Game Composer Reacts to LUDWIG THE ACCURSED & HOLY BLADE - Bloodborne 

Whoa, this theme was pretty shocking, even for Souls/Borne standards. Speaking of Souls/Borne, have you seen my reactions to Dark Souls music yet? Here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_AKjMqhE-mI.html

The music being less chaotic and more heroic and orderly in the second phase is fitting, in that phase Ludwig regains some of his mental clarity and humanity. Phase 1 you're fighting a deranged beast. Phase 2 you're fighting Ludwig's last scraps of sanity as a noble man.

8:40 ''It's like the song became human again'' Perfect way to describe Ludwig Holy Blade. Because its exactly what happen in the gameplay, the first phase Ludwig is just another crazy beast with a name a bit to familiar to you if you been keeping an eye to the weapons names and the dialogue of the game. The second phase start with Ludwig fighting different, resembling a Hunter/Knight or what little he can with this new beast like body.

oooh boy, bloodborne has some of the BEST soundtrack's in gaming in my opinion. So glad you're checking them out

7:27 Actual chills here when this brass kicks in. It's Monster Hunter levels of heroic. It makes you feel like you're the bad guy here fighting a real hero.

The tragic story of a deformed beast that found his humanity in his final moments, the music is so beautiful and goes along with the emotions. One last dance with his moonlight so you can kill him with honor and he goes down knowing he found himself again. Gotta lie to Ludwig about his boys so he can die peacefully.

Something oddly common in Bloodborne is that if you 'dance' with the boss in time to the music, you tend to do better. Waltzing with Ludwig puts you in his vulnerable points during phase 2.

this is your FIRST listen?? your missing out bro! the best game of all time!! bloodborne music is written very well to fit with the fases of the fights. so the music changes to become super epic as you progress in the fight. very very epic!

This entire boss is quite the opposite from the others, instead of losing his humanity halfway it was rejuvenated

This theme feels like it embodies the boss more than most themes I've heard

Can we appreciate how perfectly timed Ludwig’s sweeps at 9:15 are to the music?

I love your approach to inviting people into music theory. I know from experience that it is very hard to break away ideas like "music theory prevents creativity" or "studying music kills the magic". So thank you for appealing to people's musical curiosity while also focusing on the most essential elements. Very smart.

Phase 2 is Ludwig remembering himself, but also giving himself completely over to his madness. Learning this fight is like learning a deadly dance. It is a "waltz of madness". So glad to see you diving into Bloodborne and immediately picking my favorite theme!

Ludwig is honestly the most lore-heavy boss. Besides being one of the hardest bosses in Bloodborne, the lore behind him is PHENOMENAL. To speak in brief, his job was to hunt the monsters, but now he's become one of them, overcome by his madness. Yet some humanity remains in him, which is signified by his Moonlight Greatsword and his 2nd (and objectively tougher) phase. In phase 2 his movements are less erratic, and resemble more of that of a berserk knight. Its so great to find music composers like you see a little insight into the lore from analysing the soundtracks! And so fascinating too! I hope you do more Bloodborne stuff, I would really like to see you analyze Laurence's track.

I think what the composers wanted to reflect is the beast vs. man conflict that Ludwig went through. Completely turned beast when you encounter him, the music is disturbing and beastly, chaotic even. After he finds his Moonlight Great Sword he reminisces of his lost humanity and music reflects that in the form of a Waltz, a very disturbing at that, but appropriate to the era the game is based on (Victorian England) Or maybe I need to stop playing videogames so much xD Great video :)

the music change at 7:25 alwys happens after the change in fase. the first part will actually loop if you dont reach that part. and another thing whitch i didnt realize until now that your pointing it out with the extremely chaotic and "ugly" sound at the beginning. fitting it with Ludwigs lore in the game. He expresses in a dialogue the sword (whitch he gets in fase 2) was his mentor and "guiding moonlight", in an otherwise extremely chaotic life. so its cool how without the sword. the music is chaotic. with the sword. the music has purpose and sounds heroic.

That was absolutely insane, not only is Bloodborne my favorite game of all time, Ludwig is my favorite boss of all time. The fact that you were able to exactly pick out the lore of Ludwigs character from your first listen of this song blew me away. I mean you absolutely nailed it holy cow man, great job easy subbed.

So glad you're covering Bloodborne's music. Gehrman's track is easily my favorite.

