The Virtual Video Game Orchestra presented its sixteenth musical project in celebration of the game's 25th anniversary. Read on to learn more about the orchestral project, the legacy of the FF7 soundtrack, and composer Nobuo Uematsu.
Final Fantasy 7 (FF7) Soundtrack Gets Faithful Orchestral Rendition by Virtual Video Game Orchestra
Launched in Celebration of FF7's 25th Anniversary
Arranged by Brandon L. Harnish, Thomas Hakanson, Jonathan Shaw, Eddie Chung, and Sophia W (Herb), the Virtual Video Game Orchestra breathed new life into the iconic musical sequences from FF7, "Opening ～ Bombing Mission" and "Victory Fanfare," in its sixteenth musical project uploaded on YouTube earlier this month.
With over 100 musicians participating, the project garnered 616 submissions on 88 unique instruments from individuals across the global video game music community. The orchestral ensemble showcased a virtual orchestral live-scoring of scenes from the highly acclaimed game, FF7 Remake.
The iconic scenes from the game were recreated in-house on Unreal Engine to seamlessly depict the orchestra at work, as well as additional animations that highlight the intricacies of the music production. The project paid homage to the enduring legacy of Nobuo Uematsu, the renowned composer behind the music of the Final Fantasy series. Uematsu's contributions to video game music have been monumental, spanning over decades.
Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu's Legacy and Influence
Uematsu's influence on the gaming and music worlds earned him recognition as a pioneer in the industry. Often hailed as the "Beethoven of Video Game Music." his compositions for the Final Fantasy series have introduced classical music to a new generation and audience.
Though much debated then, his induction into the Classic FM Hall of Fame in 2013 marked a significant milestone, contributing to the recognition of video game music as a legitimate art form. Composed in less than a year, Uematsu treated the FF7 soundtrack as a mirror of the game's narrative depth and emotional intensity - he crafted a diverse array of musical genres, ranging from orchestral and choral to rock and techno.
The success of the soundtrack extended beyond critical acclaim. The soundtrack album soared to No.3 on the Japan Oricon music charts in 2010. Moreover, the FF7 soundtrack has been celebrated in live performances across the globe, having been showcased in renowned concert series such as Tour de Japon: Music from Final Fantasy and Video Games Live.
Despite his monumental achievements, Uematsu expressed reservations about composing full video game soundtracks again, citing the intensive nature of composing. However, fans can still anticipate his continued involvement in creating main themes for upcoming games, including his latest work featured in FF7 Rebirth.
Source:
Opening ~ Bombing Mission In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy VII
The “Cinematic Promise” of Video Game Music: Stylistic Convergence, Current-Generation Remakes, and the Case of Final Fantasy VII
How Nobuo Uematsu’s 35 Years at ‘Final Fantasy’ Changed the Gaming World Forever
Here’s how Nobuo Uematsu changed the course of classical music with his Final Fantasy score
