OCR00724 - Super Mario RPG 'Farewell, Star Guardian'

[Saunders]

Super Mario RPG 'Farewell, Star Guardian'

I must honestly say that I don't care much for this tune personally. But that's because I prefer more upbeat stuff. This is a well done mix, that I've heard before from VGMix.
Great song. But I found it rather boring. Sorry Russ.

[ella guro]

I have to completely disagree with Rob here. I think this is a spectacular and emotional remix that's just about as exicting as can be for an orchestral mix. Just as DJP says, the transition between "sections" is seamless, the instruments are all good quality, and everything is very well arranged. Not much else I can say here besides download it, especially if you like orchestral stuff, because this is just about the best you can get for that genre.

[Kylin Rouge]

Excellent remix. It's about time people are realizing the possibilites with Super Mario RPG. Almost all of its classic music can be made much better with more complex music than midi.

[Sesshoumaru]

i agree...excellent remix. i like classical music, so this hits the spot with not drab classical, but more upbeat classical.

[AnotherOneBitesTheDust]

Hm, strangely enough, I was thinking about how somebody should remix this recently. I almost wish the beginning was longer. I love this game (even if the story isn't that exciting, but hey, neither is Super Mario Bros's.) and if I had remixing skills I would do this whole soundtrack...well...mostly all of it.

After the first melody is over, the next one is kinda just "there" throughout the rest. Maybe I need to listen to it again. Being the most kinda slow orchestratable (mmm, orchestratable) track from the game, it doesn't have the same jumpy feel as all the others, most likely making those who have played the game once, forgetting about the ending music, expect the opposite.

Great way of making the original sound better!

[G0Ld-AnGeL]

ohh my god this remix is very sad :cry: lolll
or mario rpg its favorite game on snes

[Old Omen]

A nice, gentle lullaby sort of piece, something of which there is so little on this site. I dismissed it as dull at first, but I listened to it again and came to appreciate it for what it was. Not everything can be One Winged Angel, and it's good to hear something less driving every now and then. The overall tone quality is great, and it sounds like it was played in a concert hall. The oboe is brilliant; I always like a good oboe. The upbeat section at 3:33 was, in my opinion, a good way to round things out. Well done.

[Russell Cox]

WARNING! COMPOSER RAMBLINGS!
I do appreciate all of the comments from everyone that I have received so far. Rob's opinion stands out the most in my mind for several reasons -- he didn't attack me, didn't proclaimed that the piece was terrible in a whole, just not to his usual liking (though I've seen some positive reviews from him before), and didn't make any derogatory remakes. I do enjoy a lot of positive responses, but even negative ones like Rob's do help to remind us not to get a big head. THAT is was I like to see in people that don't like a particular song, as I know that not everyone is going to like every song that I do.

Someone suggested that I make some comments on every song in the future in case someone is interested to know how I achieved a certain effect. Well...here goes:

For those interested, the opening instrument was originally planned to be a piano solo before the pizzacato strings and harp enter, but the piano just didn't seem right. However, the combination of a vibraphone down low for the bass tones with a celeste for the driving force worked a lot better in trying to achieve a childhood feel -- I like the term lullaby that has almost become synonomous with this particular remix.

I choose a celeste because it's a combination of two instruments -- a glockenspiel and a piano for those of you that don't know what a celeste is. It's basically a very rare (and extremely expensive) instrument that is like an upright piano. However, instead of the hammers hitting strings like a piano, the hammers hit metal bars much akin to a glockenspiel. It's used mainly when a composer wants a glockenspiel sound, but a lot 'fuller.'

However, it's not a common instrument and should not be used repeatedly just on whim. They aren't mass produced and are built to oder with a very hefty price tag. Very few orchestras have one and if one does have a celeste, that particular orchestra always leases it out to nearby orchestras since they are so rare. Many people may not have heard of one and the two best examples I can give at this point are "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies" from The Nutcracker Suite by Peter Tchaikovsky and various songs from Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone: The Sountrack by John Williams.

[cubedcinder128]

I loved this remix. It makes me think what Super Mario RPG could've sounded like on the cancelled CD-ROM addon for Super NES...

Keep up the great work, Russell Cox!

