ReMix: Vagrant Story 'Youthful Bravery'
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- Game: Vagrant Story (Square, 2000, PS1)
- ReMixer(s): Fredrik Häthén
- Composer(s): Hitoshi Sakimoto
- Song(s): 'Joshua'
- Posted: 2009-06-29, evaluated by the judges
Did someone say... Vagrant Story?? It's actually a little puzzling that we haven't posted a mix from VS until now, given Sakimoto's excellent score, but Swedish newcomer Fredrik Häthén (umlaut powaaa!) is here to change all that:
"I wrote this piano arrangement to be performed by myself at a concert. The audience had no idea the original song came from a game, and I wanted to see their reaction. The piece was well received by everyone, and I got the idea that I ought to record it in a more professional manner. It has been polished, tweaked and edited a lot, and now I submit it to OCremix to see how it's received there. The reason why I chose this song is that I love Vagrant Story's soundtrack, and this wonderful little theme in particular."
The intro here reminds me of a (good) solo piano horror soundtrack, where they're setting up the calm context of a house near the ocean somewhere in New England, but you know that... something ain't right. Fredrik's playing is articulate, oscillating between delicate and forceful, with great dynamic range, as the piece sways back and forth like trees in the (ominous) wind. With a title like "Youthful Bravery" I guess I'd expect something a little more upbeat - if not foreboding, the piece at least seems reflective rather than triumphant - but I'm certainly not complaining: either way, it's emotive stuff. Vinnie picked up on the same thing, more or less:
"Very different feel thanks to the changes in the dynamics here. This is very subdued and lonely, where the original felt more bombastic. There are some subtle changes that catch your attention because of the starkness of the piece. I really like this take; the playing is expressive and beautiful. The fact that the structure was nearly identical to the original wasn't an issue. There was more than enough personalization here."
Also in a similar vein, Larry wrote:
"Structurally, pretty straightforward in the manner of the original. I think part of the "drawback" is that it's not necessarily the most unique piano arrangement since it doesn't take many liberties with the structure. Nonetheless, comparing the two, the performance dynamics were much more pronounced in this take, and the ambient section in the original that went on for 30 seconds (:46-1:17 of the source video) was scrapped entirely, with Fredrik opting for some original writing that pieced together seamlessly with the source. This certainly isn't poorly performed or arranged, I just think the arrangement could have been more interpretive. That said, this was performed live with excellent results, and what's there works for me."
Sometimes simple, direct, emotive playing is all you need. Structure doesn't have to change too much for the overall tone to be modified, which alters the composition significantly and gives it a certain pensive melancholy. Nice to finally see some Vagrant Story arrangement, and an excellent solo piano debut from Mr. Häthén - check out his website, there's more where this came from.
Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the Tender.
- Polo on November 7, 2009
- Martin Penwald on July 19, 2009
I was originally going to comment on the brevity of this, but the more I listen to it, I think it's just the right length. Kudos on that.
My favorite moment is 1:50-2:00. It's just perfect, nothing else I can say about it. Oddly enough, I can only describe it as a sigh. Don't ask me why.
Great job, and I'd love to hear more from you!
- DragonAvenger on July 13, 2009
First of all, thanks a lot for the wonderful comments! I'm glad my little piano arrangement was liked by so many people.
Second: Yes, there is sheet music of this. However, the sheet music doesn't really resemble the final arrangement that much, since I took some liberties when I played it and switched some chords. If people are really interested in what the original looked like, I suppose I could share the sheet music.
Anyway, thanks again! I hope I'll be able to contribute more to OCRemix.
- Freddie_Phoenix on July 9, 2009
Good job.
- metalsnakejuice on July 4, 2009
- OA on July 1, 2009
This is a very well-done, a delicate touch but still filled with emotion - I love it. Great contribution!
- Final Hero on June 30, 2009
I guess I'll be the one to ask: is there sheet music available?
- Radiowar on June 30, 2009
I've always been interested in playing Vagrant Story, this could serve as a little nudge to go do it.
- abg on June 30, 2009
But yeah, welcome to OCR, Freddie! Hope to see more of you. :)
- Dhsu on June 30, 2009
- Tasogare on June 30, 2009
- BlackPanther on June 30, 2009
Keep it up! And I can't wait to hear more beautiful piano renditions from you. :)
- MattInc on June 30, 2009
- avaris on June 29, 2009
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