New Ambience: Feast of Crispian

Greetings Patrons,

This track started with a jaunty rhythmic melody shared between a mountain dulcimer and a harp. It was giving me tavern music vibes from the start. However, as I added various sections and instruments, it seemed somehow more 'important' than a simple tavern band bashing out the hits. Was it a wedding feast? I went down that path for a bit but there was something not quite about it.

Then I remembered the famous speech from Henry V, where Henry addresses his soldiers about the impending Battle of Agincourt. The English army is outnumbered and the soldiers are frightened. Henry assures them, saying he is personally happy that there aren't more English soldiers because there will be more glory to go around! He then announces a feast for St. Crispin's Day which would become a yearly event:

"This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say ‘To-morrow is Saint Crispian:’
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say ‘These wounds I had on Crispin’s day."

-From Henry V, Act IV, Scene III

And so,  here is a scene is a tavern, or a great hall, featuring soldiers and families making merry on the eve of battle. Of course, you can ignore all of the above and treat it like a tavern track if you like!

Musically this is held down by the staples of of tavern music. Strings, flutes, and drums. It's a larger ensemble than you might normally find, but I felt that added the necessary weight.

The ambience is that of a tavern/hall and is mainly vocal walla and other vocalizations befitting a celebration. I

This is in Patreon sneak-peek mode until next week, so I've included the mixed track, plus ambience-only, and music-only versions here. (I removed the rhythmic claps from the ambience version as they made no sense without music.). Additionally, I created an 'empty hall' version which leaves a quieter ambience with fire and occasional activity (doors, footsteps etc). 

Finally, I made a looped version of the flute jig that might be nice to add to various things. As always, I create loops in .ogg format as it does the seamless loop thing better, but I've included an .mp3 version as well in case it's needed.  I hope you find these useful additions.

Thank you all, as always, for your continuing support. 

Best,

Tim

https://tabletopaudio.com