ReMix: Final Fantasy VII 'Philharmonic Suite: Finale'

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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.

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!

- auronapern on July 5, 2006

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

- Darkmetamorphasis on December 1, 2005

dxnkxm wrote: 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.

- Dracolixeous on November 19, 2005

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

- dxnkxm on October 9, 2005

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.

- meccaneer on October 5, 2005

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.

- Bummerdude on September 21, 2005

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:

- Noodle on August 23, 2005

hrmm 4 seems to be down...

- Noodle on August 23, 2005

Dragonblade wrote: 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

- Putzy on December 25, 2004

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 :) )

- Kanjika on December 25, 2004

I only see Part 1 and the finale. Where is the rest? I must hear more of this masterpiece!!!
8O

- Dragonblade on December 25, 2004

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

- Dragonblade on December 25, 2004

Hm, the arrangement is nicely done, the orchestra sounds fake though (as all synthesized orchestras unfortunately do...) Save some money and rent a real orchestra ;-)
Just kidding.

- Prievert on November 19, 2004

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 :)

- btangel on November 14, 2004

man the two philharmonic suites are so...professional. there are a lot of insturmental remixes, but [i]dang[/i] man...these were definately something else.

- Red Light District on November 12, 2004

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