Btw, I would recommend checking out the bloodborne theme for the “living failures”, possibly one of the best boss themes in bloodborne or even the soulsborne series (ironically for possibly the least favorite bloodborne dlc boss) now, as someone once said about ludwig going from the 1st phase to the 2nd: "just by changing his stance, it goes from a monster to a human being. From a disgusting shell of a person to the honorable knight he once was. Even his clothes change from appearing like torn apart rags to his old uniform. In the first phase of the fight, there's a bonus of saw like weapons against him, which disappears for the second phase. That's because you're no longer fighting a beast, now you're fighting a man" also, the choir in the 2nd phase of the theme is supposed to be the moonlight blade chanting praise to ludwig (btw, of all the gameplay videos to be playing, I was not expecting buffmaister’s, but I’m not complaining since he’s the only one who doesn’t demolish Ludwig, would recommend his video for living failures too if you check out that theme)

Legit got goosebumps from the transition from The Accursed to the Holy Blade.

This is a fantastic analysis of Ludwig's theme! I haven't studied music theory or music much in general, but I have some experience with game design and the concepts behind it. So, the lore for Ludwig. He was the first Hunter of the Healing Church, pretty much the dominant organization in Bloodborne. Hunters are people who take up the job of beast-hunting, they slay beasts and abominations. In Yharnam, the setting for Bloodborne, there is a sort of plague, or scourge ravaging the city that turns people into monsters. So Ludwig became a bit of a hero to the people of Yharnam. He was a steadfast, brave, and powerful warrior who fought to protect his people from these horrible beasts. However, due to reasons in the story, Ludwig himself fell to the beast scourge, and became a beast himself. This would be Ludwig, the Accursed. He transformed into a horrific, mutated, insane beast. In his second phase, Ludwig is staggered by damage done by the player, and the sword he carries on his back falls to the ground. Now, throughout his life, this sword was his one true companion, his "Guiding Moonlight" as he calls it. It was the one thing that brought order to the chaotic life of this Hunter. Upon seeing it, he regains his memories, his sanity, and the coherence of his human self. This is the only time in Bloodborne we see a beast remember their humanity after turning. The notably more heroic version of his second phase happens because now, you are no longer fighting an insane beast, you are fighting the powerful, legendary hero of Yharnam, Ludwig, the Holy Blade. He is still a horrendous, disgusting version of himself (as the disturbing or chaotic undertone of the music portrays), but he is no longer a mindless beast.

Oh I can't wait for you to touch upon Gehrman's theme. Talk about a boss battle that is a mess of emotions and that only gets sadder the more you have context 😭

I love how the choir starts to harmonize as he sees his sword, finally becoming a powerful melody as he rises again to face you. Thus seamlessly informing you that you're no longer fighting a savage beast. You stand before a man.

Possibly my favourite theme in the history of videogames. It accompanies a boss fight and at the same time it tells the story, the story of someone who once was a great man, lost himself and now has returned his old self just to have one final battle with you, the only person that can finally set him free.

One of my favorite tracks in gaming. Ever. Absolutely love the cello, the transition was amazing to experience, and then the smooth slide into an emotionally loaded waltz like melody. Just all of it is amazingly well made. Some other fun ones from Bloodborne are Living Failures, Lady Maria, The One Reborn. Also was funny seeing the confusion.

It’s crazy how many of the visual and story themes a legit composer can pull from just the song

"How did they make the music so ugly and so beautiful at the same time" idk why but that felt like a personal attack. love the music and reaction

I love that there are so many composers doing reactions to this music because I love seeing how different personalities latch on to different details. It really shows the depth this music portrays when different composers are noticing entirely different details.

This bossfight is really one of my favorite gaming moments of all time, and a big part of it is due to the soundtrack. Glad you checked it out!

Goosebumps everytime. The second phase of this ost makes me want to dance even if I hate dancing. It's a real dance of death. You should definitely check out the Living Failures OST, always from Bloodborne.

That transition to brass section in terms of lore. It symbolizes how Ludwig is in a constant state of pain and anguish for the first half of the song. But then his sword reveals itself. And the tone swaps from anguish to bombastic excitement as Ludwig pulls together the last shred of his humanity to fight you. Simply genius

Dude your reactions alone make these videos *very* rewatchable.

Damn, you basically learned the whole tragic story of Ludwig from just the music theory alone. That's awesome. Another reason why I love From Software so much.

