Round 2, Pairing 5: "Elia, Maiden of Water (FFIII)" vs. "Waltz for the Moon (FFVIII)"

[Dave]

Ah, we're slowly getting there! Vote here (http://www.squareenixmusic.com/uematsu.php), just like normal, and please please please comment. :)

[TheShroud13]

"Elia, Maiden of Water (FFIII)", overcomes its title (reminding me far too much of that trailer from Lady of the Water) to win a victory over "Waltz for the Moon". I don't know that it's actually winning as much as it is surviving. Its a very pleasant melody, although it doesn't really do anything. Unlike "Rebel Army Theme" which is basically a situational piece, I exect a character piece to go somewhere, and this just sorta states what it has to offer, then states it again, and again, and again. It's a very pretty statement though.

On the other hand though "Waltz for the Moon" is a J.Straussian waltz, which means it does little for me either.

Vote for Elia, and may I bid you farewell next round.

[jampot]

Battle of the Waltzes!
"Elia" is a fantastic melody, with some well-programmed use of glissando, rubato, and acciaccaturas..
But nothing can compete, for me, with the sheer splendiferousness of Waltz for the Moon. What a way to be introduced to the Eyes on Me theme...plus I may or may not have danced to this with my friends on multiple occasions...
Not only is it well-played - with the advanced waltz technique of playing the second beat slightly earlier than it would be in strict tempo - but brilliantly orchestrated. No contest.

[Black Mamba]

I never understood why people love Maiden of Water so much, its nothing special to me. So I'm definatly going with the Waltz here. Waltz for the Moon is definatly a memorable piece from FFVIII, very lovely.

[Kaibigan]

I'd have to go with Waltz for the Moon here. It's just a pleasant arrangement of 'Eyes on me' but is really effective. I've imagined choreographing steps for this song in cotillions. :)

[Don]

I went for Elia, only because I like voting for the underdog at different times. I think both songs are great so I can not solely judge based on melody alone. Today, the vote goes to the underdog.

[Resk]

I'm not particularly fond of either of those tracks, so... *randomly chooses* and we have Waltz for the Moon :)

[eriol33]

Vote for Elia. It's relaxing, waltz for the moon is good too, but I have been bored with FF VIII's main theme already.

[Totz]

Old(er)-school Uematsu needs some lovin' too! I'm voting for Elia.

[Chris]

Old-school Uematsu all the way! I find Waltz for the Moon appropriate and enjoyable, but slightly derivative, while Elia just has that innocence and quaintness that I can't but adore from Uematsu's FFI-III soundtracks.

[Aryires]

Wow this one's really tough... I really like both pieces, but even though Waltz for the Moon got my vote in the past, in contrast with Elia, I'm going to vote for the Maiden of Water this time. I just love the soothing feeling that this pice emits, and since Waltz is ahead already, what harm will voting for the underdog bring?

Link to "Love is the Gift" fixed -YAAAAAAYYYY!!!:D :D :D

[Dave]

Hah, thanks for notifying me Aryires! I totally wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't of said. :) Keep commenting people! I need moral to keep the competition running!

[Dave]

The results:

Waltz for the Moon (FFVIII) 55.56 % (20)
Elia, the Maiden of Water (FFIII) 44.44 % (16)