Posted 2002-09-17, evaluated by djpretzel


The King's Quest games arguably did more for the adventure genre, at least on the PC platform, than any other series, so it's nice to finally see some coverage from one of the more memorable entries in the venerable epic, courtesy of Mr. Tim Bocek, known better on OCR as Orkybash. He's been a bit busier on the ReMixing front lately, but I especially dig this piece, which feels fuller and livelier than previous works, and includes a purposeful similarity to Howard Shore's 'Concerning Hobbits' from Lord of the Rings. Maybe I'm just a sucker for harpsichords and clarinets, both of which figure strongly in the picture Tim paints here, along with strings, flutes, and French horn. Not entirely sure bout the transition at 2'20", but other than that brief spell, this is an enjoyable, articulate instrumental with excellent sound quality and a very upbeat sort of renaissance feel to it - you can just see the town folk bustling about, merchants peddling their wares, and artisans sculpting and painting in front of large, flowing fountains. Or something like that. Whether or not you have cliched visions of provincial townsfolk or not, I think you'll dig this mix. Not too long, not overly ornate or flowery, it strikes a great harmony and feels very balanced. Recommended.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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timaeus222
on 2015-04-21 23:03:45

In some sense, the baroque feel of this almost reminds me of Lord of the Rings,

. Dat's cool.
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Bahamut
on 2010-01-07 13:20:24

So aside from the outdated samples, this sounds pretty quaint. I don't really have much to comment other than it seems arranged well in bringing out that quaint sound, including the instrumentation and their implementation.

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WesternZypher
on 2008-12-09 19:40:06

Seconded, I'd love to here remixes from old Sierra adventure games!

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Kizyr
on 2008-09-12 12:31:50

This makes me want to here more Kings Quest (and other Sierra games) as the source of remixes. Well, 'cept maybe those old EGA ones with the PC soun--no, wait, those could turn out good in the right hands.

Anyway! I really enjoy this one. I did recognize the Concerning Hobbits bit/reference, and I thought it was a great blend of that plus the KQ5 theme. Very relaxing, and very pleasant-sounding. KF

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DragonAvenger
on 2008-09-11 17:16:17

Definately hear the LOTR referrence. I don't know the source, but this is a cute little melody that fits very well with the alberti bassline.

Sounds are a bit fake for me, but overall it doesn't detract too much from the piece as a whole. Nice work.

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OA
on 2007-03-21 14:27:36

I love the flute/strings/harpsichord used here. I don't remember the soundtrack to king's quest 5, though I can hear the similarities to the LoTR soundtrack, and forsome reason it reminds me of the princess bride soundtrack as well.

My only real complaint is that the french horn range gets impossibly high in one section, and the ending is too abrupt. Otherwise an awesome mix.

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Reliken
on 2005-11-15 23:39:30

What an amazing song, from such an amazing game. And yes, this music does play in Daventry, even though it's not really in the game - it plays as Graham is walking through the forest on his way home, shortly before he stumbles upon the giant gaping pit where Castle Daventry once was. But yes, I love this music just like I love the game, and it was a beautiful rendition. If you could work the sound of the brook/stream in the background, maybe with the birds chirping every so often, too, it'd be even more perfect. But yes, excellent work. I hope you'll do more work from King's Quest V, I loved a lot of that music. And, if you'd like requests or source mp3s from the game, I can hook you up there, too...

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blunai
on 2005-06-20 16:37:40

OCRemix doesn't get a lot of these songs of this nature; I wish it did, though! I really enjoyed the clarinet that came in around 1:30. First time I've ever heard that instrument on OCR. Me likes.... :D

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Zarla
on 2004-04-12 06:50:40

If I recall my utter King's Quest geekery, I think Graham is traipsing through a land called Serenia in number five. ::kadork::

Anyway, I immediately loved this mix to death since I adore all Sierra games. I think it really matches with Daventry well and I love how it also does sound a lot like Concerning Hobbits. It matches them both fantastically.

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Tanamoril
on 2003-11-17 08:25:40

I have yet to hear the mix (just dling it right now) but rack your brains a bit... remember, King's Quest 5 doesn't take place in Daventry! Graham has gone off to find his family, who have been stolen along with his castle and put into a bottle by the evil Mordack. He's searching through parts unknown.

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Ryan8bit
on 2002-09-21 16:05:09

I love King's Quest V, and I love this mix. I think if the game was remade today, this would be the way the town music was made. It wasn't the first piece I expected to be mixed from KQV, but what you did here was fitting.

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EmptyMy
on 2002-09-19 09:04:00

Me likes! I never played any of the KQ games (I'm more of a LucasArts fan), so I don't recognise the music, except for the Hobbit theme. Heh, I laughed when I heard that, and understood the title of the ReMix.

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ella guro
on 2002-09-18 20:10:41

Wow. I think I have that exact same flute soundfont. Anyway, I'm not familiar with the original, but this is just overall a good remix. All of the instruments are good quality, and the arrangment is perfectly orchestral. This is nothing extremely astounding or innovative, but it is very solidly done throughout - the length is perfect, every instrument entrance makes sense and sounds great, and the balance is very good. Good job, Orkybash...

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Ice Chimera
on 2002-09-18 18:27:29

Ah! King's Quest - sir, you are a saint! :D Anyway, I really admire this piece. It's flowy, it's relaxing, and harpsichord! I love harpsichord! The flute, especially on those little ascensions (e.g. :21) is fabulous. Overall this is just a really gorgeous piece which brings back a lot of good memories, and proves an enjoyable listen. Bravo.

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orkybash
on 2002-09-18 17:56:43

King's Quest V 'Concerning Daventry'

First and foremost, this is not only a remix of the Daventry Theme but of Concerning Hobbits from the FotR soundtrack as well (although before anyone gets on my case, I'll say that only the motif of the song was used - nothing here's note-for-note from the soundtrack, or (god forbid!) taken from tha actual recording). The similarity *is* intentional, and in fact was the whole point to this remix! So just remember that I'm not trying to steal Shore's ideas - in fact I requested that he be given credit!

Also, the title (in another nod to the inspiration it came from) was 'Concerning Daventry' in a nod to Howard Shore, and the fact that it's *supposed* to sound like Hobbits.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
King's Quest V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder (Sierra , 1990, DOS)
Music by Ken Allen,Mark Seibert
Songs:
"Opening/Introduction"

Tags (8)


Genre:
Mood:
Happy,Mellow,Peaceful
Instrumentation:
Clarinet,Flute,Orchestral,Strings
Additional:
Time > 4/4 Time Signature

File Information


Name:
King's_Quest_5_Concerning_Daventry_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
4,152,576 bytes
MD5:
56b60d3e9f8f34c53008ee38be1198d9
Bitrate:
160Kbps
Duration:
3:23

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