ReMix:Halo: Combat Evolved "Sierra-117" 3:32

By Laura Platt

Arranging the music of one song...

"Halo"

Primary Game: Halo: Combat Evolved (Microsoft , 2001, XBOX), music by Marty O'Donnell, Michael Salvatori

Posted 2015-08-31, evaluated by the judges panel


Pl511 follows up a lovely solo piano Zelda medley debut from last year with a stirring, cinematic orchestral arrangement of a modern classic - the main theme from Halo:

"This mix was conceptualised about two years ago, a long time before I had enough of the software to achieve the level of quality that would do the original track justice. Since then, my orchestral writing has improved pretty significantly, and - with about 10 arrangements under my belt - I finally feel like this kind of stuff is OCR standard.

Most arrangements and remixes I've heard of the track lack the emotion of the original, and, with this particular arrangement specifically, I've been attempting to breath a little life into what is now quite a cliché track to work on. As well as a lot of variation and artistic license used throughout, I've also composed two or three melodies to accompany and serve to enhance the original main melody. Hope you all enjoy it, it's been a blast to work on!"

I love what's been done with the voicings, dynamics, and supporting patterns, here, turning the original into something with a Thomas Newman feel; it specifically reminds me of the main theme from Angels in America, which was amazing. Liontamer writes:

"On the arrangement side, this was a very cool cinematic approach with a very different mood than the original, some parts plaintive, some parts hopeful. For my taste, the textures plodded a little bit once the energy peaked from 1:38-2:22. That said, the entire gradual build was very well written, with subtle rises in the density and energy level, and even during the fullest parts, there was enough variation in the leads and textures to keep the track evolving. Much like Arkimedes/Leitbur did in the past, Pl511's certainly achieved a drastically different side of Halo music. Nice job!"

Emunator adds:

"Very nice job on the arrangement and dynamics of the piece - your orchestral elements ebb and flow around the consistent piano arpeggios in a way that reminds me of the work of Ludovico Einaudi, one of my favorite pianists. The string work in your track is gorgeously articulated, and the winds, while not quite as convincing, don't detract your mix in any significant way. I found this whole piece to be very moving :)"

It's great work all around; to me, the Newman influence (whether it's conscious, subconscious, or just coincidental) is striking, and the instrumentation, dynamics, and timing all come together to successfully convey that type of aesthetic, which ALSO happens to work really well with this source. Great stuff that puts a distinct spin on a familiar source; also cool to see Pl511 return with another mix, and switch from solo piano to a broader palette without skipping a beat.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 8 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
avatar
Crulex
on 2016-12-03 21:25:18

Aw, man, this is absolutely stunning and magnificent. Definitely can echo the sentiments of this being very cinematic and score like in both arrangement and quality. All the instrument samples blended in well together and compliment each other into sounding better together rather than apart, and having heard the Halo theme done so many ways over the years, this a fresh, beautiful take on it that I sincerely relish. You got skills, man, glad to have heard this one.

avatar
LuckyXIII
on 2016-07-15 04:49:16

I don't mean to be uncouth, but this is just goddamn beautiful.

I work for public affairs for a joint military agency under the Office of the Secretary of Defense, our mission to recover remains of service members who never made it home from past wars. I've used some remixes in past products, but this is just PERFECT. I'm producing a PSA for National POW/MIA Recognition Day and this mix...my God...once I have the final product done and okay'ed I'll share the link with all who may be interested - and I take extra special care to ensure the remixers and OCR get proper attribution.

Dear lord, OCRemix is a treasure and this remix is a gem.

avatar
Vaizar
on 2015-12-31 17:57:32

Very cinematic, definitely feels like a film score. Fits the theme of Halo really well. Great production with a lush, full soundscape as well. Good work!

avatar
Chernabogue
on 2015-12-15 15:34:48

I thought it would be a piano-only arrangement, but lots of instruments were added then. The woodwind's samples are decent. Then all the orchestra is coming up, and it's really nice! Beautiful arrangement, and clean production, which is difficult for an orchestral remix. Nice job!

avatar
VinnyMac
on 2015-09-01 19:46:20

Beautifully done!

avatar
BONKERS
on 2015-09-01 04:00:23

Always great to see Halo arrangements!

avatar
Geoffrey Taucer
on 2015-08-31 14:21:31

I don't usually like orchestral arrangements, but I love this one.

avatar
djpretzel
on 2015-08-31 13:35:47

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

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Halo: Combat Evolved (Microsoft , 2001, XBOX)
Music by Marty O'Donnell,Michael Salvatori
Songs:
"Halo"

Tags (9)


Genre:
Cinematic
Mood:
Epic,Suspenseful
Instrumentation:
Oboe,Orchestral,Piano,Strings,Woodwinds
Additional:
Time > 4/4 Time Signature

File Information


Name:
Halo_Sierra-117_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,818,140 bytes
MD5:
2f1ceb216113432d225521e9fe1fe045
Bitrate:
215Kbps
Duration:
3:32

Promotion

8-bit Jazz Heroes - Press Start
View All

Latest Albums

View All

Latest ReMixes