ReMix:Final Fantasy VI "Elegy for a Ruined World" 10:43

For today we've got one of the highlights of Final Fantasy VI: Balance and Ruin, a 10+ minute symphonic journey from Jeremy Robson (arrangement) and Derek Oren (production) that magnificently melds multiple melodies from Uematsu's magnum opus. Derek writes:

"Elegy" represents over 200 arranging, composition, and production hours. It's dark and sad, but yet beautiful and joyful at times. I believe it captures the essence of Vaughn Williams and his contrasting styles of composition. My favorite progression is 6:10-7:14. Jeremy has stated to me that he believes this passage is some of the best writing he's ever done, I'd have to agree with him. It's absolutely breathtaking and I did my best to do it justice.

Made with Cakewalk Pro Audio, Cakewalk Sonar, EWQL Hollywood Strings and Hollywood Brass. The woodwinds are VSL Instruments and the percussion is Project SAM and EWQL.

"Breathtaking" is right; Derek & Jeremy came correct, clearly understanding that Balance and Ruin called for something larger than life, something that transcended the expected and delivered not just an arrangement but an experience. At over ten minutes, running a play-by-play on this seems unnecessary; suffice it to say that there's great solo AND ensemble writing, attention to dynamics, variety, and an intelligent & creative handling of the source material. In the absence of more elaborate analysis & pontification, I'm gonna let album director Andrew "zircon" Aversa sum things up & close us out:

"The "Dark World" theme in FF6 plays during one of the most lonely, heartbreaking parts of the game, and the original music was intentionally quite oppressive and dreary. And while this rendition of theme certainly contains elements of that despair, Derek and Jeremy have created an extended story with this piece - and have infused it with a sense of liveliness and hope that's breathtaking. The various themes and movements in this piece weave in and out of each other just beautifully. Epic."

Truly great stuff; glad it's finally getting a day to shine on its own!