Symphonic Odysseys - Final Fantasy 

I was there, it was an amazing expierence. The moment i heard the FF6 opening theme BURSTING out.. man. that feeling i will never forget.

The Boundless Ocean, finally get to hear it performed live. Such a beautiful song, it's a shame it's so rarely performed live in similar performances.

Actually, I would say that this was "arranged" by Wanamo. The difference is a big one. Not to say that it is easy, but taking compositions already composed, and arranging them together isn't so difficult as you might think. Especially if you consider that Uematsu loves to keep his music in relative key signatures.

Did they mix the opera from ff6 (ff3 in the us) with the boundless ocean from ff3 (the real one?) That's genious and it works so good

06:04 The biggest smile on my face...ever! I love this whole piece, thanks so much for uploading!

Because it's benyamin nuss, german pianist and huge fan of Final fantasy and Uematsu.He's just a fan like you and me, he already recorded an album of Uematsu's song and presented it on ARTE channel.If you like this music you should listen to benyamin nuss's album.

Wanamo deserves credit for his arrangements and he did a fantastic job here, definitely. Truth be told though, I love each of Uematsu's individual pieces so much that it could be arranged in whatever fashion and I'd still fall in love :]

This is too beautiful!!! This beautiful video made me burst into tears many times! I love the first song. It sounds so familiar. And Benjamin Nuss, the pianist, did a great job! 5:29 was one of the epitomes! 12:44 is also a beautiful masterpiece!! I think it's a track from FFIV or FFVI.. either one.. I forgot the title. And Gilgamesh's Theme where the violins sound great is also one of my favorites in this video. I really love the piano parts in their renditions. 6:06 and 12:47 - 12:49 are the parts that the great pianist made mistakes but I'm not sure about the 6:06 part. He's still great though and we're all bound to make mistakes! He's only the same age as me but he's a great pianist already and performing live! I wish to be like him and pursue a music career except in singing 'cause I'm more passionate about playing instruments especially the piano, violin and guitar. The violin used to be my favorite instrument when I was a kid tho! XD Now it's the piano! If there is an orchestra dedicated to Final Fantasy music in a near location or even a little farther away, I would do everything to watch it! XD

This mashup between "The boundless ocean" and "Opera Maria & Draco" was wonderful. It really fits the theme of "a sad love story". It moved me to tears. Roger Wanamo did a great job. :)

This Medley alone would have been worth the concert, but all other arrangements were just as magnificent. I'm glad I was there, being a part of this wonderful evening.

5:50-7:10 Gold. just absolute gold im fucking crying so hard.

So you're admitting he arrange 3/12 pieces. Also using ad hominid isn't too smart if you're trying to get your point across "if you would actually look better." You're also downplaying Uematsu still and not acknowledging what he himself accomplished as all these composers do. Also your comment about how he doesn't have an impact on music but only video game music is asinine considering that is a genre of music itself. He has created a new direction for video games and others take.

Exactly, where do you think that all the "great composers" are creating thier music now? Some do it just for orcestras, like above, but most of the great composers of our time are making music for Moives, TV shows, and, of course, video games. Thinking that this sound track or that one is as great as the great composers of the past seems natural to me.

Battle on the Big Bridge! But why oh why did they decide to make that chord change from during the bridge (no pun intended) at 18:17? They played the rest of the piece fairly straight, and that chord change kinda dampens the drama of that part.

So Wanamo DID arrange the whole concert then? Sorry I definitely was mistaken. I still don't know if I agree with the comment that he takes Uemtasu's music to a new level though, saying a "new level" implies better.... but this concert is very enjoyable, especially the Lost Odyssey themes (not heard in this video), and he deserves credit if he arranged the pieces ^_^ And so does Arnie Roth, he's a very nice man and a very talented violinist ^.^

Did you know? FF XIII was so bad Nobuo Uematsu didn't wanted to make music for FF XIII-2, after Square Enic requested his comeback because they needed help.

agreed. Piano was overly emphasized, especially in places that made no sense at all. IE, In the middle of the Dreadful Battle? Seriously?

