ReMix: Dragon Warrior 'Journey of Solitude'

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Oboe and bassoon? It's a good day for the double-reeds as The Talented Mr. Cox utilizes both in the intro to his sweeping symphonic orchestration of Koichi Sugiyama's most popular work, Dragon Warrior. This is lyrical stuff, reminding me of some of the better portions of the Dark Crystal soundtrack (I don't care if it starred muppets, that movie rocked and had a totally underrated score - check it out if you haven't already). With pizzicato violins and bass used at different times, bells, ensemble strings, harp, the afforementioned winds in the more minimalistic introduction, and bombastic unison low brass (viva la low brass! Euphoniums, trombones, and tubas of the world unite!), Russell again makes no sacrifices in terms of instrumentation or sound quality. I've mentioned before how lucky we are to have him around, as he excels at what he does. At 2'59", if you're not into the work, being carried away by the momentous musical push, you simply might not dig orchestral work, as it's moments like this - well built to and singularly breathtaking - that soundtrack composers shoot for when aspiring to create the feel of a vast, stretching landscape filled with opportunity and danger or the fulfillment of a decade-long quest of some earth-saving significance - you get the picture. Though I can't cite any particular reason as to why - maybe it's the discrete construction or especially narrative, transporting style - I did like this a bit more than some of Russell's other pieces, which were already on my short list of impressive orchestral arrangements. Highly recommended.

― djpretzel