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The Royal Archives => Gaming Archives => Topic started by: Sir Perceval of Daventry on July 01, 2011, 10:36:52 PM

Title: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Sir Perceval of Daventry on July 01, 2011, 10:36:52 PM
I'm not talking about the "Girl in the Tower" song from KQ6, but the theme when you first meet Cassima in KQ5. I'm listening to a digital version of it and it's so desperate, but in a really beautiful way, with a hint of hope--Sort of like Cassima's situation in Mordack's castle. There's just something so simply beautiful about it (like many of KQ5's songs) that the overblown love theme of KQ6 doesn't capture, or tries too hard to. I've never been a fan of the KQ6 version of the song, either instrumental and ESPECIALLY not the vocal song.

The simple melody in KQ6 with guitar and light strings just really is truly heartfelt...If it's not the best Sierra song, it's definitely up there.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Fierce Deity on July 02, 2011, 12:54:21 AM
Eh, I'd have to hear it again. It's been awhile.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Haids1987 on July 02, 2011, 09:06:43 AM
Cassima's Theme is by far my most favorite piece of music in ANY video game, let alone a Sierra game. :) I remember when I was little and would play KQV, I'd make Graham stand in the kitchen for long periods of time simply so I could listen to it.  I was so stoked when I realized it was at the very beginning of KQVI too!  Nice transition between games, Sierra. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Fierce Deity on July 02, 2011, 01:45:07 PM
I had to look it up, and it took me awhile, because apparently the song doesn't bear a universal name (at least not one that the people on Youtube would know). But after looking through a video walkthrough, I got to the part in KQ5 that you are talking about. I have to agree, that the song is very beautiful. The use of arpeggios and half-steps almost creates the "medieval fantasy" image all by itself.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Lambonius on July 02, 2011, 03:09:24 PM
I still hold that the original Hero's Quest has the best music of any Sierra game ever, but KQ5 (all of it, including Cassima's theme) is a close, close second for me.  Combine that with the best 256 color hand-painted graphics of any Sierra game ever, and you've got a real winner.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: kindofdoon on July 02, 2011, 08:14:01 PM
You're referring to this (http://www.markseibert.com/Sierra%20-%20Cassima's%20Theme.mp3), right?

It's pretty good.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Haids1987 on July 02, 2011, 10:35:40 PM
Oooooh, Doon, I've never heard the acoustic version before!  That's beautiful!

But yes, that's the song. :) I was thinking the version on this page, (http://queststudios.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=118:kings-quest-5-sound-mt32&catid=72:kings-quest-5&Itemid=87) but the one you pulled up is amazing also.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Fierce Deity on July 03, 2011, 03:16:27 AM
Quote from: kindofdoon on July 02, 2011, 08:14:01 PM
You're referring to this (http://www.markseibert.com/Sierra%20-%20Cassima's%20Theme.mp3), right?

It's pretty good.

I've heard different renditions, and although this one is good, I prefer the "16-bit" sound quality from the game.  :-\

I guess it gives the song some extra charm.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on July 03, 2011, 03:32:09 PM
The Adlib track is great, but the game was written for the MT-32 which is anything but mere "16-bit." That version was played on guitar by Mark Seibert himself on the release of the Sierra Soundtrack CD.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Cez on July 03, 2011, 04:03:42 PM
yeah, definitely one of the best Sierra's themes. I used this as part of the soundtrack for a play I wrote in highschool.

Other great melancholy themes from Sierra are...
The Weeping Willow from KQ5
Beatrice's theme from SQV
Marianne's theme from Conquest of the LongBow
The Bayou theme from Gabriel Knight

There are a bunch more, but those what I can remember now off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Cassima's Theme: Most beautiful Sierra theme ever?
Post by: Fierce Deity on July 03, 2011, 06:21:15 PM
Quote from: MusicallyInspired on July 03, 2011, 03:32:09 PM
The Adlib track is great, but the game was written for the MT-32 which is anything but mere "16-bit." That version was played on guitar by Mark Seibert himself on the release of the Sierra Soundtrack CD.

Hence, why I put it into quotes myself. Only so many ways to describe how the game's music was recorded, but in-depth just didn't seem apropos for me.