Game Music Concert 4 ~The Best Selection~ :: Review by Dave and Nick

	Album Title:	Game Music Concert 4 ~The Best Selection~
	Record Label:	Sony Records
	Catalog Number:	SRCL-2736
	Release Date:	November 21, 1994
	Content:	1 CD - 11 Tracks
	Purchase:	Buy at eBay

Overview

Written by Dave

The fourth instalment to the series, Game Music Concert 4 ~The Best Selection~ features arrangements from Game Music Concert veterans Koichi Suigyama, Yoko Kanno, Kohei Tanaka, and Nobuo Kurita, but as the series' names become more obscure, what effect does this have on the level of arrangement? Have they lost their edge and originality? Let us guide you on a journey through the album!

Track-by-Track Reviews

1) Renasu 2 "To the God's Imperial Throne ~ The Final Dungeon" (Written by Dave)

In past Game Music Concert albums, an emphatic theme has always started off the journey. This theme is no exception in that it is full of power and grandeur. The instrumentation is highly orchestral, and there doesn't seem to be an instrumental section that isn't used. First of all, we are greeted by a snare drum and percussion before moving into a dangerous string motif. Soon enough, the brass take over to create a highly triumphant effect, and as the track continues, everything becomes a little darker too. Albeit a beautiful section filled with glorious string sweeps and tremendous brass rasps, the "To the God's Imperial Throne" section of this piece is nothing compared to the arrangement of "The Final Dungeon." Arranged in a slightly different manner "The Final Dungeon" makes use of an ascending chromatic brass melody whilst the strings belt out a meaningful tune that creates a sense of purpose and action. Not only this, but the unveiling of flutes in this section creates that small feeling of hope while you are in the final dungeon. All in all, this was a great arrangement from Kohei Tanaka, who impressed on the previous album. (10/10)

2) Stunt Race FX "Special Tracks" (Written by Dave)

I'll be honest with you, I prejudged this track, and I really thought that it would be nothing at all. Of course I am wrong, as it turns out to be one of the most instrumentally pleasing tracks on the album with its creative timbre. Indeed, its greatest feature seems to be the use of the brass section as car horns! Arranged in a very jazzy style, Nobuo Kurita's first arrangement on the album is a great deal of fun, and it quite possibly gives the album that light-hearted feel that the prior albums lacked. After all, orchestral arrangements can sound a little too 'serious' at times, so to me, this light relief is a welcome change! The theme starts off with a cute melody that is soon developed by a quaint flute section. When we are presented with a 12-bar blues riff, the melody and beat becomes very attractive, but then, something terrible happens: the track ends! Seemingly out of nowhere, the end is upon us before the theme had any chance to release itself further! This theme was a real foot-tapper, but its premature death was disappointing. (8/10)

3) Super Mario Brothers "Medley" (Written by Nick)

Kurita has already made a solid name for himself in this series by creating some memorable orchestrations of key Video Game Music themes. He returns with the "Medley" from Super Mario Brothers and, as always, his arrangement starts off with a bang which is a very positive one. The first few motifs grace us with a charming agogo bell and pizzicato strings which add a playful vibe to the overall theme. The low key snare provides a soothing bass line for these motifs adding even more flavor to the remarkable piece. A cute xylophone motif gives birth to the entrance of the brass which builds up into a soothing waltz at the 1:36 mark. The transition is slightly abrupt, but the waltz's beauty and stylishness makes up for that slight defect. Once again an abrupt transition gives birth to a more dire sounding brass ensemble, of course before the end of the piece Kurita gives the listener a chance to relish in the adorable main theme, which uses the same instrument set up as the introduction. All in all, the theme is cute, and if you ignore the sudden transitions it is really an adorable piece. (8/10)

4) Super Metroid "Theme ~ Space Warrior Samus Aran's Theme ~ Big Boss BGM ~ Ending" (Written by Nick)

A French horn starts up this remarkable 8 minute epic which is then solidified by the rest of the brass ensemble and light strings. As the title suggests, this theme is divided into segments; the first one is only 34 seconds and is pretty much the mood setter for the rest of the piece. Track progresses into dire times as the strings suggest a situation that is on the edge. This is where the atmospheric sector makes an entrance because of the suspended violin work which couples nicely with booming brass that enters at key times to add to the tension of the piece. However, at points of this segment, the strings sound a few high notes which add a bit of sadness to the piece but this is later conjured into the dire feelings again. At the 3:30 mark the piece takes a turn and the listener is given a massive treat after the amazing build up. At the 4 minute mark the arrangement steps away from the dire times and progresses into a soft and thematic nature as it tells us that after the battle there is silence and confusion. These few motifs are carried on for a while with small parts of confusion which are established by naughty sounding percussion effects. Soon, we reach the 6:37 mark, which is definitely the best part of the piece as a repeated cymbal is played which is similar to ones you hear in heavy metal tracks. This build up is absolutely fantastic, and after the cymbal makes its exit the amazing ending theme starts. You have to hear it to believe how good it is. (10/10)