[Metasquares]

This remix is one of my favorites... kind of makes me feel like I'm in a Mario RPG concert or something. This would be the last song in the playlist... I can just imagine everyone applauding, getting up, and going to their cars which this is playing :)

[Jimmy the Lip]

Being a patron of both OverClocked Remix and VGMix with a broad listening range and a particular appreciation of orchestral pieces, I must say that Mr. Cox’s “Farewell, Star Guardian” from the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is one of the best orchestral arrangements of a video game piece that I have ever heard, and that is saying something. The piece comes in with a delicate celeste that gradually gives way to pizzicato strings and a harp, making the intro sound very similar to a music box. From there, the arrangement progresses to a string ensemble with occasional brass backup and an oboe playing the lead melody. The song slows down a little past the halfway mark, losing instrumentation until only the original celeste remains, but it quickly changes to a much livelier pace and goes into full-blown orchestration. This well-executed piece ends with much the same sort of music box tone with which it began.
I have heard many orchestral arrangements of selections from video game scores, including all the Orchestral Game Concert albums, and I believe that this piece tops even some of the pieces from OGC, at least in execution and arrangement. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars had one of the best soundtracks for any game on a Nintendo system, and I believe that Mr. Cox’s professional-quality orchestral arrangement of one of the best pieces from the score more than does it justice. There really should be more orchestral pieces of this calibre on this website (other than Mr. Cox’s other admirable orchestral arrangements, which are all very high calibre).

[Ace-Of-War]

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars had one of the best soundtracks for any game on a Nintendo system, and I believe that Mr. Cox’s professional-quality orchestral arrangement of one of the best pieces from the score more than does it justice.

So true, I was very impressed with Marios take on the RPG genre. The music is unbelieveable... Bukkis Tango I had to listen to over and over again, and after discovering this work for Geno, It hit my playlist in a heartbeat. Very, Very nice stuff.

Edit: Messed up tags for almost 4 months. :oops:

[SsaiskK]

being that im taking on a similar piece and i have received some critique from russell, i would have to say this is very good. although my abilities will never reach the caliber of work that russell produces already, i sure hope i can 'emulate' something like this.

the instrumental transitions are amazing.. i like how the melody first enters. oboe sounds good ;) im used to nice oboe solos, a great addition. i look forward to more!

[PassivePretentiousness]

I reckon here I've found yet another high quality Super Mario RPG mix. I have to wonder why more people don't remix the game, considering the results are usually so good. I guess the song does sound expondentially better if you've beaten the game... though this song is one that takes the "let's update the instruments and do little else" style of remixing well. 5/8 (4/8 if you've never beaten the game, 6/8 if you have)

[Bass Clef Man]

NOOOOOOOO!!! Geno, come back!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

Ah, I love this mix. I love this song. Someday I'm going to buy FL and do this game a little more justice... anyway, about the mix. I like the opening bells a lot, and the pizzicato strings that fall in perfectly. The melody just flies in and a few minutes later, when you play it again, you wonder how it ever became so melodic with those, what, 4-6 instruments. This is honestly one of the best orchestral mixes that I've heard on OCR. Kudos to Russell!

[fisherman]

Lush, seamless and complete are definitely words I'd use o describe this piece. The way everything works together is fantastic... Russell's work is always fabulous. Already on my in-list of songs from the site.

[Duos_Acolyte]

this is a must have in my opinion

i have luved this game always, so this song is just a song to have even if you haven't played the game

[Nigel Simmons]

Man, how'd I miss this one? Good stuff. We need more (orchestral)remixes like this on this site! It does clip out a lot, though, but it's not too annoying.

[invulnerable23]

I first downloaded this a while ago.. great remix.. It.. almost.. :cry: make sme cry.. I find myself standing up , crying, screaming "GOODBYE STAR GUARDIAN!!!"

