What Could Have Been” is usually arranged in D minor or a related key, depending on the transcriber. This key presents moderate technical demands, especially in shifting positions and intonation accuracy. For intermediate players, careful attention should be paid to:

  • Intonation in higher positions, especially when the melody ascends.
  • Smooth position shifts to maintain the legato feel.
  • Consistent vibrato application for emotional intensity.

Advanced players may explore more expressive liberties, such as sliding shifts or portamento, which mirror the vocal performance.

Bowing and Articulation

The piece is largely legato and expressive, requiring refined bow control. Long, sustained strokes should be executed with consistent speed and pressure to avoid uneven tone. Key bowing techniques include:

  • Detaché for clean melodic statements.
  • Smooth legato with minimal string crossing.
  • Controlled dynamics, from pianissimo introspective lines to more forceful climactic phrases.

To portray the mood accurately, violinists should also consider subtle dynamic swells (crescendos and decrescendos) within phrases, not just at the start or finish of a line.

Tempo and Rhythmic Interpretation

The tempo of “What Could Have Been” is moderate, allowing violinists to focus on expressive timing and rubato. While the rhythm is generally straightforward, some syncopated or sustained passages require thoughtful timing to maintain tension and emotional pacing. Players are encouraged to listen to multiple performances (including the original vocal version by Sting and Alex Seaver) to internalize the rhythmic nuance.

Arrangement Considerations

Since official violin-specific sheet music is limited, violinists often rely on piano transcriptions or vocal scores. These must be adapted manually:

  • Melody lines should be isolated and transposed for violin range.
  • Piano harmonies can sometimes be interpreted as double stops or drones for advanced players.
  • Collaborative performance with a pianist may require rehearsal to synchronize tempo changes and interpretative choices.

Expressive Techniques

To capture the essence of the piece, violinists should employ a range of expressive techniques:

  • Vibrato variation: Wider and slower for dramatic moments, faster and narrower for tension.
  • Dynamic contrast: Sudden shifts between soft and loud passages to reflect the lyrical content.
  • Phrasing: Each phrase should be treated like a vocal line, with breaths and pauses built into the musical flow.

Use of Technology and Practice Tools

Violinists can benefit from technology to enhance practice:

  • Slowing down recordings to understand phrasing details.
  • Using tuner apps to refine intonation.
  • Backing tracks or piano accompaniments for ensemble practice.

Additionally, platforms like MuseScore and Jellynote may offer user-submitted violin arrangements of “What Could Have Been,” which can be useful starting points for customization. However, these should be reviewed critically for accuracy and musicality.

Performance Considerations

When performing this piece, whether in a recital or informal setting, violinists should aim to convey the emotional narrative of the original song. Considerations include:

  • Stage presence that matches the introspective tone.
  • Communicating the story through body language and phrasing.
  • Planning expressive peaks in alignment with the song's lyrical climax.

Given the piece’s popularity and emotional impact, it is often a compelling choice for audiences familiar with Arcane or cinematic music in general.

Learning Resources

Learning to play “What Could Have Been” from Arcane: League of Legends can be an enriching experience for musicians of all skill levels, especially violinists and pianists interested in cinematic or game-inspired music. Various resources are available to support learners in mastering this evocative piece.

Sheet Music for Violin

While piano arrangements are more commonly found, violin sheet music for “What Could Have Been” is also accessible through several platforms. These arrangements typically cater to intermediate to advanced players, given the piece's expressive phrasing and dynamic range. Some versions are transcribed directly from the original score used in the Arcane series, aiming for fidelity to the emotional tone and orchestration.

Websites like Musescore and Sheet Music Plus offer user-generated and professionally arranged violin sheet music. Some scores are available for solo violin, while others are arranged as part of a string ensemble or duet with piano accompaniment.

Piano Tutorials and Learning Platforms

For those learning the piece on piano, there are a wealth of tutorial videos available on platforms such as YouTube. Channels like "Rousseau" and "TutorialsByHugo" often provide visual representations of piano keys alongside the sheet music, making it easier for visual learners to follow along. These tutorials typically range from basic to advanced difficulty, accommodating a wide spectrum of learners.

Interactive platforms like Flowkey and Simply Piano may also offer versions of the song or similar cinematic music, allowing users to learn at their own pace with real-time feedback.