5) Itadaki Street "Sofie's Cavern" (Written by Dave)

Soon enough, Itadaki Street's "Sofie's Cavern" is thrust upon us with its virtuosic string motif and wholesome harmonies. Starting off with a series of broken chords, the theme breaks into song as a violin heads a descent into the lower breaches of the orchestra, where timely injections of string arpeggios grace a newly formed oboe line. From hereon, the instruments seem to dance with one another as we are led into a sorrowful and operatic sequence where each instrument rises to form a perfect bond both harmonically and melodically. As this sorrowful and tear-jerking motif continues we are soon faced with a dramatic uproar as we enter an even more heart rendering section. The section following 3:26 really held me back and reminded me of quite a few emotional experiences through my life, and strangely, I felt a sense of justice form too. At 4:07, an encore-like section forms as the main melody returns once more to show itself off on a beautifully bowed violin. Those delicious notes of high pitched freedom left me extremely emotional, and few themes do that to me. (10/10)

6) Dragon Quest II "Pastorale ~ Catastrophe" (Written by Nick)

By now, I am able to tell who arranged what on this album, and by just hearing such a prominent use of strings, this is a Sugiyama special. At the 18 second mark a soothing muted trumpet enters providing a lovely feeling of serenity and makes a quick exit as the strings reign again. The progression is is slow for the first half and the atmospheric strings are accompanied by lovely woodwind along the way. It actually creates a pastoral image in the listener's mind. The 1:40 mark signifies a horrible transition into the "Catastrophic" part of the piece but it quickly recovers from the transition and moves forward with a swift pace. In come the percussion and low key brass, of course the brass is the key ensemble here because they spell dire circumstances to the listener. The strings simply carry on the piece and act as a supplier. This is certainly one of the more positive additions from Sugiyama during this series. (8/10)

7) Uncharted Waters II "Visting the Harbors of the World ~ Close to Home" (Written by Dave)

With the game unknown to my ears, this arrangement would provide with some music that I would become obsessed with. Not only this piece traditionally orchestral, but it also blends an Irish feel amongst its numerous melodic sections. First of all, we have a classic yearning string motif and brass accompaniment that almost seems to represent the dawn of a new day. Next up, at around the 1:20 mark, we reach that Irish/Celtic section that I talked about. The most intriguing thing here is that it is twinned with an Asian blend of instruments, such as some ethnic flutes an Asian drums. To me, this creates an amazing timbre that is unique to this piece. At 3:00, we see the introduction of clapping and a speed up in tempo, and this is when we are cast off into a very village-like theme as we are sent into "Close to Home." Here, a sorrowed violin creates a timid atmosphere which is soon backed up by an amazing brass and string harmony. Soon enough, the introduction of bird song and some airy instruments let this theme die out in a very relaxing manner. This arrangement is another epic on this album of such high class masterpieces, but it differs in that Kanno's blend of multiple cultures makes it very open to listen to. (10/10)

8) Kamaitachi no Yoru "Sequence" (Written by Nick)

Watanabe sets things straight for us with this arrangement. He lies us down and weaves this beautiful and touching tale. 28 seconds into the theme, a soothing trumped enters and weaves the main theme to us which is then performed by the strings to emphasise the emotional fact. The majority of the first half follows this routine and while there is no development, I do not think the listener would mind because they would be busy wiping the tears from their eyes. Even though everything is kept at a low profile they still manage to touch me. Half way through this musical journey, the orchestra picks up in tone which was quite abrupt and not really welcomed because of the soothing aura it has presented before. Moving on from that though the orchestra incorporates its soothing harmonies once more and progresses with little change. Everything picks up at the end and leaves the listener feeling rather refreshed after a powerful surge of emotions. My only gripes are the abrupt bursts which are rather random. (9/10)

9) Kamaitachi no Yoru "Two People Return Alive" (Written by Dave)

"Two People Return Alive" is such a sorrowful title for a track that I thought was more touching and mesmeric than saddening. Indeed, there is a hopeful side to the title in that there are survivors, but most would expect for this arrangement to focus on the loss of the others. Still, a quaint oboe and xylophone conjure up a positive atmosphere as we are greeted with some cliched brass movement which really makes the theme what it is. More important however, are the violins that follow with their lulling melodies and dramatic rising tone. The 2:40 mark sees the birth of a much more subdued section, but as we near the end of the piece, a drum enters to add a walking beat similar to that used in Final Fantasy XI's "Ronfaure," and as expected, a great sense of momentum is created. We are led out in a glorious manner that truly reflects upon the creativity of the arrangement. Hayato Matsuo has never ceased to impress me. (9/10)

