Instrumental Chill Background Music: Around The Palace

 

This is Conscious Civilization 

- instrumental music since 2001

Follow this link "Around The Palace"

Just sit back and listen. 

This music is not like other music.

This music should be different. 

The world needs difference. 

The palace of Haile Selassie I stood as both a seat of power and a symbol of continuity in the heart of Addis Ababa, a city that itself seemed to breathe history through its highland air. Known most prominently as the Jubilee Palace, the residence was not merely an architectural structure, but a living environment shaped by Ethiopia’s ancient traditions, imperial dignity, and the shifting tides of the 20th century.

Approaching the palace grounds, one would first notice the gradual quieting of the surrounding city. The bustle of Addis Ababa—its markets filled with spices, coffee beans, and textiles—faded into a more restrained and orderly atmosphere. Tall eucalyptus trees, introduced to Ethiopia in the late 19th century, lined the roads leading toward the palace. Their slender trunks and whispering leaves created a soft canopy, filtering the bright African sunlight into shifting patterns on the ground. The air here felt cooler, touched by the city’s elevation, and carried faint scents of earth, greenery, and distant incense.

The palace itself rose with understated authority. It was not excessively ornate in the way of some European royal residences, yet it carried a distinct grandeur rooted in proportion, symmetry, and purpose. Its pale façade reflected the sunlight during the day, giving it a warm glow that contrasted with the deep blue Ethiopian sky. Wide steps led up to the main entrance, where guards once stood in ceremonial attire, their presence reinforcing the sense of order and sovereignty.

Surrounding the palace were expansive gardens, carefully maintained yet never overly rigid. These grounds reflected a blend of cultivated elegance and natural Ethiopian beauty. Flowering plants—some native, others introduced—added bursts of color across the green lawns. Bougainvillea climbed along walls and trellises, their vibrant pinks and purples standing out against the more subdued tones of the buildings. Pathways curved gently through the gardens, encouraging slow, deliberate movement rather than hurried passage.

Birdsong was a constant companion in these surroundings. Ethiopia’s highlands are home to a wide variety of bird species, and within the palace grounds they seemed to find a quiet refuge. Their calls echoed softly in the mornings and evenings, blending with the rustling of leaves and the distant sounds of the city. Occasionally, the silence would be broken by the rhythmic footsteps of palace staff or the quiet murmur of conversation among officials moving between buildings.

Water features added another layer to the environment. Small fountains and reflective pools were placed strategically throughout the grounds, their surfaces catching the light and mirroring the sky. The gentle sound of flowing water created a calming atmosphere, offering a sense of balance and tranquility amid the responsibilities of governance. These elements were not merely decorative; they contributed to a deliberate sensory experience, one that emphasized calm reflection and measured thought.

Beyond the immediate palace complex, the surrounding landscape of Addis Ababa played an important role in shaping the environment. The city sits at a high altitude, over 2,300 meters above sea level, which gives the air a crispness that is both refreshing and invigorating. In the distance, the Entoto Mountains rise gently, their slopes covered with forests and open land. These mountains were historically significant, having served as an earlier seat of power before Addis Ababa was established as the capital. From certain vantage points within the palace grounds, one could glimpse these hills, a reminder of Ethiopia’s deep historical roots.

Inside the palace, the atmosphere shifted from natural openness to structured elegance. Large windows allowed light to pour into the rooms, maintaining a connection with the outside environment. Interiors were decorated with a blend of Ethiopian and European influences—rich fabrics, polished wood, and carefully chosen artworks. Yet even within these walls, the sense of the surrounding landscape remained present. Curtains would move slightly with the breeze, and the filtered light would change throughout the day, reflecting the passage of time.

The palace environment was also shaped by ceremony and rhythm. Official receptions, diplomatic meetings, and religious observances brought periods of heightened activity. During such times, the grounds would come alive with movement—vehicles arriving, dignitaries walking through the gardens, and guards standing in formal alignment. Yet even in these moments, there was a controlled calmness, a sense that every action was part of a larger, carefully maintained order.

Religion played a subtle but significant role in the atmosphere. As a devout member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Haile Selassie I maintained a strong spiritual presence within his life and surroundings. The faint scent of incense, the occasional sound of distant chanting, and the presence of religious icons within the palace all contributed to an environment where governance and faith were closely intertwined.

As evening approached, the palace and its surroundings took on a different character. The intense sunlight softened into warm hues of gold and orange, casting long shadows across the gardens. The temperature dropped slightly, and the air became even more still. Lights within the palace began to glow, creating a contrast between the illuminated interiors and the darkening sky. The sounds of the city, though still distant, became more noticeable again, reminding those within the palace that they were part of a larger, living capital.

In this way, the palace of Haile Selassie I existed not as an isolated monument, but as a carefully balanced environment. It was a place where nature, architecture, tradition, and authority came together to create a setting that was both peaceful and powerful. Every tree, pathway, and stone contributed to an atmosphere that reflected the identity of a nation—rooted in history, attentive to its surroundings, and quietly aware of its place in the wider world.

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#instrumental #background #music #chill 

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