ReMix:Final Fantasy VII "Philharmonic Suite: Finale" 6:27

By Jeremy Robson

cinematic classical orchestral duration-long

Arranging the music of one song...

"Weapon Raid"

Primary Game: Final Fantasy VII (Sony , 1997, PS1), music by Nobuo Uematsu

Posted 2004-10-30, evaluated by the judges panel

Jeremy Robson gives us the final chapter to his epic series of FF7 philharmonic/orchestral arrangements, quite the popular items amongst squareheads and fans of orchestral game mixes in general. Actually, it may not be the final chapter, in a certain sense, as the mixer indicates:

"I haven't yet decided if I'm going to continue with the suite. It contains several themes from FF7, but what people will instantly recognize in the first half is the music from Weapon's attack on Junon."

There was some revision from the initial submission, as some of the judges felt, and I agreed, that the low brass in the initial version was a bit 'blatty' (technical term) and needed to be toned back a bit, which the revision takes care of adeptly. It's a very dramatic piece, with build after build, plenty of climaxes, pushes, etc. (my favorite is 4'40", probably the strongest melodic section) and quite a bit going on, so adjusting even one element can help the whole thing come together a bit better. Robson has a knack for medley arrangement, filling in segues with original cinematic 'bridges' that very smoothly and naturally connect Uematsu's originals together in a larger context. He's got a good sense of moving parts too, with arpeggios and supporting instrumentation accompanying the primary themes every step of the way. A couple judges had some issues with the arrangement - you'll have to see the judges decision thread for that, as there wasn't a clear consensus along those lines, but most agreed the initial low brass was problematic and the revision MUCH improved, enough to change at least one vote. Larry rebutts some of the arrangement comments:

"Lots of good support instrument ideas made for creative additions I heard compared with the original, and I felt the "Weapon Raid" theme itself was altered pretty well. I'm not sure why anyone would potentially cry foul on the rearrangement. The source theme is 1:16 long and this mix doesn't seem to use the verbatim source structure as a crutch at all. Unless I somehow have the wrong theme, it's a fine medley piece. If I have the wrong theme from the PSF pack, let me know."

Arrangement's fine to me; actually, let me rephrase - I think it's more than fine, as personally I like the type of cinematic flair Jeremy embues Uematsu's pieces with, the transition work he's refined down to a pretty exact science, and the overall energy. It might be lacking some of the subtlety of a mature classical composition, but it's got all the energy and thematic mojo of a motion picture overture; I think that's really more where the roots are, and in that light I think the ReMixer does a superb job in handling the material. Ever the melody afficionado, I consider the big payoff to be 4'40", and might not have enjoyed the piece as much if I didn't consider it such an effective blending of leitmotifs heading into this climax; in any case, I think plenty of good folk will appreciate Robson's John Williamsifying of these classic FF7 themes, all things being equal. Celebratory, dramatic, and emphatic.

― djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
avatar
OA
on 2010-01-22 11:18:18

Pretty exciting and dramatic stuff- the ending minute is completely spectacular! There were a lot of well used themes present, and the transitions were very solid.

Overall a really nice and exciting orchestral piece! :-)

avatar
QuantumPolagnus
on 2009-09-30 23:04:08

I absolutely love each and every one of the songs in the philharmonic suite, but this one really blew me away. This song capitalizes on the already majestic origins (Weapon Raid) and really showcases just how awesome the song really is by taking it to the next level of majesty. Of course, I couldn't fail to mention the inclusion of the Highwind's theme, which is an awesome part of the Finale - it's probably my favorite single part of the song.

I'm sad that I happened upon these so late after they were made, but I managed to track down all of the files - the Opening, parts 1-4 and the Finale - and have uploaded them all to Youtube for those who are interested in checking them out in that format.

The playlist is located here:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5E095E305A49C76C

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auronapern
on 2006-07-05 12:03:37

Fantastic! I mean really magnificent! "Weapon Raid" was one of the most intense songs of the game, but it always lacked something, and now I know what. That real power you get from hearing it in a full orchestra and not a two demensional synthesiser. This is by far one of my favorite remixes on this site. My hat's off to you Jeremy. You gave this piece a soul. I would love you to continue your suite!