The Ludwig theme has a very special place in my heart, even though I've never even touched Bloodborne. I first heard this song around late 2017 and it was so fascinating to listen to, yet I'd never even played a souls game at the time. Now I've beaten DS1, DS3, Sekiro and Elden Ring plenty of times, and I REALLY want to play Bloodborne but I just don't have a playstation. I want to meet the boss I've been following for over five years. Just goes to show how incredible this theme is even for someone who doesn't know the context.

The build up into the second phase and then the second phase is my favorite music from any game ever

The rhythm in the second phase kinda makes sense... Ludwig moves sync excellently with the music

"How did they make the music so ugly and so beautiful at the same time?" You pretty much sum up the very beauty of Bloodborne's music right there, my friend.

This is the opposite of a stereotypical YT react video (in the best way possible). There's actually so much good analysis and I actually get to learn some theory watching this. Great vid - Subscribed

The transition to the holy blade theme makes me sob every time. It's so powerful and loaded. Really makes you feel for Ludwig.

I freaking love your breakdowns, Davi - I can never get enough of understanding the music theory behind music like this. Thank you for taking the time to explain all these components with your experience and knowledge

the music with gameplay intense bloodborne was perfect. my best ost in the game.

Most of the bosses in Dark Souls and especially Bloodborne get more wild as the battle goes on. They go more crazy and get more erratic. Ludwig is the opposite. That is one of the things that makes this battle so cool. It's like he regains his humanity at the end, standing up and fighting with his holy weapon instead of with his claws like a beast. Even after becoming the most grotesque creature in the game, he gets to die with dignity. It's beautiful.

This theme might be a masterclass in music design. I don't know if Davi has done any prior research( I am assuming he has not) into the theme or boss, but through music alone he understood the major lore points of the character. I mean he said that phase one gives him the vibe of a fallen hero, that's literally reading from the bio, and aside from creating an amazing piece, the composers should be given credit for that amazing feat as well.

If you plan on checking out more soundtracks of this game, I can highly recommend Laurence, The First Vicar. It's a masterpiece of a track

11:02 The frame rate dropping below 20fps is the quintessential Bloodborne experience.

God, I can't listen to that phrase transition without getting goosebumps even years later. You describe the tempo as a dance; I think that's an intentional collaborative decision between the game designer and composer because the fight changes from a reactionary, erratic scramble against a largely unpredictable beast to what amounts to a waltz with a much more disciplined and structured opponent. Right before the end, he comes to his senses and you square off against the paladin he was, not the beast he became. To this day, I think this is the best narrative track in video game history. I don't think I've ever seen a more effective blending of lore, gameplay mechanics and music than what this fight ended up being.

In a version I listen to on youtube someone put down the greatest description, come the second half when Ludwig gains his humanity again, we the hunter are giving him his final dance.

I like how he slashes (9:15 and 9:32) in time with he music, like he's a conductor of the theme where he regains enough humanity to lucidly revel in the celebration in what would be his last fight. I like the element of triumph because it's him overcoming beasthood to go out as a human.

I like how you noticed the old system of harmony, as this part of the game is set in the past. The whole game is very baroque. Great job

I remember the first time I fight Ludwig, the second phase just took my breath away, once you understand the story, the fight, the music, its all become very tragic. You should also check lady Maria ost, it almost have the same feeling.

im speechless on how you get so many crucial points of his lore just by listening to his OST. You are extremely talented and Fromsoftware is peak

Soulsborne games have some of my favorite soundtracks in gaming as a whole. I would recommend either Sister Friede or The Abyss Watchers theme to listen to next... mainly because they are my favorite bosses.

This is my second video of yours im watching, the first being Living Failures, but already I'm very impressed both your ability to basically piece together the story of the boss solely through the music, but also Fromsoft's ability to communicate the story so fluently solely through the music.

One of my favorites is the theme for Micolash, the Host of the Nightmare. A hated boss fight, but a wonderful theme.

To this day it has remained my favourite musical piece across all games

I love watching these OST reactions when I’ve played the game and the composer hasn’t. I’m always waiting for them to solve the puzzle of the themes. Especially the second phase of Ludwig. Was so happy when you noticed the triple meter and the more human change in that second phase because that’s exactly what’s going on at that time. Ludwig is remembering his humanity. Exquisite stuff from From Soft and one of their best OST’s.

Love this breakdown, gave me inspiration to keep learning it on piano

10:30 thats a very big aspect of the song right there. Ludwig having regained some sanity is choosing to die honorably, being slain by a worthy opponent. This is the dance of *his* death. His final moonlight waltz.

