OCR01260 - Final Fantasy VII 'Philharmonic Suite: Finale'

[djpretzel]

What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

[Aruthra]

Love it! I do wish I could get a copy of part four, though

[Phoenixx]

Well this is my first review so bare with me...

Great now i'm thinking to hard and don't know what to write...haha. Anyhow, this song is very well made. It sounds like a bunch or FF7 songs put together and I love how it goes into the airship music at 4:26. I would recommend this to everyone.

[Jared Hudson]

Jeremy Robson is back, and I have to say it wasn't what I expected. :(

I want to start off making it very clear that Robson puts a lot of effort into this piece, and his technical focus was there. I heard the first version of this before the brass change and was prepared to write a very harsh review. But Robson managed to revise the brass samples, and clean it up a bit. As far as sample use, I felt the execution was still lacking, and very average. Let me make it clear that I am not judging your piece soley by samples, but if execution lacks, it can make the listening experience less enjoyable.

Aside from samples, let's look at the composition. All the technical elements are there, and I hear many variations of the themes from FF7, but many remain quite true to the original...almost to the point of a cover. The main characteristic of this mix that REALLY annoys me is the lack of dynamics used. It's just blasting like an over-compressed rock song. I get tired of listening to it barely halfway in, as that brass just keeps...wailing....wailing...wailing....god dude. I hope you can empathize what I'm getting at. Also, some of the technical runs seemed a little "fake" as when it comes to orchestration, such as some flute trills I noticed. Maybe it was the sample execution that gave the illusion of it, but my ears didn't like it.

I will commend Robson on his extreme effort in the composition, because that is the most important area. Samples are secondary, but unfortunately, in this mix, the samples and use of dynamics are what really destroyed this mix. I enjoyed your first Symphonic Suite more than this.

One high note, thank you for not using as much reverb. You definitely did well there.

Jeremy knows what he is doing, and I see massive potential, as I think I said in his first song, but I still think he could've been more innovative in dynamics, and spanning more instruments of the orchestra. This was an average listen for me, and nothing I'd ride home about.

Average

Jared Hudson

[Fusion2004]

2 things:

1. I LOVE JEREMY ROBSON.

2. I LOVE THIS SONG.

[Blake]

I really enjoyed Philharmonic Suite I, because I was young and had never heard a good orchestral rendition of FF7 music. But now, I'm sort of...er...as Jack from the Jack in the Box Commercial (with the frenchy) would say, "Eh...".


There are a lot of cool ideas, nice snare rolls, well, samples overall. But I agree with Jared on the point that there wasn't really enough dynamic alteration. However, I guess when you actually view this on a scale of three pieces, this can be considered as the climactic piece, where all out consecutive loudness is justified. But it's not really tickling my fancy. I enjoy the quality and technical production, but I've heard some pretty awesome stuff that surpasses this from you before.

Sorry if people get mad at my post or something, or mad at Jared's post, well, not really sorry if the madness contains "YOU SUCK OMFG U DONT APPRECIATE GODOD ORHCETLRA."

Btw, I do enjoy listening to this.

EDIT: I'm starting to like this arrangement more and more as I listen to it. I think my only gripe would just be the lack of dynamic change.

[The Orichalcon]

yeah, it doesn't quite seem up to the feel that goes into other Sil pieces I've heard.

Not to say I don't enjoy this. from about 1:20 - 1:40 was good. It just doesn't sound emotional enough in the areas it's supposed to. It all sounds like it's been compressed to one volume, there are no major peaks or anything. Granted around 2:40 has some nice quiet and then loud areas.

Arrangement is outstanding though. Better than anything I could do.

Congrats Sil.

Edit: Love the highwind part. Couldn't be happier with it. ;)

[Kodeir`]

Overall: Awesome :P


I don't know what that sound is... but there is this kind of annoying duck sound in the backround throughout the majority of the song. Aside from that sound... everything was great ^^. I can tell from reactions of friends that some people really won't appreciate it, or well... will get rubbed wrong. But for the amount of us who do like it I gotta say, it is a truely remarkable piece.

[SirRus]

I really enjoyed this. The judges will break down the technicalities of its OCR legitimacy, the students of orchestration will find the faults and beauties in the intracies of this piece, and I will forever enjoy this as a wonderful finale to Jeremy's Philharmonic Suites.

Sil has got MAD Skills. I bow down before his talent. I hope he continues to contribue excellent orchestral pieces to the site.

[Sefy]

OH MY GOD!! THIS IS THE BEST FF VII REMIX IN THIS SITE :D

[icycrispcow]

I agree with Jared that there seems to be no overall dynamic contrast throughout the piece. I did notice though that within the trumpet/horn section there were minor swells throughout. Chord structure and overall orchestration was top notch. Towards the end the low end sax (I'm hoping it was sax and not a brass instrument) didn't seem to fit and simply came off as an annoying buz.

