Yes. Instrumental music can tell a story. For example, in movie soundtracks, the music often sets the mood and tells the story without words. A fast - paced, intense piece of instrumental music might tell a story of a chase or a battle, while a slow, gentle melody could be about love or peace. Composers use different musical elements like rhythm, melody, and harmony to convey emotions and events, which is like telling a story.
The 'Redemption Song' instrumental version is also great. The melody has a sense of hope and resilience which can mirror the different phases in a life story. It has a slow and steady tempo that gives a feeling of contemplation, much like reflecting on one's life.
One characteristic is the use of motifs. For example, in 'Peter and the Wolf' by Prokofiev, each character has a distinct musical motif. The flute represents the bird, and its light and fluttery melody tells the story of the bird's movements and actions. This helps the listener to follow the story easily.