One of my favorite things about this is how perfect the track compliments Ludwig's attack sound in both phases. Just like in the music, the first phase is more ugly shrieking and roaring but the second phase turning heroic in a sense, he no longer screams but grunts. The fight almost feels like a deadly waltz. Love your analysis. edit: you just mentioned the dance at 10:34, perfect!

I love the dance waltz like part. It just boils down to a clash between two hunters, but makes you want to know more.

One of the best themes in the series, though personally my vote might go towards Laurence's theme (which you should DEFINITELY check out)

Goosebumps evertime I ear second phase 🤯

I love how he brought up the fact there was counterpoint in this and how its a really old form of harmonic convergence because this game is set in gothic times where everything is archaic and disturbing and the composer really put that ambience of the setting into his music.

This song is in my opinion the best piece Fromsoft ever put together in their games, its just perfection. Its just sends chills on my spine every time i listen to it.

this is one of my favourite parts about from software's games, the music is just as important as the boss.

I think the "restless" tonic chord also belies your state as a player when fighting Ludwig. In his first phase, Ludwig is wild, beastial, fast and unpredictable, so you're tense, you can't stop moving, and even when Ludwig isn't visible, your eyes dart around for clues as he prepares to strike from an unseen angle, all while knowing a single blow could be fatal.

As much as I love the theme of Laurence, the First Vicar, I have to say that this is still deep down my favorite track from Bloodborne.

Truly one of the best games ever. I like when you defeat him and go talk to him, he goes: "Good hunter..." so politely.

A lot of people have already talked about it in one way or another, but the change in the music between the phases of his fight are so beautifully emblematic of him changing from a blood-drunk beast into how he used to be, which considering how he fights and speaks suggests nobility and chivalry. There's a fantastic sense of honour, perhaps even goodness to him, which is such a change from the beginning of the fight where you'd be entirely forgiven for thinking that he couldn't speak anymore. The Holy Blade part of the fight is so satisfying because like you mentioned with the sort of waltzing rhythm, it feels like a dance (and a duel). Compared to the chaotic first phase where it feels like there's a lot of desperate dodging and just getting hits in wherever possible, the second phase has a lot more of a back-and-forth flow that often sync to the music and honestly, I didn't want the fight to have to end.

This is one my favorite ost of all time, for real and this Boss is one of my favorite too

bloodborne ost is my favorite game ost. one of the top 3 music i love to death

I think Ludwig's theme is the epitome of Bloodborne's OST. That being hauntingly beautiful. His theme is both inspiring and terrifying at the same time, and really reflects his lore so succinctly. His first phase sounds like a fight against a monstrosity, which Ludwig is, and his second phase sounds like the last vestiges of a hero struggling to survive by using all of his remaining strength.

10:36 funny you said that. The biggest feeling I got from this part is that it felt like a dance with madness and insanity itself.

Never had the pleasure of playing Bloodborne, but I've seen how the interaction with Ludwig plays out, and this analysis makes perfect sense. Starting out in the encounter you're fighting a slow, lumbering, brutal beast thats forgotten who and what they were. Then half way through something happens where Lugwig seems to.... remember himself and who he was. Then suddenly he goes from slow and lumbering, to quick, measured, and calculated in his actions. Remembering the trained and practiced warrior he used to be. In body he's still a monster, but in mind he's regained who he was in his final moments.

Holy heck, bloodborne! Hopefully you do Laurence's theme, it's my absolute favorite

the songs from bloodborne and dark souls 3 are so epic that they resonate in the soul, they really didn't skimp on creating them.

i still play the game once a year to experience the emotions , it not only a game its an art

It’s interesting how in Ludwig’s second phase by regaining his humanity he completely changes the fight. His music turns heroic and he stands up straight like a man rather then as a undead beast. Also another neat note when Ludwig enters his second phase he also can’t be affected by the perks of beast slaying weapons. It’s as if the game is saying you no longer face a beast, you face a man.

I'm so excited to see your take on Bloodbornes soundtracks! Definitely do gehrman the first hunter! One of my all time favorites.

