ReMix:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time "Lullaby of the Sky" 3:41

Did someone say "Epic Magnificence"??

No? Well they should have, then... at least, if they'd just listened to this stunning symphonic vocal arrangement of Ocarina of Time & Skyward Sword from Jill & Andrew Aversa, it would have been a completely appropriate thing to say. Jill writes:

"In my two years of touring with Video Games Live thus far, the Legend of Zelda series has always been at the top of the most-requested list! Tommy was looking for a new Zelda segment to add to the show, and asked if Andy and I would be up to the task. Challenge accepted!

We were thrilled to have this piece recorded with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra for VGL's latest album, Video Games Live: Level 4. My biggest challenge with the vocal arrangement was coming up with appropriate lyrics. I considered writing in English, but concluded that fantasy lyrics would be more fitting - so I decided to write in "Hylian." There isn't a real Hylian language, of course, but I did my best to make the lyrics sound authentic based on all the existing Zelda lore out there.

Filming the music video was an absolute blast. As usual, I worked with director Landon Donoho, whose vision and talent speaks for itself! We chose the California Redwoods as our location - and with dear friend & OC ReMixer Geoffrey Taucer cosplaying as Link, we had a ball tromping through the woods in full getup. I can't tell you how many times we got stopped by passers-by for photo ops!"

By the way, Tommy Tallarico notes the best deal for the Level 4 album's at VGL's website, though it's on iTunes and Amazon too. So let's recap:

1. Brilliant LoZ:OoT & SS symphonic vocal arrangement from Jill & Andy!
2. Recorded with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra for VGL Level 4!
3. Awesome music video with Jill as Zelda & Jeremy as Link! (Tauceplay!)

That right there is a three-point plan for awesome, so you shouldn't need too much persuadin'. Accolades and superlatives aside, I love the arrangement itself - specifically, the progression at 0'35" & later 2'45" has some very purdy, perfect chords, the overall structure does a great job of using both themes, and that ending note is an ovation-prompting spine-tingler. Andy writes:

"Though it's relatively common knowledge, the Skyward Sword main theme is actually "Zelda's Lullaby" backwards! So, that was one reason for picking the two of them. I love how this track turned out. Our idea for the orchestral writing was to use counterpoint and altered chords to make the Zelda melodies sound even more beautiful. One of my inspirations for this particular track was Jerry Goldsmith's work on the Star Trek scores. I also want to give a huge thanks to bustatunez (Will Roget, II) who not only helped expand the orchestration into the lush texture you hear now, but also prepared the scores for our Prague recording session on an insanely tight deadline! Anyway, we hope you enjoy this mix and that it evokes the nostalgia, joy, and adventurous spirit of the Legend of Zelda!"

Once again, the harmonic/chord work really sells the whole thing and adds depth; epic adventure & amazing performances were basically foregone conclusions, but I appreciate the thought that went into orchestration & arrangement which elevated the finished work, and Jill's "Hylian" lyrics also add yet another dimension. All in all, a truly epic experience!