Music Transcription Services

For musicians seeking a customized version of the piece—for example, a simplified violin arrangement or a duet adaptation—music transcription services such as MusicNotes’ custom transcription or Fiverr’s freelance transcribers can create bespoke sheet music. These services can be particularly useful for adapting the song to different skill levels or ensemble configurations.

Community Forums and Peer Support

Online communities such as Reddit’s r/violinist and r/piano, as well as music forums on Discord, can be valuable resources for discussing practice techniques, sharing sheet music, and receiving feedback. Users often post their own arrangements or modifications of the piece, which can provide fresh interpretations or more accessible renditions for beginners.

Educational Institutions and Private Instruction

Many music schools and private instructors have incorporated modern media compositions like “What Could Have Been” into their teaching repertoire. Learning the song under the guidance of a teacher can provide personalized feedback on technique, tone, and emotional expression—elements that are crucial for performing this piece effectively.

In summary, a wide array of learning resources are available for those interested in mastering “What Could Have Been” on violin, piano, or other instruments. From downloadable sheet music and video tutorials to personalized instruction and community feedback, learners can choose the resources that best match their goals and skill levels.

Performance Guidelines

Understanding how to approach the performance of "What Could Have Been" from Arcane: League of Legends is crucial for musicians aiming to capture its emotional depth and cinematic resonance. Whether playing the piece on violin, piano, or within a small ensemble, attention to expressive detail, phrasing, and dynamics will significantly enhance the overall interpretation.

Interpreting the Emotional Tone

"What Could Have Been" is a deeply emotional composition that embodies themes of regret, longing, and unresolved conflict. Performers should aim to convey these feelings through thoughtful articulation and dynamic control. The piece transitions between introspective verses and powerful climaxes, requiring a nuanced approach to expression.

  • Violinists should use a warm, sustained tone during the more lyrical sections and implement gentle vibrato to enhance emotional impact.
  • Pianists should focus on the voicing of the melody, ensuring it rises above the accompaniment with clarity and sensitivity.

Tempo and Rubato

While the tempo marking is typically moderate, performers are encouraged to apply rubato sparingly to highlight key emotional moments. This flexibility in timing adds a human quality to the performance, aligning with the song’s cinematic style.

  • Avoid mechanical playing; instead, allow phrasing to breathe naturally.
  • Slight tempo variations can underscore transitions between thematic sections, particularly when moving from verse to chorus.

Dynamics and Articulation

The dynamic range in "What Could Have Been" spans from soft, introspective passages to swelling, dramatic peaks. Mastery of this range is crucial for conveying the song’s narrative arc.

  • Begin softly to establish an intimate atmosphere, gradually building as the piece progresses.
  • Use crescendos and decrescendos to mirror the emotional intensity of the lyrics and instrumentation found in the original recording.

Ensemble Considerations

When performing in an ensemble or duet setting (such as violin and piano), balance is key. Each instrument should support the emotional story of the piece without overpowering the other.

  • The accompanist should remain attentive to the soloist’s phrasing and adjust accordingly.
  • Coordinate dynamics and tempo changes during rehearsals to ensure a cohesive performance.

Ornamentation and Personal Interpretation

While the original sheet music adheres to a relatively straightforward structure, advanced players may choose to add subtle ornamentation or interpretive flourishes that align with the piece’s mood.

  • Violinists might consider tasteful portamento between notes for dramatic effect.
  • Pianists could slightly revoice chords or add light pedaling variations to enhance resonance.

Performance Practice Tips

  • Listen to the original track multiple times to internalize its mood and pacing.
  • Record your practice sessions to evaluate emotional delivery and technical execution.
  • Focus on transitions – these moments often carry the most emotional weight in cinematic compositions.

By incorporating these performance guidelines, musicians can deliver a rendition of "What Could Have Been" that resonates with audiences and honors its rich emotional landscape within the Arcane universe.

The emotionally stirring score of 'What Could Have Been' is a perfect choice for violinists who want to blend classical technique with modern cinematic flair. Whether you're searching for studio-grade sheet music, beginner arrangements, or fan-made scores, the resources and tips in this guide will help you practice, perform, and truly connect with this memorable Arcane track. Explore the available sheet music options and start crafting your expressive interpretation today.