ReMix:Killer Instinct "The Wolf of the Opera" 3:30

By Uboichi

Arranging the music of one song...

"Tooth & Claw"

Primary Game: Killer Instinct (Nintendo , 1995, SNES), music by Graeme Norgate, Robin Beanland

Posted 2004-12-08, evaluated by the judges panel


When I think Killer Instinct, I don't particularly think piano solo, but we're all about defying conventions and adapting/retrofitting old tunes in new contexts, and newcomer Uboichi does exactly that with this arrangement. Technically it's a piano duet, though both weren't played at the same time, as there's not one but two fairly dark Grands at work. No Opera singing, so if that's not your gig, don't worry (though you should reconsider and check out Puccini and Wagner, etc.) - straight piano(s) and no libretto for this wolf's Opera. The common comments from the judges were that the mix is an interpretive and creative arrangement, recorded well enough, but that the performance could have been a bit more human, had more dynamic contrast, and held back on the heapin' helpin' of staccato, all of which I'd agree with. The pianos are a bit dark, but this is more a personal preference thing, as Steinways, Bosendorfers, Kawaiis, Young Changs, etc. all have their own timbre. The moody judge who used to be a system MANIAC writes:

"Original, well-sequenced and moody. Would have liked to hear more dynamic contrast, and there are a few little sound quality issues, mostly staccatos that are just a bit too short. Nice work."

Which is an equitable and measured appraisal, methinks. The strong element here is the overall concept and adaptation, and the sequencing is dramatic and note-heavy in a good way. I could have seen this, as Jesse suggested, developing into a full orchestration with deep cellos and some accentuating percussion, but as is it's an interesting, unexpected take on Killer Instinct that gives the button masher some classical chops.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Bejack
on 2013-08-24 00:07:21

Very good piano arrangement! I remember when I got this game I had the Killer Cuts CD that came with it and this was one of my favorite tracks. That CD may still be somewhere in my belongings...

Anyways, I really like what you have done here, for a piano only arrangement i believe you have captured the essence of the original which is a full orchestrated song, not an easy task. Personally I would have ended the song on that chord at 3:15 but other than that I really enjoy this ReMix.

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Daemos
on 2012-03-30 16:37:47

The player of the piano is very skilled, the melody is rather moody, and kinda reminds me of black/white cartoon music. Maybe it's just me.

the piano seems a little off on the high end, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's just how that piano plays.

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Crulex
on 2010-02-07 14:25:55

Loving it. The piano only sounding verison of this theme is really good and simple. Don't really get why everyone is knocking it, as it has a beautiful melody and doesn't seem to trip over notes. Granted, I will note the almost robotic sound at times, but I like it. Nice!

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OA
on 2009-06-01 15:11:17

The arrangement is great, but it is pretty mechanical sounding. The different sections have great transitions, and there is some real power behind the chords. I really liked the arpeggios as well, and even though i'm unfamilir with the source, the mix is compelling enough to make me want to check it out.

I'd love to hear this performed live with 2 pianos. :-)

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Raffael Zabbot
on 2008-07-26 04:08:01

Beautiful song, it made me feel so nostalgic...

Actually I like this stripped-down piano version. If the intention was to make it more operistic, it could have a more orchestral approach, but as it is, it's just fine.

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Ranch Doritos
on 2008-01-30 17:08:15

I liked it because I love Sabertooth... buh where'z the life ? Where'z the dramatic enterances? Where'z the Strings!!

Please remake another!

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Dionyseus
on 2006-10-10 16:18:23

Has potential, however this recording lacks emotion, sounds like a robot played it.

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Darkmetamorphasis
on 2005-12-02 20:06:22

I really liked this song. I did really remind me of an opera (well that if KI made an opera) But I would've liked it better if there were at least some strings added, but nonetheless, its very good.

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okami_chi
on 2005-12-01 18:10:29

This game is a classic, and the way you brought out one of my favorite character themes of all time was spectacular. The piano layering was well done, and thank you for keeping in beat... it drives me nuts to listen to a song that can't choose which beat to follow. This one earned my liking... which isn't easy...

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meccaneer
on 2005-10-07 12:25:09

I miss that dog. I still have the Killer Cuts CD.

I really dig the piano work here; impressive playing. And I think there is enough contrast. At first listen, I liked the original more since there is so much more going on. After a few listens, I realized that this piano solo is very good in it's own accord. I would love to hear it in concert.

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SiC-DCoN
on 2005-08-11 21:20:22

Killer Instinct definitely has some cool fukin music man. Whoever is out there PLZ make more remixes of KI music or even from Gold but man something has to be released. The game kicks ass.

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DJ Pili
on 2005-08-11 17:56:22

I like the original song, and this ReMix pays good homage to it. However, this song would sound better if played with a real pipe organ and some cellos.

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linkwolf
on 2005-08-11 13:19:30
:? cool remix but i think it's done better by darangen. go to his site the link is on this site and look for vgremix link and look for the song deck the claws.this verson is closer to the killer cuts verson. just with heavy guitar and snyth guitar riff's over the piano. very cool check this one out guy's :)
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Art_lover
on 2005-05-12 11:48:55

I thought it was a nice piano remix to Saberwolf's theme even if it wasn't to almost everyone's standards of a good remix (yes I've read the reviews). Quite enjoyable to listen to and I added it to my playlist.

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Corporal Eschebone
on 2004-12-23 23:55:50

I have the CD that this song [Tooth Claw] is from... Except I don't know where it is and haven't listened to it in years. Even still, the melody is very familiar...

But anyway, I like it, even if it isn't very complex or anything. Nice background music.

Sources Arranged (1 Song)


Primary Game:
Killer Instinct (Nintendo , 1995, SNES)
Music by Graeme Norgate,Robin Beanland
Songs:
"Tooth & Claw"

Tags (2)


Genre:
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Piano
Additional:
Arrangement > Solo

File Information


Name:
Killer_Instinct_The_Wolf_of_the_Opera_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
3,526,986 bytes
MD5:
a445c84b7df7379f41705d4bfd3643ac
Bitrate:
130Kbps
Duration:
3:30

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