ReMix: Final Fantasy IV 'Full of Courage'

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Final Fantasy IV: Echoes of Betrayal, Light of RedemptionFinal Fantasy IV

Justin's been waiting a long while for this orchestral ReMix, from Echoes of Betrayal, Light of Redemption, to be posted, but he's had plenty of other great pieces posted in the meantime. Way back when, he wrote:

"This is actually the first song that I created using my new Orchestral setup (EWQLSO). It originally started out with my free samples/soundfont setup, but I upgraded halfway through and ended up starting this from scratch. It wasn't my original intent to move from Red Wings to the FFIV Main Theme, but it seemed to be a nice progression during the quieter sections of the piece (there's a bit of me playing the flute for the first round of the Main Theme). I also touch on FF7 Anxious Heart on the intro a bit to create some tension, with a couple other really small allusions to other songs as well.

This song has been a blast to create since the FF4 soundtrack is one of my favorites and played a big role in getting me into music in general. The Red Wings theme at the beginning of the game has stuck with me in particular, so I'm glad to have a chance to remix it. Enjoy."

It's taken a good long while, but this was definitely a highlight of the album, and I'm glad I'm finally getting to post it. Justin's been constantly improving his craft, and he's almost certainly improved since this initial mix using his new configuration, but it's still great stuff. It's worth noting - again - that it was well employed very effectively in the excellent album trailer. Vinnie writes:

"I'd have liked to see a little more variation melodically, but structurally and harmonically, there was a lot going on here. I thought you gave these songs the sense of grandeur Uematsu was probably shooting for in the first place. I love the triplet strings entering at 3:55, closing out the piece with energy. The ending is a little strange - sounds as if it needs one more chord. It's an interesting touch."

For my mileage, the ending didn't strike me as odd (seems like it resolved logically...), but I would have liked more variety in the orchestral percussion department; I have a hard time with this myself, but sometimes exposed snare patterns sound dwarfed by the might of a full ensemble, and need some backup. From the opening chords to the epic, chromatic descending unison buildup that transitions into the trumpet lead, which is then restated with embellished brass counter-melody, though, this arrangement gives the source material a scope & grandeur appropriate to Uematsu's original and the narrative context as well. Great work from Justin, whose consistent presence on the last four group OC ReMix albums has added great, orchestral flavors to each.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 13 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
One amazing track from the album for sure. This orchestral pieces just brings a lot of the feelings of grand adventuring from the game into it, and makes it really epic. There are many ways that this could have played out, and I think this was the best way. Really, I don't know what much else to say beside that the emotions of this ReMix really help carry it along with the arrangement. Very good.

- Crulex on August 16, 2012
I had started a really long and touching post about this mix and the album it's from but then accidentally closed Firefox so it's lost forever. :(
Basically when I first heard this at the listening party, I teared up. Final Fantasy IV and nostalgia go pretty much hand in hand for me, so to hear this song take the sources above and beyond what I ever imagined.. I wish I could better articulate how amazing this song really is. Nutritious is just chock full of talent and I'm a huge fan of his orchestral work. There's a lot of emotion to it and it's stuff I could listen to all day.
Phenomenal opener for a phenomenal album. Really.

- Otakatt on December 5, 2010
Only 10 reviews? :O Such a beautiful piece of work and only 10 reviews.. I don't believe I can ever think of FFIV again without thinking of this remix, with its evolving mood and interest that very much match up to my experiences with FFIV : mild fascination at first, but passionate adoration by the time I fought Zeromus. I thought it welded the two themes together very agreeably and sensibly, taking the listener on a nice little musical journey into the major themes of FFIV.
A great way to start off the album, no doubt.

- SoulinEther on August 1, 2010
The glockenspiel(?) at the very beginning is beautiful but it needs to be louder. The chords tend to drown out the spicier moments in the mix, imho but a MAGNIFICENT piece all around great job :<

- Mtlbro on May 2, 2010
Indeed, this is a nice song to start off the album - got the Red Wings going on starting the song with a slow march, progressing into a slower, calmer bit, only to launch back into a heightened dramatic part and the sudden end, leaving the listener on a cliffhanger, which results in leaving the listener to find out what's next.

- Bahamut on April 2, 2010
It sounds quality. XD
I do kind of echo the sentiments about the snare getting drowned in the rest of the epic sound, but I really like the layers and textures laid out in the orchestral soundscape. I started using EWQLSO too, but everything still sounds inorganic and mechanical. I think I'm a novice with very professional tools. =_=
Keep those winds and strings soaring. =]

- Ceracryst on March 31, 2010
I think this is good, but the tempo needs to be faster. It doesn't match the origional.

- Balto on March 31, 2010
I've always liked this track. It does have a courageous feel to it, and I'm glad that it's finally posted on the site proper.

- Mirby on March 31, 2010
a_d;660915 wrote: I like your Full of Hope arrangement better, but this is still epic, as is the source tune

Agreed, wholeheartedly. This is definitely on my "Favorites" playlist, as is Full of Hope. Great instrumentality.

- Melbu Frahma on March 31, 2010
This was a completely epic way to open the album, and I love the track. It really captures the feeling of FF IV for me, and the way it soars always makes me think of airships. :-)
Awesome work, man! Excellent stuff!

- OA on March 31, 2010
I like your Full of Hope arrangement better, but this is still epic, as is the source tune

- a_d on March 30, 2010
I like the feel to it. Certainly nice. But hasn't this remix been out for a while? I recall hearing it before. I am assuming it was updated, but either way, it is still a good remix.

- BlazeCyndaquil on March 30, 2010
What did you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

- djpretzel on March 29, 2010