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Yasuhiro Yamanaka
Biography
This biography was written by Chris exclusively for use at Square Enix Music Online. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission, as this is a violation of copyright.
Though still shrouded in mystery, newcomer Yasuhiro Yamanaka is described as a young lively perfectionist by his fellow employees at Square Enix. Samples of some of his original compositions made before he entered Square Enix reveal that he enjoys electronic music greatly and it is also known that he is considered a wizard when it comes to manipulating Virtual Studio Technology plug-ins. He is, however, versatile too, being well-versed in the art of orchestration and a talented pianist. It is not surprising that Yamanaka was attracted towards a vacancy for the role of synthesizer opportunity at Square Enix around 2004. His subsequent recruitment ensured that he remains both the newest and youngest member of the company, though appears to have quickly become a reputable addition. Yamanaka has a lot to thank Square's original team of synthesizer operators — Hidenori Iwasaki, Ryo Yamazaki, Takeharu Ishimoto, Hirosato Noda, and Keiji Kawamori — for, as it was these people who ensured that the role of synthesizer operator gained credibility. Indeed, this challenging role is now considered to be essential if composers' works are to be implemented in the finest way possible, though the move away from synthesizers towards live performances may mean it will eventually become null. Further, the fact that the aforementioned 1998 employees have received many composing and arranging roles over the last three years left a void in Square Enix's music department that needed to be filled. Where Yamanaka has proved himself has not just filling a void, however, but expanding the whole skill of synthesizer operating, so that composer's music is implemented to new heights — ensuring music consistently creates impact, demonstrates freshness, and boasts realism.
His first professional role was on Kumi Tanioka's score for Code Age Commanders, released in October 2005. Here, he principally worked as a synthesizer operator, bringing out the richness behind Tanioka's compositions effectively, directly filling the void left by Hidenori Iwasaki. His work on the Code Age Commanders Original Soundtrack holds comparisons with Hidenori Iwasaki's earlier roles in that he, too, collaborated with Tanioka on the Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles scores, while making other contributions around the side. Though a tough act to follow, Yamanaka outshone him in a phenomenal way, proving his ability to create both orchestral and electronic music in a proficient way. What amazed was the way the energy, bite, and futuristic nature of the electronic beats featured were featured directly alongside piano and orchestral samples that demonstrated warmth, richness, and realism; electro-acousticism is extremely difficult to program, but Yamanaka managed to use the opportunity to demonstrate the range and refinement of his programming. In addition, Yamanaka had secondary roles as an arranger and composer, being responsible for two experimental remixes, three brief yet sophisticated electronic compositions, and the arrangement of the fully orchestrated "Main Theme." It was the "Main Theme" that was the pinnacle of his achievement, with its electronic descant forming a rasping yet appropriate harmonic line for the proud fanfare-like brass melodies and lyrical tuned percussion secondary melodies to protrude above. Indeed, the fact that Square Enix designated him the major role in the first place reflecting their hope in his abilities, and he succeeded with flying colours.
Yamanaka's most recent project was the score for Hidenori Iwasaki's Front Mission 5 ~Scars of the War~, released in January 2006. Here, Yamanaka accomplished the unbelievable: creating the most high-quality synth to be used in any Square Enix game. Though there was a considerable acoustic emphasis, Yamanaka proved extremely adept, the lively string samples being an especially notable improvement from Ryo Yamazaki's synth in Front Mission 4. In addition, he received the opportunity to demonstrate his skills with electronic music once more by programming Kenichiro Fukui's six compositions, while also arranging four of Iwasaki's works in his trademark style, once again in a practically flawless manner. A new first for him in this score was that he created his own composition, "Breaking Limits," which is quite similar to Code Age Commanders's "Main Theme," electro-acoustic, energetic, and somewhat epic, though less jarring and more rhythmically free. A thorough test of his resourcefulness and just how much of a perfectionist he is, Yamanaka proved his worth and will almost certainly be a well-respected musician from now on. Square Enix could do with cloning this young man, as it's clear he already has the potential to create a superb score of his own, but it's fair that he should remain as a synthesizer operator for the time being; after all, he's the best of the team and Iwasaki and co. had to wait five years for the opportunity to get even an arranging role. Though no future works are known, Square Enix are very keen to use his skills and it's only a matter of time before his next role is announced.
List of Game Projects
Note: This list only includes games that the composer has actively worked on, so those games that feature reprises of the composer's work from older titles are not included.
Key: C = Composer, A = Arranger, P = Performer, S = Sound Programmer, E = Sound Effects, M = Synthesizer Operator
| Year |
Game |
Role |
| Sony PlayStation 2 |
| 2005 |
Code Age Commanders |
M+C+A |
| 2005 |
Front Mission 5 ~Scars of the War~ |
M |
List of Albums
Original Scores
Other Albums
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