There are several points, the beginning in particular where there were solitary note hits in the background which had no impact to the song and became distracting from the splendor of the high ended instruments.

Violin samples were supurb, I believe i heard piano underlying at some points but there was not much distiction.

Without being nit-picky I actually did enjoy this piece, I appreciate when remixers attempt to enhance sometimes already briliant scores with their own orchestral flare. Hope to see more work from you on OCR in the future (Possibly parts 2, 3, and 4 of the suite.)

[Strife.]

This song had about one high point for every low point. First, I couldn't tell what game (hell, SERIES) it was from until about 4:45. That doesn't really matter, as the first part was very orginal. Clear-cut, but it seemed cluttered and confused at times, much like a small lost child in Target. But like those lost children, I love to laugh at the terror in their eyes, I loved listening to this mix. ((Remember, more is not necessarily better!))

[tgfoo]

First off, I have to say that I overall enjoyed this piece. Of course, I've enjoyed pretty much everything that Jeremy has done. I don't really have a problem with it being close to the original, but like Jared said, I think a little more dynamic contrast would have helped. The entire song was just loud. I have a few other issues with the song, but I still thing it's very well composed and an enjoyable listen.

[Chandler]

Hey,

I am in love with video game music and one of my favorite songs is the Highwind theme from FF7.

I feel great at 4:26 of the song! :)

[bouncerboy15]

After hearing this mix, I can say only one word. Wow.

[Shhteve]

I am moved to tears. This is an incredible arrangement, I don't even know where to begin. The power and nostalgia this piece gave me in particular is incredible. (Someone finally remixed the airship theme, too!) Excellent work, and I recommend this to everyone, whether they are Final Fantasy fans or not. 8O

[WhiteZero]

Best...OC Remix... EVER.

I almost refuse to believe that this wasn't composed and performed by a symphony orchestra.

10/10

[CopycattVII]

I can here the flute and trumpet being not real. A real Orchestra uses lots of string, flute, clarinet in A, Clarinet in Bb and Oboe for melody. I DO however like the soundfonts being used. Wish there was some Contrabase, however this is written for a Philharmonic it has to use the insterments desinged for it... Trumpet, Tuba, Flute, Clarinet, Trombone... ect.... Snare drum sounds a bit.... ugh.. Not a lot of dynamic change... it think it would be cool to do some Fp's (Forete Piano) some pp (Pianoissimo) get quite them pop out some FFF (Forte Frotissiomo)! Persuccion should (must) have cressendos! 4:30 is bold, I like this part... a new theme I dont thnik has been used in a remix yet. The triplets... wow... um dont think those can be played on a clarinet like that. The brass has a resonating sound that isn't particaularly real... that kind of sound is for something big... not to be used all the time. It can sound quite disgusting. However overal arrangement, is specatular. Very well thought out and put. My compliments.

[Hyperion5182]

This is up there with Chu Chu's Flight in caliber. Once again OCRemix brings out the best and brightest. VERY VERY WELL DONE PIECE HERE! I usually wait for the torrents so i can DL them all at once. But being the FF master i am (1-X2 Yes tactics and the minor ones) I decided to DL this. I am glad very very glad i did I love it. :D

[Chrono721]

This Remix was one of the greatest remixes I have ever heard. Although I could tell wether the instrument was real, I still enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!
-Chrono721

[Darkside783111]

I must say that I am dissapointed with the finale to the Final Fantasy Phillharmonic Suite. Although the song stays true and the feeling is there, the way he places the music shows no musicianship. The whole piece seems to be a blow section, untill the end at least, and there is hardly any dynamic change throughout any of this piece. As mentioned by some of the earlier posts, the use of Forte Piano's could have greatly helped the impact of this arrangement. One positive about this piece would be how well he balanced the sound among the brass and wood wins.

Although I am a lover of Jeremy Robson's work, this piece, and the 4th installment, dissapoint me. While the first three compositions are some of the best arrangements that I have ever heard, these fail to meet thier predecessor's standards by a decent margin. However, I have heard most of what Jeremy Robson has to offer, and he is still one of my favorite Amature Composers.

For those who would like to hear Phillharmoic Suites 2-4, Here they are.

2-3
http://jeremy.narphonax.com/index2.html

4
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/jeremyrobsonmusic.htm

[MasterLionheart]

Great song, but as good as the 1st 4 Parts on the suite. I have to agree, it could use some Dynamics like fp and soft p or pp spots. the flute at some points just didn't sound real to me which surprises me with all the samples you use. overall I loved it (I like exciting peices, lol) but not as good as the first 4 parts.

[btangel]

yea...I can't believe this is done on the computer. Craaaazy.

