Y Mabinogi – The Third Branch – the Spoken Word is Done!

Y Mabinogi – The Third Branch – the Spoken Word is Done!

They were back on Sunday.

The two crows.

As I walked up the small incline that lead out of the field to the edge of the Adur river, there they were. Once more they landed before me, then took off, played on the wind, landed, walked a little ahead of me.

Oscar completely ignored them – far more interested in the river, or finding a stick.

I’d been to the river many times since they last behaved in that way, but here they were again.

I had written the spoken word sections of the Third Branch of the Mabinogi many months ago but just couldn’t find a quiet enough couple of hours to record them. The spoken word sections of the Second Branch had been recorded whilst the white cloak of the Beast from the East lay outside. Snow covered the roads, and very little traffic passed by our house that day. It was perfect. I had tried a number of times to record the Third Branch but then the sand-blasting of the power station chimney started, or a moped or a petrol-head with their huge exhaust went by, or a slow train, or a light aircraft from Shoreham airport. They were the worst. I could hear them miles away, very slowly getting closer, the passing by achingly slow, until the sound lessened and I could start again, only for another to come along moments later.

It just didn’t work.

But there they were.

The two crows.

Looking up at me saying, “Come on! Get on with it! Finish our tale!”

So at about 9.00 pm on Sunday night, I headed into the studio to try again. It was much quieter, most of the cars had stopped, the light aircraft had been grounded, just a few trains. I read the tale and recorded it. But just as before, the first time I read it through the pace of my words were just that little bit too fast. So I started again and slowed right down. I finished at about 11.15 pm and didn’t listen to it back straight away.

Yesterday afternoon I did the editing and I have to say I’m so pleased with the result! The pacing was right and, although I had written the words, hearing it through as you will when you get it brought the tale so much more to life for me. I can hear where the incidental music and the songs will go.

The project has now truly begun.

It’s taken some time. By this time last year I was just about to invite some friends over for a ‘beta test’ night, with them listening to the nearly-completed album. I’m nowhere near that moment yet, but it’s so good to feel the cogs working again. I have a tune for the first song, and I think the melody of that song might influence the theme and opening orchestral movement too, but we shall see how that goes.

My friends, Y Mabinogi – The Third Branch, is under way!

16 responses to “Y Mabinogi – The Third Branch – the Spoken Word is Done!”

  1. Great news!
    I was talking about you yesterday, as we were singing songs at the Midlands extinction rebellion blockade, Horse Guards. I was saying we should be singing ‘robin hood’!
    I’m back there for a few days from Friday, I’ll have to try and memorise the words

  2. It sounds strange but it’s like I could feel your excitement
    I love how you manage the pace of your speech so even I can understand it without much effort and so I’m able to follow the fantastic story.
    Thank you.
    Blessings and love
    Petra

  3. Really looking forward to this next chapter wonderful tales and stories, listening to your songs and old tales takes me to another level of consciousness and I’m absolutely addicted and go to another plane of existence, thank you blessed be.

  4. and so the excitement begins to build once again………

    along with the waiting..:)

    so looking forward to the next installment, thank you for your investment of time into this project and Blessed Be

  5. Really looking forward to the next “episode” I love the way you interpret the tales. Thank you.

  6. I can not wait! So looking forward to turning the lights low, headphones on, and escaping to another time!

  7. I look forward to it! I love to hear the tales and the music, you are a natural for it Dave. I remember when I told you at the workshop you did and told us the story of Bran at Michigan Pagan Fest that you should do all these pagan tales you are perfect for it. You are the chosen one for it Dave and Cerri’s art, you are both the chosen ones. Blessed Be.

  8. Fab news Dave,can’t wait, are you taking orders/payments yet? Stay safe in this wild weather we’re having,bright blessings to yourself and yours.

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