Dracula Overture

• Title: Dracula Overture
• Composer: Conrad Askland
• Male Vocals: Conrad Askland
• Released: 2007
• Copyright: © 2007 Conrad Askland
• Style: Classical, gothic, orchestration

Play Audio or Download MP3:
Dracula Overture – Sample

Play Audio or Download MP3:
Dracula Overture – Full Version

LYRICS – DRACULA OVERTURE

Drako de so le kriva
Iste reava Christo
Seya measto akra prietua

Lokra priaso lape teah
Se pregulate via
Creato fia Drako selah

***********

Scary! The language is my own making, a sort of bastard latin with words and syllables chosen for their sound and feel.

In early 2007 I was asked to do sound effects for a production of “Dracula” at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon, WA. The composer for the project didn’t finish the music in time so I composed this Dracula Overture 3 days before opening so they would have something to set the mood.

The backstage techs would sing along after several performances and they had a name for this song. What was that name…mmm….the Lochrian Chant? Something like that.

I still remember how excited I was the first time they played it before the show. Because this piece is so very dark. Even though the show was Dracula, I knew people weren’t expecting something so very dark. At a couple of the shows I saw parents take their little children out of the theater even before the show started because the children were scared and crying. I actually enjoyed that because my goal was to have a piece that would truly frighten people.

Ironically, the female vocals were done by members of a “High School Musical” cast because I was in also in rehearsals for that show at the time and had to record very quickly to get this piece ready for Dracula. So we recorded after an HSM rehearsal and I went home and mixed it.

This piece has been circulated somewhat around the internet – I even saw a website that offered part of it as a ringtone.

I have the “sample” available above because I actually prefer the shorter version. Apologies for the theft prevention overdubs. You can download the full version below that one.

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