The music of Good Hope

[Gary D.]

As you listen to files from the Good Hope soundtrack, I hope you
notice certain themes. I did not want to use drums or purcussion in
the majority of the music, because the Elissa, (the ship in the story)
is not a millitary vessel. Therefore, I didn't want the rank and file
millitary type sound from drums that you hear in many sea-farring type
adventure music. The only time I've use the drums is in "Elissa
Departs". Since that music is associated with the ship leaving the
coast of New England for her Trans-Atlantic voyage, I decided to use
drums to signify the passage of time ("tap-tap-tap" as the seconds
pass) and also to denote the regimented precision it takes to get a
square rigger uderway in less than favorable weater conditions.

The battle music will be added soon, and of course there will be drums
in those tunes! You can also hear the large boom of a drum in the
Good Hope Theme, but that is meant more to sound like a cannon blast
and is used to add a thematic element only.

I hope you enjoy these compositions, and I hope I can keep working
them out in a way that impresses Victor DiGiovanni, who has expressed
intrest in directing the film version of the novel. If I don't get a
part in the film, then maybe he will at least let me work on the
music!

Best Regards,

Gary