7:17 i get chills every time. truly a legendary piece of incredible musical art

A ideia de tensão e tristeza, no início, é bem proposital. É uma pessoa que era considerada um herói que virou uma fera das feras que caçara um dia. É uma luta, então certamente a música deve transmitir um pouco de tensão, além do fato de Bloodborne possuir o terror cósmico em uma espécie de Londres Vitoriana em sua temática. Na segunda fase a luta vira uma valsa, e a postura de Ludwig muda completamente junto com a música. Tu disse: "A transição é muito clara." É exatamente isso que a luta passa, claridade. Ludwig diz para sua espada: "You were at my side all along. My true mentor... my guiding moonlight." Ou seja, é ele recuperando sua humanidade, como tu bem disseste, sendo guiado pela espada em uma "última dança" se assim podemos dizer.

I love how much blood appears in the lyrics “sanguine” is throughout the lyrics

10:34 "a sinister dance of death" is what you'll do when fighting Ludwig at this stage

God I love his theme, it combines so many things I love about music and even uses one of my favorite and most personally evocative instruments, the cello, to illustrate musically, the introduction of the moonlight greatsword in the second phase like an enormous lightsaber. It's a moment I'll never forget, hearing that cello swell as he stands up and the off-blue glow rages toward me and the tragic, horrific dance begins between us.

Thanks for analyze my favorite game. BLOODBORNE GAME OF YEAR.

When you mentioned how the first phase sounded chaotic and "formless" it gave me chills. There's a rune in Bloodborne that describes a "formless" Great One, named Oedon. My brain made this connection immediately as "Formless Sound", due to Oedon being so similar to the word Odeon. So, for you to describe the music as formless sound was really rad! 🤘

The second phase feels like a dance because in a way it is. Ludwig regained some of his humanity and faces his death as a man, not a monster. It's both sad, and uplifting at the same time.

Not only his analysis is sooo enjoyable and I still enjoy it even though I don't know much about musical technical details! Also, the quality of the audio / music is soo good!

Ludwig aka Gherman 2.0. For those who don't know the original hunter group along with the workshop fell into obscurity due to tragedy along with Gherman and Maria the two most proficient hunters of their time. But then rose the church hunters and their finest warrior, the third legend that was Ludwig the holy blade who later along with the church suffered the worst fate of them all. Nobody has it good in Bloodborne and it's in this dlc you realize that the hunters truly had it worse than anyone as even after finding and really embracing their faith it couldn't save them from becoming the very monsters they slaughtered. This track really makes you feel like your confronting a mighty hero turned nightmare beast it's just so epic and sad at the same time. A true masterpiece 😭👍

One could almost say that hes doing a waltz with his madness

This is one of my absolute favorite pieces of music just ever best video game music piece I've ever heard, especially the second half feels so good the power and rage in the choir and instruments with the clash of the cymbals is just perfections!

I love the format, the commentary, and the sudden music theory lessons coupled with keyboard and visuals for reference. Plus you get the feeling behind the music. You are a joy to watch keep on being awesome

Basically, the choir at the beginning of phase 2 is the Moonlight Sword talking to Ludwig, making him recover some of his humanity. You stop fighting him as a beast, and then proceeds to give him a “last dance” as a man.

As someone who knows the lore on like a lore sweatlord level, I've always interpreted Ludwig's theme as the representation of the souls of his victims. They see his actions as absolutely reprehensible and vile (obviously), and hate him for it. However, it's also impossible to disrespect him and the absolute lengths he went to to accomplish great things. He wanted it more than anyone else. But this is a Fromsoft game, so of course, the rest of their world suffered for it.

Ludwig was my favorite boss from Bloodborne and I was so shocked when his sword somewhat came back in Elden Ring.

discord cut by a heroic regal melody, but all set before an air of intense dispair and overwhelming violence. This is my favorite example of instrumental storytelling, the composer managed to describe ludwig and his encounter with the player without having to directly state a single word.

I’ve been waiting for this! So glad you covered this piece. I love Bloodborne music since they express the character contexts of Bloodborne very well. There is amazing depiction of Ludwig’s background in this piece. It started with the distorted vibe and then when you got glimpses his humanity, it turned into the orderly and majestic vibes.Thank you for this video! Really enjoyed this.

the part in 9:14 is just incredible, it takes over my mind. There are hardly any sounds in the world that give me that same feeling. Incredible soundtrack.

"a sinister dance of death" is a great way of putting it. The song sounds like some dance song for medieval royalty where everyone spins at the same time but warped and twisted into this unholy dance instead

I really like how you draw connections to how the music is structured and designed relates to Ludwig as a character and a boss, it’s something my untrained ears would never notice but I love learning about. Excellent video all around!