[Yupip]

THIS BRANG A TEAR TO MY EYE! :cry: I love this mix! russ you are a genious! I remember days i would come home and listen to the original track from the game because it was so good! :cry: but THIS!!!!! IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STU-TASTICALY FAN-TABULOUS!!!!!!!!!! I COULD LISTEN TO THIS ALL DAY AND NIGHT AND NEVER GOT BORED! :)!! :)!! :)!! the orchestra is done so well! did you use a real one?
It sure sounds like you did! THIS IS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD THAT ITS BETTER THAN ANY KINGDOM HEARTS TRACK! I have to have more! PLEASE!! I beg of you! :puppyeyes:

[Corporal Eschebone]

50% happy, 50% sad, but it's one of those strange, mathematically impossible times where equal amounts of oppisites don't cancel out, but intertwine nicely to create a confused remix. (I sound like some sort of crazy art critic, don't I? :roll: )

Approval Rating: 87.5%

(As stated before in another post, my approval ratings are not based on school grades.) (Yes, I am copying-and-pasting this disclaimer on every review I'm going to make tonight. :twisted: )

[bluebeetle]

8O You also done my Favorite song from Ninja Gaiden!
You truely are the best! I love your music!

[Nicole Adams]

Russell Cox knows what he's talkin' about in the forums so I decided to have a first listen to his stuff. This song is amazing! It was well arranged, the dynamics are awesome and I love how an instrument performs a solo then the rest of the instruments come in. Amazing work here man!

[Storm Eagle]

A great song to listen to when I'm in not in the mood for something uber-fast that'll kick me in the face.

It takes the original, and works in a very nice orchestral sound. Gives a nice emotional feel to the piece, just like the original theme did.... very nice to see Cox didn't go changing too much around. Like I've said before, I'm usually not too fond of orchestral pieces (just not my favourite style), but every now and then, one catches my attention. This one is easily one of those.

Not my favourite mix, but there's no denying how well done it is. Props to Cox.

[Infinite HP]

Well, I love SMRPG, so I'm obviously biased in saying that I really enjoyed this piece. I would really enjoy seeing/hearing more mixes come from this game, as it has some really good pieces in it...

[Conqueso]

THIS BRANG A TEAR TO MY EYE! :cry: I love this mix! russ you are a genious! I remember days i would come home and listen to the original track from the game because it was so good! :cry: but THIS!!!!! IS SOOOOO[goes on forever and stretches the page] STU-TASTICALY FAN-TABULOUS!!!!!!!!!! I COULD LISTEN TO THIS ALL DAY AND NIGHT AND NEVER GOT BORED! :)!! :)!! :)!! the orchestra is done so well! did you use a real one?
It sure sounds like you did! THIS IS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD THAT ITS BETTER THAN ANY KINGDOM HEARTS TRACK! I have to have more! PLEASE!! I beg of you! :puppyeyes:

I hate you. SO. MUCH. RIGHT. NOW.

ANYway, I'm a big fan of Russell's work, and this was a song I enjoyed a great deal in the game, so of course, this mix is teh r0x0rs. I like hearing some striaght orchestral mixes after seeing techno after techno after...well, you know what I mean.

[harvest-goddess]

Okay since I have nothing else to do right now I am going to tell you my story of how I stumbled upon this great mix. Well when I used to have Kazaa (evil.. pure EVIL..) I was bored, so I looked up songs for SMRPG. The first one that popped up was this one. I didn't know about OCR back then, by the way. Anyway I downloaded, and I absolutely fell in love! It almost brought tears to my eyes! I listened to it for days. I really like orchestral music and this is, is, is genius. So anyway, after listening to it about a million times, I wanted to find where it came from.. I looked up the description and it said "http://remix.overclocked.org" of course I went! And that's how I found out about OCR and this lovely mix. Wonderful job.

[Lizz]

All I can say is... wow. It's so true to the original. It's as if you've just taken the original .spc and used some secret coolifying program to make it sound so great. This is one of my favorites. On the last part where the celesta finishes playing, you can just imagine Geno flying off into the sky, the other party members waving a goodbye.
I first downloaded this while watching stars on a clear night. It's one of the things that makins time stop and you have control over the universe... then your neighbors come along, blasting their rapcrap. So I took my boombox and turned up the volume, aimed riiight at the window. I say this gets a five out of five.

[Dr. Wily]

Such a delight to listen to, I enjoyed this even more than your 'To Zanarkland Once Again' (that I first heard on rpgamer.com years ago). It has that touchingly sad melody combined with a certain inexplicable liveliness in parts that makes it quite bittersweet, wonderfully accentuated when it needs to be, well done sir.

[Jabberbox]

a tribute to the most origional mario,nay,nintendo character
the only one that could pump lead, from the best mario game EVER made.
GENO! COME BACK!!!!!!!