[Red Light District]

man the two philharmonic suites are so...professional. there are a lot of insturmental remixes, but dang man...these were definately something else.

[btangel]

maybe it could've been better. But I'm amazed at his orchestration talents. It takes more than just dedication to produce something like this. I enjoyed it :)

[Prievert]

Hm, the arrangement is nicely done, the orchestra sounds fake though (as all synthesized orchestras unfortunately do...) Save some money and rent a real orchestra ;-)
Just kidding.

[Dragonblade]

I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!

[Dragonblade]

I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!
8O

[Kanjika]

Lol this is slightly dead...but ill review it anyway.

I wasnt quite thouroughally impressed lik lots of people. The SAMPLES, and the use of the samples are the best part. Miroslav strings are nice here, not the newest but theyre good. The violin was a bit thin though, and sounded like mono samples which can take away the effect of it filling the concert hall with sound. The use of the samples, like i said, is very good here.

The orchestration is good but not the OMG THA BEST REMIXZzzxS ON OCR...lol ( i absolutley hate those stupid posts that people make). Back on topic... it lacks 2 things : lots of variety and a real climax. Symphonies and crap include lots of sections...maybe starting with an upbeat allegro section...then slows down to a more relaxed, emotional section halfway into a piece, then crescendos back into something like the first section, but more vigorous-...then the finale. Near the end of this, theres more barass and it gets slightly more intense but sort of dies really quick...the second thing i think this lacks is use of instruments. There was like NO Contrabass part, a few woodwinds and not much brass. Sure, pieces focus on things, like strings, but this kind of randomly threw in something like a clarinet, then goes back to string sections/solo violin.

Those things aside, i think this is overall a very good piece and is worthy of being posted on OCR! Keep up the good music!

(P.s. Sorry for the typos, but i type way too fast :) )

[Putzy]

I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!
8O

http://jeremy.narphonax.com/index2.html
for part II and III

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/jeremyrobsonmusic.htm
For part IV

[Noodle]

hrmm 4 seems to be down...

[Noodle]

I reaaaally wanna hear that missing link (suite 4) anyone gonna hook the Noodle up? It's killing me the other were just awesome. PLEASE! :cry:

[Bummerdude]

This one got some real good felling here. If you have played the game, you can relive the moment when this was happening, but this time with better music, philharmonic music!Thanks JB for this solid and well made remix.
Now if you excuse me, I have to go and download the rest of your philharmonic parts.

[meccaneer]

I'm really impressed with the composition and sequencing. Though, there really isn't enough volume contrast. That's made up in length. Some of the samples are a bit weak but, overall Iam very impressed.

[dxnkxm]

powerful
sounds genuine unlike synthesizers
brass and strings puts a lot of power into this
music that was made to be more majestic than others
highly recommended

[Dracolixeous]

powerful
sounds genuine unlike synthesizers
brass and strings puts a lot of power into this
music that was made to be more majestic than others
highly recommended


I totally agree, it deserves to be on everyone's playlist. I don't know who wouldn't want such a magnificent piece of remixed music. From the original, it was taken a step further and made into an absolute masterpiece.

[Darkmetamorphasis]

Yeah, I agree, this Finale is rather good (but like the others have mentioned, I want the rest...) But I loved the them of the WEAPONs in FFVII, so having it orchestrated along with the Highwind theme is well, nirvana for me, hehe, so (I know I'm gonna end up saying this to all the remixes I like) Thanks for making this for us FF fans! Also, has anyone else noticed how the middle sounds well very Star Wars like? I thought it was just me, but I was told that also by a friend, so I thought that was rather interesting

[auronapern]

Fantastic! I mean really magnificent! "Weapon Raid" was one of the most intense songs of the game, but it always lacked something, and now I know what. That real power you get from hearing it in a full orchestra and not a two demensional synthesiser. This is by far one of my favorite remixes on this site. My hat's off to you Jeremy. You gave this piece a soul. I would love you to continue your suite!

[QuantumPolagnus]

I absolutely love each and every one of the songs in the philharmonic suite, but this one really blew me away. This song capitalizes on the already majestic origins (Weapon Raid) and really showcases just how awesome the song really is by taking it to the next level of majesty. Of course, I couldn't fail to mention the inclusion of the Highwind's theme, which is an awesome part of the Finale - it's probably my favorite single part of the song.

I'm sad that I happened upon these so late after they were made, but I managed to track down all of the files - the Opening, parts 1-4 and the Finale - and have uploaded them all to Youtube for those who are interested in checking them out in that format.

The playlist is located here:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5E095E305A49C76C

[OA]

Pretty exciting and dramatic stuff- the ending minute is completely spectacular! There were a lot of well used themes present, and the transitions were very solid.

Overall a really nice and exciting orchestral piece! :-)