Nobuo Uematsu Shiro Sagisu Tsuneyoshi Saito - Final Fantasy VI Grande Finale (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Incredible arrangement

Zachary Gochenour | Baltimore, MD USA | 05/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like many fans of game music, the Final Fantasy VI soundtrack originally got me interested in the genre. As a fan of classical music, I have always eagerly awaited official symphonic arrangements of my favorite game tunes, and Grande Finale is probably the best of said arrangements.The music of FFVI is always emotional: sometimes brooding, sometimes hopeful, sometimes exciting. This arrangement showcases Uematsu's versatility as a composer and his cognizance of classical instruments. There are no synthesizers on this CD: only real performances with real instruments. The arrangement of the Aria is the best that has ever been done, and this CD is worth having just for that track. No track disappoints, and all should bring the nostalgic gamer back to the fun days of Super Nintendo gaming.Not all video game lovers will appreciate this; even true Final Fantasy fans may be turned off by the soft style and lack of exciting battle themes. However, the music is well arranged, well performed, and breaks down the lines between game music and neoclassical composition. People who do not like the synthesized game sounds may appreciate Grande Finale for its imagination and simple charm. While this CD is not a must-buy for everyone, I recommend it to anyone who loved FFVI and anyone who appreciates good symphonic music."

Hanuting

Ariketh | Maryland | 06/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a youngster when the original game came out, the music playing in the background of the game influenced me to an impressive degree. Since this was one of the first games I really played through several times, it was really ingrained into my psyche. At times I would even play through the game just to hear the music. When I heard there was a CD of it done by a full orchestra, needless to say, I was excited. The renditions are very well done, and feature some exotic instrumentation (bagpipes for Relm... rather unusual, but very effective). I was particularly captured by the Aria (the opera house song/Celes's theme). I've played it for people who had never even heard of the game, and they's remarked at how beautiful it is. For those who have an emotional attachment to the game, it's an intense experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone, but particularly those who have played the game and loved it."

One of the best classical music CD

S. Rujirabanjerd | Thailand | 08/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have the original soundtrack for FF6 But I still love this CD. Well, since it's not OST so don't expect to hear the original music you heard while playing game. All pieces are played by symphony orchestra and, as a classical music lover myself, I enjoy this CD as much as Vivaldi's Four Season!! Every song was well rearranged and perfectly presented in symphonic style...Warning!! if you're only gamers and don't think any classical music is worth listening, don't buy this CD.. But if you're classical music lovers as well, buy it..!! Whether or not you've ever played the game, the beauty of the music will make you not to regret every penny you spend..!!"

CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU BUY IT

tangozulu | Grenoble,FR | 02/13/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Being a great fan of ff6,I was impatient to listen to this record.At first I thought it was impressive with the orchestra.But then the more I listened to it the more I felt a bit disapointed.I think that some songs dont grasp the original feeling of the game and that some of them dont even respect the original tunes.But you mustnt get me wrong,it still stays a wonderful record,even though it is not totally faithful to the game. Anyway the best advice I can give is to LISTEN TO SOME SONGS BEFORE BUYING IT,to avoid any disapointment."

A Little Different, But Amazing Nevertheless...

Ariketh | 04/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reading the other reviews, I can understand some of their complaints. Yes, some of the selections are not the most exciting from the OSV, and some of the songs have undergone "surgery", so to speak. However, if one can just dig a little deeper into the music, they will discover how truly amazing this CD is. Nobuo Uematsu's simple yet fantastic melodies are blended with a mature orchestra sound to achieve a high level of greatness.Track Listing:Opening Theme: This is beyond words. Very similar to the OSV version, only now the song has that rich texture that only a live orchestra can provide.Cefca: Good. I do agree that some of the darker tone the OSV version had has been removed, but this arrangement is still enjoyable.The Mystic Forest: Hauntingly beautiful with a very surreal, mysterious tone.Gau: Excellently orchestrated, nice use of cello.Milan de Chocobo: Personally being a fan of the fast-paced, jovial qualities of the Chocobo themes from the games, I was initially put off by this track, but as I have heard it more and more I have come to appreciate the tonal qualities; very modern.Troops March On: Very rousing piece; you can see the soldiers marching in formation. Really the only rousing peace on the whole album, in terms of style.Kids Run Through The City Corner: I agree that the introduction to this track is a little bland and long, but once the piece enters the original theme, all is forgiven. Excellent use of strings.Blackjack: Very pastoral. While listening you can see the hills and mountains moving by as though you were on the Blackjack itself. Doesn't quite have the pulse of the OSV version though.Relm: Very well done. This is one of the better pieces on the album. The bagpipes are obtrusive but the rest of the arrangement more than makes up for it. If you liked it on the OSV then you'll like it here.Mistery Train: This piece received the most "surgery" of any of these on the disc. Whereas the OSV version suggested the use of a full orchestra with brass, this version is merely a piano and violin. It is still very enjoyable and the arrangement gives it even more of a "blues" feel.Aria Di Mezzo Carattere: What can I say? This track is wonderful as well. While not my favorite--I'm not an opera fan, so sue me--I still find this enjoyable. The melody of Celes's Theme is amazing no matter how it is performed. And unlike the simple notes of the OSV version, this arranged adaptation of the aria has lyrics in Italian.All in all, this is an excellent CD. None of the tracks are bad if you have a sophisticated enough taste in music. If you like any of Final Fantasy VI's music--or any of Nobuo Uematsu's, for that matter--no matter what form, you will probably like this album."

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	Nobuo Uematsu, Shiro Sagisu, Tsuneyoshi Saito Final Fantasy VI: Grande Finale Genre: Soundtracks Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 Opening Theme (Tina) Cefca The Mystic Forest Gau Milan De Chocobo Troops March On Kids Run Through The City Corner Blackjack Relm Mistery Train Aria Di Mezzo Carattere
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