Freesound Forums

Hello all! I am directing HAMLET and I need the sound effect of a one or two drums, a slow, sad sort. Something that soldiers could march to. It is near the very end of the play where Hamlet has died and the drums signify the approach of an invading prince, Fortinbras, and his army. I'd like one or two drums, slow and deep--the sound of impending doom.

Dost thou thinkest thou canst help me?

from your descriptions the kind of drums you want are 'Timpani'. Searching brings up loads but theres a couple that are particularly good.

spt3125 has uploaded some cracking samples:

'timp71_F_p4.flac' [http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=24834]

and

'timp71_G_p5.flac' [http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=24840]

take about the 4th hit on each, space them apart in a program such as 'Audacity' and hey presto! you then repeat and you've got your sound. I think this is what you are after!

If you need a hand piecing them together, let me know

A snare drum is also closely associated with marching. And you can't make the tempo too slow, otherwise no living being can walk to it. So I think you need an massive intimidating sound. If you carefully mix it so that it sounds distant the effect is stronger. Like the sound of the boots of 10000 soldiers on the horizon.

If you really want to be accurate I'd recommend a Shepard's drum which is nothing more than a drum with a raw, unfinished sheepskin stretched over it as its membrane. Not only would it be time-associated, but would also give you the somber effect. As far as a .wav file I'm not sure where to find something like that. Groveonline might have it?

Not exactly what you are looking for but it may be of use for anyone looking for a military / marching (snare) drum.

http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=34135
http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=34134
http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=34133

Thanks, everyone. I worked with a snare and the timpani and mixed this up: http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=34131

Works for me. Again, thanks for the responses!