He could easily step into classical if he wanted to. Let's just hope that this tribute will form a bridge between the 2 genres and fans of either gain an appreciation of each other and the music each of them love so much.

God, I really wish Roger Wanamo would stop adding so much pretentious orchestral circlejerkery in his arrangments.

You do know that Nobou doesn't arrange all of the orchestra pieces himself, right? only the originals basically...

i wasnt expecting to hear a bit of the unused FF2 battle theme in there, as far as the FF2 arrangement of music went. all the same, i'm liking this quite a bit thus far.

it's a matter of taste,i liked/love ff13 more then i liked black ops (call of duty is shit to me)

Nobuo Uematsu has graduated from the department of English language and literature at a university. He got no special musical education, except for ordinary piano lesson in his boyhood. That proves him to be a genius, in my opinion. He is a gifted composer!

"The boundless ocean"... wow I totally loved the flute and piano duet at 9:47.

@byronsax2010 sin quitarle mértitos tampoco a los arreglistas

i am over here crying in tears, damn this is the best rendition of a uematsu medley I have ever heard..

Wow, they even included the unused FF2 boss theme.

I am musician and composer. I love Final Fantasy series. This performance was well done! It was very cleverly harmonized and well orchestrated. The conductor and pianist both were amazing. The great balance between the woodwind and strings section and yet still have enough room for a dominated piano performance. Bravo!

Goosebumps when they started playing the FF6 opening @ 1:40.

冒頭、ニコニコ脳を備えている者は「セーガー、セーガー」と聞こえます。

ugh. classical musicians. The music is good though.

At 11:15 ! One of the most memorable songs to ever grace any FF game.

i guess it is but even a mistake sounded good lol

Ramon, don't continue this pointless debate. I completely understand what you're saying, even more so maybe because Im both a composer and arranger myself. Uematsu's music is splendidly written but what many people dont seem to realize is that arrangers have been responsible for uematsu's work shining as brightly as it does. The gorgeous song of prayer, suteki da ne, to zanarkand were all brought to life by Hamauzu and Shiro Hamaguchi who also did so much for uematsu in the Piano collections tbc

@mangobone7 WDR local radioorchestra in germany

Does anyone know who the pianist is in this? I need a name or link to any of his social media... Please and thank you.

It is a fact that none of these arrangements would have been possible without Uematsu's creativity but the true beauty of his music would not have blossomed if it weren't for the arranging talents of Wamano, Valtonen, Hamagchi and Hamauzu. That too, is a fact.

If you see negativity, then that's your problem. If anything, you have yourself to blame for bringing the nonexistent "negativity" here in the first place.

Yeah, I'd say he's definitely up there. It's hard to compare with other composers though, for example Mozart had a total of 626 compositions while Nobuo I don't even know but at most it'd be 250 I'd say, some games had a lot more tracks than others. In terms of comparing single compositions to each other, I'd say Mozart is the only superior to Nobuo that I've heard, the depth of some of Nobuo's work is some serious business. (for example: Boundless Ocean here).

he was talking about composing not this particular orchestration. I think most of the credit should go to the person for which none of this would be possible. Yes, this is a wonderful performance, but there have been dozens like this none of which would be possible without Uematsu.

He wasn't being negative at all. Did you not read where he said that he loved Uematsu? People rave about Uetmatsu's work but people like Wanamo are often overlooked and so he called to give the man some credit.

sorry but they really need some help

@Omnishredder @redcloud02 Without any doubt this is not Aerith's Theme. It's the Aria from FFVI's opera Maria and Draco (a.k.a. Celes Theme). Just search for Uematsu's "Aria di Mezzo Carattere" and voilà.

or at least show them this video... No really, to say that is absurd. The genre combines music and graphics. Even more important video games have a strong capability of transporting emotion, such as in FF.