10) Albert Odyssey 2 "Together, In the Glory of the Legend" (Written by Dave)

A yes 'glorius' would be quiet a perfect analogie for this arrangement, but perhaps 'epic' may be a better term. As we head out of the album, this theme acts as a preparation into the big finale provided by "The Dream Oath 'Maria and Draco'," and what a great job it does too! Starting with an emphatic brass line, we are whisked into a fabulous string motif that seems to mimic that of earlier arrangements on the album. Combined with a great use of decrescendos and crescendos, a powerful meaning is really brought about in this track. The power of the woodwind section and string section really is something else to what we've already been shown on the album, and ultimately, it provides the perfect lead up into the Opera sequence. Naoki Kodaka does very well here! (9/10)

11) Final Fantasy VI "The Dream Oath 'Maria and Draco'" (Written by Nick)

I shall be frank; I did not like the original piece, granted it was amazing for its time and opened up a whole gateway for vocal themes all together. Also after watching the VOICES Music From Final Fantasy version, I was just about ready to puke because of the horrible vocalists. It was almost as if they were taken from the street on the night and were asked to perform. However this arrangement dares to be different and the result is absolutely wonderful.

The piece starts on a familiar note telling us that the tale is going to be powerful with hints of passion, after all it is a love story. The 47 second mark conjures up a peaceful tale which is thanks to the woodwind and the soft percussion ensemble. However the snare enters at the 1:35 mark along with the rest of the orchestra and they unite to cast off the tranquil feeling and proceed into frantic one. The Baritone enters first followed by the Tenor whose voices are remarkably controlled and relaxed. They manage to portray their story and their love for the beautiful Maria. The 3:35 mark commences into a frantic waltz which later shapes into a frantic mix of majesty and tension between the two men in love with the lovely Maria. 4:47 signals the return of the dramatic orchestra which is accompanied by a playful vibe achieved by a pizzicato. This section is short and very undeveloped, it seems that Onozaki was keen to get into the "Aria" part but I would have preferred if he allowed the pizzicato section to flow for awhile more.

7:24 is the time where the Mezzo Soprano enters and while she does capture the confusion and sadness her character feels, I feel a big lack of sincerity in her voice. She is simply doing her job and not being honest to herself or her character. This part of the opera is probably the weakest for me. Even the orchestra do not sound true to itself. 12:20 marks the end of that weak section and the waltz enters again, a creative mix of percussion and naughty strings make me forgive the pervious segment and tell me to look forward to the future. In come the grunty brass and more percussion. They seemingly flow in and out of each other until the bang! Clocking in at 14 minutes, the whole orchestra turns up a notch and the fighting begins. Frenzy and confusion take the stage, people loose their lives and battles wage. Everything dies down and the 3 vocalists have their battle. The two males on opposite sides of the stage declare their undying love for the seductive Maria. The Baritone signals that the battle has began and the orchestra enter once more creating magical frenzy and a surge of power. This bit is easily the best bit of the whole opera because of the sheer madness that the orchestra create.

After the battle is over, the three protagonists resolve their problems and our beloved Maria is stuck on who too choose. They move on in life together and the orchestra build up together to unite for one final motif that certainly leaves us emotional and happy. I loved this rendition and hold it in high regard. (9/10)

Summaries

Written by Dave

Undoubtedly the best album of the series so far, Game Music Concert 4 ~The Best Selection~ is an epic selection of tracks that will truly blow your mind. First of all, we are graced with a powerful opener, then we are given the emotional "Sofie's Cavern" followed by Yoko Kanno's orchestral masterpiece, and finally, we are greeted with an operatic masterpiece! Above all, it is the selection of themes that make this album, as there is quite a different number of fusions throughout. Asian, Celtic, folk, jazz, and operatic glory fills this album, and of this, I am very grateful. out of all of the albums in the series, this is the one that I advise you to buy first. Hardly a let down at all! (10/10)

Written by Nick

Game Music Concert 4 ~The Best Selection~ is special. I can not describe it in any other way. It is clear that the returning arrangers have formed a bond with the orchestra and know their ins and outs really well. The arrangements on this album are nothing short of amazing and cover a range of musical styles. Even Sugiyama steps up and delivers a magical blast. Whatever Game Music Concert 3 ~The Best Selection~ did not have, this one makes up for in so many ways. I love this album, and I certainly consider it the best in the series. It covers so many different emotions and is full of fancy techniques. On a final note, I even fell in love with, "The Dream Oath 'Maria and Draco'," now that is saying something! You have not lived until you have experienced this musical journey, buy it now! (10/10)