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The concert included music from Square-Enix's upcoming DVD release, "FInal Fantasy VII: Advent Children"
Final Fantasy in Concert
The worlds of classical music and videogames collide for a breathtaking, one-night only performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
I grew up listening to classical music. No, my parents did not force-feed it to me from an early age. No, I never took up an instrument to play.
I did, however, play videogames.
More to the point, I spent countless hours exploring the worlds that Square-Enix created for their game franchise Final Fantasy. Accompanying these worlds were the sweeping and epic sonic vistas created by series composer, Nobuo Uematsu.
Conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Master Chorale gave quite a stirring rendition of the series most memorable compositions. A long program of the series' most outstanding themes was prepared for an eager audience at Walt Disney Concert Hall on March 10th.
The music was accompanied throughout the night by video screens displaying movies from the series choreographed to the live music. Particularly effective was the usage of video from Final Fantasy X in accompanying that game's "Zanarkand" theme.
Other highlights included more lighthearted fare than much of the brooding themes Final Fantasy is known for. "Vamo' Alla Flamenco" particularly stood out as a stirring, playful number from the series' ninth installment. In addition, the audience welcomed the playful 'Chocobo Theme' with open laughs and applause as it made its appearance in the medley from the 8-bit era.
The night reached its apex during the finale, as Uematsu brought out series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and lead designer Yoshitaka Amano to the stage for a standing ovation. The pair effusively expressed their appreciation for the full blown accolade, and left the stage. As they left, the Philharmonic surprised the crowd by swiftly going into a rousing encore of "One Winged Angel" from the fan-favorite Final Fantasy VII. The explosive chorus and orchestration capped off the evening with the night's final standing ovation from the passionate crowd.
The net result of the night was a wondrous experience for the fans, those who spent hours upon hours playing and replaying Square-Enix's games. Furthermore, it helped to put videogame music on the map as a viable source of classical composition. Much like film music is making a name for itself in the classical music scene, the videogame may soon find an audience within the community. This concert, the first of its kind in North America, may prove to be the catalyst for such recognition.
When the evening came to a close, it was clear Square-Enix had succeeded in creating a wonderful night for Final Fantasy fans and music fans alike. It was a merging of disparate worlds that would otherwise never have a chance to meet. With vague hints suggesting a possible tour, it is very possible that this will not be a one-off event.
Concert Program:
Dear Friends
Music from FINAL FANTASY
May 10, 2004, 7:30 P.M.
Music composed and produced by Nobuo Uematsu
Conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya
Performed by Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Master Chorale
1 - Liberi Fatali - FFVIII
2 - Zanarkand - FFX
3 - Terra's Theme - FFVI
4 - Theme of Love - FFIV
5 - Dear Friends - FFV
6 - Vamo' Alla Flamenco - FFIX
7 - Love Grows - FFVIII
INTERMISSION
8 - Aeris's Theme - FFVII
9 - Not Alone - FFIX
10 - Ronfaure - FFXI
11 - FINAL FANTASY I-III Medley
12 - New Melody from FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN - FFVII ADVENT CHILDREN
13 - FINAL FANTASY
Encore - One Winged Angel - FFVII
Date Posted: 5/21/2004