Not sure if you pressed the "Show more" tab but if you do, you can see that it says Wanamo arranged 3/12 of the themes. So, you're giving more credit to him than you should. And also, they may have done a fantastic job but it doesn't transcend the creative process Uematsu put into creating the originals. Just my opinion.

@redcloud02 they said before they played this that it is arranged music from FF 1-6 in this part, so I don´t think so. You are right it sounds a little bit like it, but I´m unsure which one it is.

わたしはFF曲大好きでした。小学生のころから、つい最近までクラシックで主にバラード曲が好きだったのですが、今は多くのクラシックがなかなか好きになれなくて…この動画ではわたしの知らない曲も割と多いですね。…なのに、どうしてこんなに感動するのでしょうか…植松さんってすごい。演奏している方々の技術もすごい。

Kind of contradicting since he created the original OST, so he is responsible for every single note of this composition, albeit indirectly. Because of him, Roger Wanamo was inspired to compose this, and without someone/thing to pay homage to in mind, there's no sense in making a tribute. And he probably deserves a spot amongst the greats, but it's because of the stereotypical bias that anything that has something to do with video games is all just for fun that he isn't recognized as much.

Well considering it was fashioned as a Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, I think it was pretty warranted. And IMO (likely biased by the fact that I play piano) I thought that the meld was absolutely stunning with flawless input from both ends. I think the piano emphasis here is fashioned more from classical influences, which is understandably alien to casual listeners. But after the complete lack of piano on the Symphonic Fantasies medley, I was extremely appreciative of what was presented here.

Always interesting to hear these different takes on these pieces. IMHO: the orchestra was great. WAAAAAYYYY too much emphasis on the piano though, which in may places sounds sloppy (more or less due to the arrangement, not the pianist) and from time to time drowns everything and everyone else. When the piano is more subdued and/or actually meshes with the rest of the orchestra, it's much better.

"very little"? Any ordinary person can't just pick up Uematsu's original pieces and create this wonderful arrangement. To say Wanamo does not deserve much credit is extremely arrogant of the hard work he also put into making this such a delightful piece to listen to. I'm astounded you even tried to say that.

@redcloud02 dude....thx for this explanation :D if it's right you're god! i wondered what the last one is. i only played VII crysis core. thx a thousand times and thumbs up bwn

if nobou never made these tracks the composer would have nothing to arrange, nor would they carry the weight they do. music is so much more than who put what note where, but rather what those notes represent to a person and where they take you. the final fantasy sound team are geniuses and should be revered as such, plain and simple.

No, it is the truly original sound playing. I've still got the nes and final fantasy one. It's truly playing same. (with a, not so bad, quality)

@nastywal Oh ok thanks everyone on the name of the orchestra. To nastywal, wow I didn't know that, thats pretty cool. I tend to listen to the low brass in orchestras since I'm a Bass Trombonist, do you play trombone as well?

This is why I truly think Uematsu should be considered on the same level as the great composers of the past. No blasphemy intended...it's just the truth.

i like listening to this, but compared to beethoven, mozart e.t.c. it falls apart. if you still disagree it will only show that you never listened to those master pieces.

F XIII started awesome but failed to deliver halfway through or something. Besides... you probably haven't played enough games to say anything... no offence :P

Funny thing I listened to FF6 OST the night before leaving to Cologne to attend this. I was totally bawling when i heard that, as well as during Celes' theme and the main FF theme. Almost 2 decades playing these games and finally hearing those themes from my chilhood played live by an orchestra ... Amazing, amazing concert.

It's the same case with "Distant worlds" : a lot of people don't know that is Annie Roth who has arranged the final fantasy pieces for ochestra !

This. This forever.

Should have included ffxiii

Yup, Boundless Ocean, which you NEVER hear orchestrated yet is one of the most awesome and underrated songs in the FF universe. I only wish the piano accompaniment augmented the piece instead of fighting against and overpowering it.

I dislike the piano in some places of the piece. At some points it seems to stand out to much -imo.

