[djpretzel]

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

[debeerguy007]

This is an example of I how much I envy people who really know how to play the piano.

There is superb skill, no doubt. And this mix shows it. I really this guy's usage of dissonance in some places in the piece. Granted, too much dissonance can be a bad thing, but there's really no problems with it here. Very nice work indeed. Hats off to ya, noir. You can play.

[Arai]

I really enjoyed it. I hope I can see(hear?) more work from you in the future.

[Bahamut]

Hmm, that dissonance in the beginning is an interesting point in the mix - I can see why people would be split on this. As some of the judges mentioned, the first half is relatively uninteresting though - a straightforward rendition of the Battle Theme. The original section in the second half is much more interesting. As for how people would react to this piece, I think a lot of people would be left wanting more variation.

[Anonymous]

Another fine addition to the cadre of incredible piano arrangements. I love it.

[neminem]

Very nice work. This is truly a classic example of dissonance sounding really pretty. I am simply in awe at the work done to the prelude at the beginning, for instance. I have a feeling I know what Israfel was probably talking about, though he'd be able to state it much better than me - it sounded like the recording could have used some work (not that I could have done it even this good, myself) but the talent shining through more than makes up for it.

[Altima]

Reading DJPretzel's review I downloaded this mix with doubts that I would enjoy it, but it is surprisingly listenable, the dissonence doesn't detract from my enjoyment of it at all. Overall it just felt like an energetic and well played piano piece, quite similar to how FF6's piano album handled the boss theme I think, taking fast complicated pieces and converting them to piano music via flowing rolling play. The bass notes also keep the energy in the piece, adding a sort of pulse / heartbeat to the whole affair.

Though I don't think it's the kind of thing I can just zone out to while listening on headphones walking around, count me among this piece's (and Noir's) admirers.

[TheBeav]

Wow, that's one remix for the books, I think. Fast-paced, and done in piano ^_^. I don't see how a person can play like that, and do it that fast. Man I love this mix...its so powerful and in-your-face...well to me anyway. Anyway, 10/10.

[Adhesive_Boy]

I really like this mix - and looking throught the judges decisions thread, I was REALLY suprised that it was that close. To me, the dissonance in the bass note at the beginning is obviously put there intentionally to set a more ominous tone for the prelude that's played on top of it. After all, it is supposed to be the battle theme. And it is resolved shortly thereafter.

However, there do seem to be a few odd notes here and there - especially in the upper register around 1:26, and around 1:38 things get a little shoddy arrangement-wise. But there is some nice expansion on the original here that is subtle and really fits (like the part at 2:27, which is neat). And I really do admire this piece for taking more risks than a lot of other piano mixes I've heard that tend to be just mushy and oversimplified.

So...good work, Noir. Hope to see more from you.

[smh]

I can see why this is a borderline arrangement. The dissonance at the beginning, while not completely horrible, just doesn't sit well with me. There are a vast number of arpeggios that would sound better over the pedal point than the ones that were chosen here.

The first section is well played and has energy, but it doesn't introduce any interesting variation on the theme. The bassline with the octaves is cool at first but gets tiring after a while. I'd like to hear this piece played with some more interesting harmonies or a more dynamic bassline. This interpretation offers neither.

The second half is superior in terms of arrangement. However, several times it strays so far from the original theme that I barely remember what I am listening to. The arranger has shown their talent at creating a fleshed out arrangement on the piano, but now they must work on finding the right balance between the original material and their own variation, rather than displaying the two extremes separately.

I give this a 6/10, but encourage the artist to continue working on their formula, as it holds much potential.