Posted 2006-12-14, evaluated by djpretzel


Alright! Allow me to express my distinct satisfaction that the music of Phantasy Star, after a good long while, again visits our collection. In this case, it's an orchestral medley from the fourth installment, brought to us by Vampire Hunter Dan. Capcomian that I am, when I think "Vampire Hunter" I actually think Darkstalkers, not the canonical anime, and when I think Dan, I think raging, hot pink gadoken action. VHD takes on the title theme initially, then progresses from there, with energetic symphonic velocity. Legato string chords intro, joined by oboe, both of which continue to play pivotal roles. You've also got chromatic and mixed percussion, fantastic Dances with Wolves French Horns, winds, and a variety of well-selected string articulations, all mixed on a consistent sonic stage that's really rather impressive; you could add sampled applause at the end and it'd potentially fool some people, and would be well-deserved, regardless. The Phantasy Star soundtracks in general are rough territory because few tracks feature a solidified, complete verse/chorus structure - there's usually a single motif, bridged not by what I would deign to call verses, but patterns. Mr. Barnaba's played intelligently with components from PS4's OST to put together something that flows with a more traditional sense of development and direction, and that's the biggest accomplishment I think this mix represents. Moreover, the arrangement and production are spot-on and segue effortlessly (and rapidly, at that) from slow to fast, piano to forte, in a very fluid, graceful arc. There's not much else to say - it's Phantasy Star 4, it's orchestral, and it's excellent.

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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djcrono_
on 2010-10-26 21:11:17

Wow...absolutely fantastic.

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Vampire Hunter Dan
on 2010-05-11 01:28:54

I was literally just musing a few days ago on the fact that no one had pointed that out for 3.5 straight years.

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Xitiger
on 2010-05-10 23:59:02

I particularly like the nod to Final Fantasy VIII at around the 3:00 mark, with the first few measures of Dance with the Balamb Fish included. Nice work.

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OA
on 2008-12-09 15:01:09

Great work on this, there's a lot of excellent themes woven in, and some great malletwork in the percussion. It starts out slow and tranquil, but dang, does it ever pick up into something really rousing.

The builds are excellent, and the woodwinds lend great texture to everything.

Great transitions, nice changes in feel, and tons of details.

I agree with meccaneer. Get this man an orchestra. :-)

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Triad Orion
on 2008-08-13 16:26:35

I heard this song mixed into the Otakon 2008 medley video, and I'm glad I did. It's a great piece of work, fluid, vibrant, and full of energy. I'm sorry I missed this earlier, but this is an awesome mix that deserves to be pointed out yet again.

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Martin Penwald
on 2006-12-29 16:40:27

The production on this one is simply amazing; it sounds awesome.

Despite being quite long, this arrangement never gets boring. There are fast parts, slow ones, powerful ones, quiet ones...lots of variation going on in here. If I had to pick a favourite part, I'd say it's the crescendo beginning at 5:01. The energy in there is simply amazing.

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Jabberbox
on 2006-12-25 21:51:58

to you, VHD, I give my sincerest gratitude, awe, and respect.

I have been a fan since "to times once forgotten" and since than, your music evolves, learning lessons from the previous ones. and going places in which many fear, and few fathom.

only one word can express entirely what your music has done for me: "Bravo."

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CopiousX
on 2006-12-23 20:03:35

Epic, simply epic. The piece takes you along a 6 minute, 39 second journey of symphonic pleasure. Well done Dan.

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Blake
on 2006-12-17 11:38:50

This ReMix is awesome. 2:40-3:15 is especially beautiful.

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meccaneer
on 2006-12-15 20:49:21

Somebody give this guy an orchestra. This piece is quite beautiful.

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Thin Crust
on 2006-12-15 20:25:51

The only reason I clicked on this remix was because it was new. I have never played Phantasy star, and was thinking this would be just a blow off song to listen to.

I couldn't be more wrong.

Upon getting less than halfway through the song, I decided that this was worth my time. Listening to it a second time, I decided that I needed to keep it. Listening to it a third time I decided that it was my top 5 count. I'm afraid to listen to it a forth time because I like all my final fantasy mixes at the top of my list.

Dan, YOU ARE A STINKING GENIUS!!!

You have my praise, and my gratitude.

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OverCoat
on 2006-12-15 19:26:39

Dan's been putting out some bloody awesome songs lately. And they've all been medleys D:

He's got another medley you can download here, a brand new Anime Remix. Also good.

I usually never enjoy orchestral, but I like what Dan's doing. Keep it up!

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arias
on 2006-12-15 19:13:48

Outstanding.

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ktriton
on 2006-12-15 17:27:56

Well shit. This is beyond great quality! Makes me want to do an orch. piece, myself!

Great job, dude!

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richter
on 2006-12-15 15:21:59

Words cannot express my love for VHDan! Seriously, your stuff is as good as Actraiser Symphonic Suite. Soooooo good!

Sources Arranged (4 Songs, 2 Games)


Primary Game:
Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium (Sega , 1993, GEN)
Music by Izuho Numata,Masaki Nakagaki
Songs:
"Dezoris town 2"
"Field Motavia"
"The end of millennium"
Additional Game:
Final Fantasy VIII (Square , 1999, PS1)
Music by Nobuo Uematsu
Songs:
"Dance with the Balamb-fish"

Tags (3)


Genre:
Classical
Mood:
Instrumentation:
Orchestral
Additional:
Time > Duration: Long

File Information


Name:
Phantasy_Star_4_Twilight_of_the_Millennium_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,338,053 bytes
MD5:
b1ddff8b1ad2b9ca851d0817777ada40
Bitrate:
125Kbps
Duration:
6:39

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