Absolutely true. I personally conceive "Fantasy I" these days also more as one musical piece rather than the medley of known titles. BUT in the beginning, when you start listening, your game experience builds the connection and own emotions strengthen the musical experience - otherwise Zelda Symphony and DW wouldn't work (far too simple orchestrations). Roger and Jonne are great (!), but amateurs wouldn't pay the ticket if they hadn't learnt to love the original compositions beforehand.

If you've read the description, you'll should have noticed that Wanamo only arranged tracks 2, 6 and 12. Not taking out your point, though.

Holy shit, am I really hearing the greatest rendition of my nostalgia fuel? I can really die fulfilled now.

I totally agree with you.

I would just point out that this had several arrangers, Wanamo just did 3 of them, Jonne Valtonen was the main arranger here.

Because this is only part 2 of the "A Tribute to Nobuo Uematsu" performance (out of the twelve listed above): the Final Fantasy Concerto for Piano and Orchestra

Happy birthday Nobuo Uematsu!

@redcloud02 At 3:40 it's Battle Scene 3 from FF2. This music was not used in the final game and is only available on the original soundtrack.

Four fiends clash in the big bridge and battle to the death. They're so epic together than even their titles compose a phrase.

FF3

@LegionsRevenge i think u mixed this video up with the 2nd encore? there is no OWA in this ;)

but the most of the credit should be giving to the composer, without him you and me wouldn't have met in this video

FF6 best ff ever...

I absolutely *love* this arrangement! So much love for 6~

Y A B A I!!!!!!!!!

Jamás nunca en mi vida había escuchado semejantes arreglos... ES EL MEJOR ARREGLO QUE HE ESCUCHADO EN TODA MI VIDA! gracias Uematsu por tus composiciones xD!

Any FF6 is greatly appreciated...Nobuo, you are the brightest star in our musical heaven.

@Karldaj That is Nobuo Uematsu... his bandana is practically a trademark.

A testament to the true value of video game music. It's very sad that many older generations of musicians overlook the genre and do not take it seriously. It's essentially modern program music.

I was not even capable to handle all this magnificence

Fabuleux concert, j'en suis tout ému, presque même une envie de verser une larme tellement que c'est beaux. Une certaine nostalgie ce fait ressentir. Une musique puissante dans laquelle les sentiments sont retranscris à la perfection, l'amour, la haine... dans ce concert qu'est l’ouvre de cette homme fantastique, Nobuo Uematsu.

muy buen video amigo visita mi canal tengo tutoriales que te podrian servirr

A tear rolled out of my eyes when i heard they played Aria Di Mezzo from FF 6. When they turned over to Four Fiends and Clash at the big bridge i got so totaly hyped. Im glad that i was there and even met the master of symphonic music himself, Uematsu Nobue-san !

Its great seeing people that have never played these video games play the songs in concert.

WOW this is even more powerful than the first time I played FFVI and heard this...nice, I like.... -continues to drag knuckles, breathe through mouth...and moves on..-

@redcloud02 i heard in celes theme and darkness and starlight of what u said is actually aerith's/aeris theme

that piano...

Wait a sec, it's been so long, now that I'm looking at the info it says Wanamo DID only arrange three pieces, so how was I missing something? I'm very confused now...

４：１０ FF2　戦闘シーン２なのでは？

3:40 is a bit of the unreleased final boss battle music that was supposed to be in FFII

@heerogunkenobi Dude, my thoughts exactly. When I was watching it live I literally shuddered it was so good.

@redcloud02 Actually 3:40 is the unused Battle Scene 3 from FFII /watch?v=-7Vd6DFLgLs

As much a fan of Final Fantasy music as I am, HOW am I only seeing this 9 years later. Thanks for sharing!

Oh goodness. This whole suite was amazing O_O Meshing together separate pieces was flawless and flowed really well! I hear bits of Jenova and The Unforgiven at the end. Very small bits, but it's worth noting :)

I needed this. I can't explain why, but I just feel better now.

The mere fact that it begins with The Omen from Final Fantasy VI automatically wins it the good prize.