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Darkmetamorphasis
on 2005-12-01 18:21:14

Yeah, I agree, this Finale is rather good (but like the others have mentioned, I want the rest...) But I loved the them of the WEAPONs in FFVII, so having it orchestrated along with the Highwind theme is well, nirvana for me, hehe, so (I know I'm gonna end up saying this to all the remixes I like) Thanks for making this for us FF fans! Also, has anyone else noticed how the middle sounds well very Star Wars like? I thought it was just me, but I was told that also by a friend, so I thought that was rather interesting

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Dracolixeous
on 2005-11-19 23:54:05
powerful

sounds genuine unlike synthesizers

brass and strings puts a lot of power into this

music that was made to be more majestic than others

highly recommended

I totally agree, it deserves to be on everyone's playlist. I don't know who wouldn't want such a magnificent piece of remixed music. From the original, it was taken a step further and made into an absolute masterpiece.

avatar
dxnkxm
on 2005-10-09 21:22:42

powerful

sounds genuine unlike synthesizers

brass and strings puts a lot of power into this

music that was made to be more majestic than others

highly recommended

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meccaneer
on 2005-10-05 20:06:29

I'm really impressed with the composition and sequencing. Though, there really isn't enough volume contrast. That's made up in length. Some of the samples are a bit weak but, overall Iam very impressed.

avatar
Bummer
on 2005-09-21 12:04:36

This one got some real good felling here. If you have played the game, you can relive the moment when this was happening, but this time with better music, philharmonic music!Thanks JB for this solid and well made remix.

Now if you excuse me, I have to go and download the rest of your philharmonic parts.

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Noodle
on 2005-08-23 01:59:10

I reaaaally wanna hear that missing link (suite 4) anyone gonna hook the Noodle up? It's killing me the other were just awesome. PLEASE! :cry:

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Noodle
on 2005-08-23 01:39:26

hrmm 4 seems to be down...

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Putzy
on 2004-12-25 22:37:37
I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!

8O

http://jeremy.narphonax.com/index2.html

for part II and III

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/4/jeremyrobsonmusic.htm

For part IV

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Kanjika
on 2004-12-25 21:58:55

Lol this is slightly dead...but ill review it anyway.

I wasnt quite thouroughally impressed lik lots of people. The SAMPLES, and the use of the samples are the best part. Miroslav strings are nice here, not the newest but theyre good. The violin was a bit thin though, and sounded like mono samples which can take away the effect of it filling the concert hall with sound. The use of the samples, like i said, is very good here.

The orchestration is good but not the OMG THA BEST REMIXZzzxS ON OCR...lol ( i absolutley hate those stupid posts that people make). Back on topic... it lacks 2 things : lots of variety and a real climax. Symphonies and crap include lots of sections...maybe starting with an upbeat allegro section...then slows down to a more relaxed, emotional section halfway into a piece, then crescendos back into something like the first section, but more vigorous-...then the finale. Near the end of this, theres more barass and it gets slightly more intense but sort of dies really quick...the second thing i think this lacks is use of instruments. There was like NO Contrabass part, a few woodwinds and not much brass. Sure, pieces focus on things, like strings, but this kind of randomly threw in something like a clarinet, then goes back to string sections/solo violin.

Those things aside, i think this is overall a very good piece and is worthy of being posted on OCR! Keep up the good music!

(P.s. Sorry for the typos, but i type way too fast :) )

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Dragonblade
on 2004-12-25 21:28:13

I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!

8O

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Dragonblade
on 2004-12-25 21:27:19

I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!

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btangel
on 2004-11-14 21:36:48

maybe it could've been better. But I'm amazed at his orchestration talents. It takes more than just dedication to produce something like this. I enjoyed it :)

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Final Fantasy VII (Sony , 1997, PS1)
Music by Nobuo Uematsu
Songs:
"Weapon Raid"

Tags (4)


Genre:
Cinematic,Classical
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Orchestral
Additional:
Time > Duration: Long

File Information


Name:
Final_Fantasy_7_Philharmonic_Suite_Finale_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,281,603 bytes
MD5:
8abf7596d96d76717a2a187d344a5418
Bitrate:
128Kbps
Duration:
6:27

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