Video Games in Concert Vol 1, a symphonic album

[mrtrent]

Hello everyone!

For the past couple years I have arranged video game music for orchestra and wind symphony, but now I am raising funds to release my first studio recorded album with a 50 piece orchestra performing some of my arrangements. The tracks include the music of super mario bros, zelda, sonic, halo, final fantasy and more.

http://www.gofundme.com/videogamesinconcertvol1

[Mustin]

Hey there.

I checked out the page and the video. Quality stuff. Unfortunately, it's all been done before. I'd be much more interested in this project if there was a new twist - something we haven't heard before. But you very well know that these are all properties that appear in Video Games Live!, etc. Why not venture out for something different? How many times can Mario be orchestrated with the melody in the upper woodwinds with xylophone accents? Please don't misunderstand me - what you've done is amazing and not something most people can do. The arrangement of Mario is solid - the chords are very well built, you've picked the "right" instruments to carry the melodies, etc. But I've just heard it all before. Does that make sense?

Also, how are you going to get the licensing for the Sonic tracks? From everything I know, Tommy Tallarico himself had to pull major teeth just to get Green Hill Zone licensed (which does now allow for anyone in the U.S. to license it), but I'm just curious if you're working with good people.

Anyway, sorry to rain down on your Mario Sunshine, but that's just my two cents. I bet news outlets and gamers would be much more excited about a Mega Man orchestrated project (while so very often remixed for rock, etc., it's not often heard as orchestral) or I would personally donate body parts for a proper Jet Force Gemini orchestral recording, but I understand that is niche/obscure.

Best of luck and keep this thread informed!

[mrtrent]

Hey there.

I checked out the page and the video. Quality stuff. Unfortunately, it's all been done before. I'd be much more interested in this project if there was a new twist - something we haven't heard before. But you very well know that these are all properties that appear in Video Games Live!, etc. Why not venture out for something different? How many times can Mario be orchestrated with the melody in the upper woodwinds with xylophone accents? Please don't misunderstand me - what you've done is amazing and not something most people can do. The arrangement of Mario is solid - the chords are very well built, you've picked the "right" instruments to carry the melodies, etc. But I've just heard it all before. Does that make sense?

Also, how are you going to get the licensing for the Sonic tracks? From everything I know, Tommy Tallarico himself had to pull major teeth just to get Green Hill Zone licensed (which does now allow for anyone in the U.S. to license it), but I'm just curious if you're working with good people.

Anyway, sorry to rain down on your Mario Sunshine, but that's just my two cents. I bet news outlets and gamers would be much more excited about a Mega Man orchestrated project (while so very often remixed for rock, etc., it's not often heard as orchestral) or I would personally donate body parts for a proper Jet Force Gemini orchestral recording, but I understand that is niche/obscure.

Best of luck and keep this thread informed!

No, you have a valid point on the heard it before thing. See, I got into this stuff because of VGL and there isn't much out there for people in full ensembles so the decision to make that smb1 theme similar to VGL was because of its popularity among requests from orchestras. In the to-be released track, it follows my more original take on it.

Don't worry about sonic. I've gotten a license for Sonic 2 music previously. Was the trouble Tommy T. was having with getting license to perform or record and sell? Considering VGL was such a unique entity when it started, I imagine it would have been hard to get the right deal, but now over the years I think it's become more lax.

I miss Jet Force Gemini....I played only a few times but it was fun! But by all means, I appreciate all of your cents. Feedback is always helpful!

Edited July 14, 2013 by mrtrent

[The Legendary Zoltan]

That was very impressive. It reminded me of Mario Galaxy music. Have you done Sonic on orchestra? That must have been awesome. Yes, I would like to hear more unique arrangements as well. But you got a great thing going here. So many possibilities. I'll put in my request for some Xenogears music.

[mrtrent]

That was very impressive. It reminded me of Mario Galaxy music. Have you done Sonic on orchestra? That must have been awesome. Yes, I would like to hear more unique arrangements as well. But you got a great thing going here. So many possibilities. I'll put in my request for some Xenogears music.

Thank you! I do have a sonic score written out but unfortunately, that orchestra already had a pretty filled program for that night so they only used my Mario and Final Fantasy music. My sonic one ha green hill zone ( different from video games live lol), metropolis zone( sonic 2), final boss theme (sonic 3), and sky sanctuary zone ( sonic and knuckles).

I'll give a listen to some Xenogears tracks!

[Mustin]

What Sonic 2 track did you have licensed? What other work do you have available?

[mrtrent]

What Sonic 2 track did you have licensed? What other work do you have available?

Casino Night Zone is the first, mostly because I only own so few studio recordings of my own writing ( I am not a performer, and definitely not an entire orchestra lol).