[Jabberbox]

WARNING! COMPOSER RAMBLINGS!
I do appreciate all of the comments from everyone that I have received so far. Rob's opinion stands out the most in my mind for several reasons -- he didn't attack me, didn't proclaimed that the piece was terrible in a whole, just not to his usual liking (though I've seen some positive reviews from him before), and didn't make any derogatory remakes. I do enjoy a lot of positive responses, but even negative ones like Rob's do help to remind us not to get a big head. THAT is was I like to see in people that don't like a particular song, as I know that not everyone is going to like every song that I do.

Someone suggested that I make some comments on every song in the future in case someone is interested to know how I achieved a certain effect. Well...here goes:

For those interested, the opening instrument was originally planned to be a piano solo before the pizzacato strings and harp enter, but the piano just didn't seem right. However, the combination of a vibraphone down low for the bass tones with a celeste for the driving force worked a lot better in trying to achieve a childhood feel -- I like the term lullaby that has almost become synonomous with this particular remix.

I choose a celeste because it's a combination of two instruments -- a glockenspiel and a piano for those of you that don't know what a celeste is. It's basically a very rare (and extremely expensive) instrument that is like an upright piano. However, instead of the hammers hitting strings like a piano, the hammers hit metal bars much akin to a glockenspiel. It's used mainly when a composer wants a glockenspiel sound, but a lot 'fuller.'

However, it's not a common instrument and should not be used repeatedly just on whim. They aren't mass produced and are built to oder with a very hefty price tag. Very few orchestras have one and if one does have a celeste, that particular orchestra always leases it out to nearby orchestras since they are so rare. Many people may not have heard of one and the two best examples I can give at this point are "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies" from The Nutcracker Suite by Peter Tchaikovsky and various songs from Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone: The Sountrack by John Williams.
ok, half of those instruments i've never heard of

[Happy_Metroid]

As a (Past) concert oboe-ist I love this kinda stuff. Russel's rendition of the Guardian Legend Theme was the first to get me hooked. This is such a nicely done piece that really gets to the heart of the original. By chance what hardware (synth or otherwise) do you use? There are a couple of songs I'm itchin to remix in this same fashion but my current tally is: Remix equip= computer.

[jordex]

This is such a beautiful piece it makes me cry...

This is definatly movie quality

[Jabberbox]

hmm, well made, definately well made, worthy of being part of a movie soundtrack, or a life montauge (dear God, I hope im speling this word right)(you know, a montuge of pictures to music, maybe somevideo footage and some qquotes to music shown at ones funeral (if they choose a celebration funeral rather than a mounful funeral) to celebrate ones life)
I lik how it does justice to the theme, I love the game, paper mario needds ggeno in it, paper mario 3, ill force them to put geno in it. I swear. he was freakin awesome.
HE SUMMONED BEAMS OF LIGHT FROM THE SKY TO KILL!
HE HAD A 99999 ATTACK!
HE HAD A FREAKING ARM CANNON!
anyway, they need to put him back in.

[RimFrost the Tourianist]

Well at least it's a nice lullaby.
The seamless transitions makes for a good moodsetter.

[TakagiNaoSama]

Ok, I know it's been like 6 years since this piece was made, but I MUST tell you what an impact it's made on me.

Super Mario RPG is my favorite nostalgic game of all time, and listening to the precious few remixes not only brings back my childhood memories but reminds me what an incredible soundtrack those old SNES games could have.

Your remix of "Seeing Dreams Through the Window of the Stars" sends chills through me every time I listen to it, and has, on more than one occasion, literally made tears pour from my eyes. The melody is so hauntingly beautiful on its own, but you enhanced it so perfectly that every emotion inside me just wants to explode.

Call me crazy, but I just needed to give my thanks to you and try to convey what this song makes me feel, which can't be described in words. Thank you :)

~Samantha
http://cosplay.takaginaosama.com (http://cosplay.takaginaosama.com/)

[OA]

A really nice lullaby that even without percussion has some excellent textures. I love the delicate harp and bells mixed in with the strings, and the woodwinds and brass are also well used. Transitions are great, and the source melody is really well suited to the treatment.

A great mix, definitely check this one out.

[MechaFone]

Absolutely fantastic. I love the music of SMRPG, and this remix pays homage to it with talent and believable emotion. Very well done.