|
|||||||||||||||
One thing is for certain about any of the music that Nobuo Uematsu has composed for the Final Fantasy series, it can be easily translated into just about any musical form and still retains all of the same elegance and beauty as the originally composed versions. Over the course of the series, we’ve heard the music in symphonic versions performed by the New Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, piano collections, and even vocal renditions of some of the best and most well loved Final Fantasy songs. Although each is unique in its own right, one of the most interesting musical offerings has to be Final Fantasy Celtic Moon. For anyone who has followed the career of Uematsu, you may very well know that he has a definite affection for visiting foreign countries, and moreover, has often mentioned his great love for Ireland. I suppose it was only natural that he handed over select songs from Final Fantasy IV Celtic musicians to offer their take on it. However, the definite standout amongst this ensemble is Maire Bhreatnach. The name may not be familiar to most people, however I’m sure that just about everyone has heard something that she has done and is familiar with it at least by name alone. Remember River Dance, or how about Lord of the Dance? If for some reason those titles have managed to slip by you somehow, maybe films such as ‘Rob Roy’ or ‘In the Name of the Father’ may help to jog your memory just a little. Honestly, having Marie arranged the music from the installment in the series isn’t just a perfect choice it’s a blessing. Old school gamers definitely remember Final Fantasy IV from “back in the day” when it made it’s way to North America on the Super Nintendo system, however it was known as Final Fantasy II. Those that have come into the series since the advent of the Playstation have no doubt played the game when Square re-released it, along with Chrono Trigger, as Final Fantasy Chronicles. No matter what gaming background you come from however, the fact of the matter is that Final Fantasy IV is one of the classics in the venerable RPG series, seconded only to Final Fantasy VI. This is one of those soundtracks that bring back a lot of memories. Despite the fact that I actually haven’t played the game since it was originally released for the SNES, but even with the Celtic theme, I can visualize when and where each song was used in the game. Even if I had never played FF IV though, or any other Final Fantasy game, Celtic Moon is positively something that’s so enjoyable and relaxing that it’s easy to forget that this is in fact game music. Celtic Moon doesn’t necessarily have any bad songs, although there are some that are definitely more outstanding that the others. Tracks of note include “Main Theme of Final Fantasy IV”, a very melodic, subtle version of the ever-popular overworld theme, and “Theme of Love” (also featured on Final Fantasy N Generation) which translate beautifully into this Celtic rendition. These songs feel as though they were meant to be performed this way, and one can definitely here the emotion that’s portrayed in these, as well as all the other tracks. Even if you’ve never played Final Fantasy IV, or just aren’t into the Final Fantasy series at all, Celtic Moon is a wonderful CD filled with some of the most amazing renditions of FF songs to date. This CD itself proves how the genius of Nobuo Uematsu can be translated into any style imaginable and not only retain all its beauty, but gain some along the way. And if you’re in fact a Final Fantasy soundtrack collector, you’d be foolish to pass up this soundtrack. -mike-
|
|||||||||||||||
