Simply how a lot orchestral consideration can the SaGa sequence obtain? Rather a lot, apparently. A lot in order that in 2020 Sq. Enix noticed match to launch a two-disc stay recording from a subset of video games within the sequence with Romancing SaGa Orchestra Pageant LIVE CD. Once more, undecided why it’s known as a singular CD when it’s, in truth, a two-disc assortment, however I digress…
Romancing SaGa has, in fact, expanded past its authentic trilogy. Along with the unique three video games, we’ve got the Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Tune– remake of the primary sport and the cell sport Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe, which serves as a direct sequel to Romancing SaGa 3. “However what about Romancing SaGa 2?” you ask! “The place is its remake and/or sequel content material?” Don’t fear. RS2 will get love within the type of SaGa THE STAGE: Return of the Seven Heroes. Sure, there have been a number of stage performs with authentic music written by Kenji Ito to broaden on the story and lore of those video games. Within the case of this stage play, we get some added depth across the godlike heroes of Romancing SaGa 2 and the troubled world round them.
We have now a stunning two-part symphony orchestra assortment from these six titles. The primary half focuses on the unique Tremendous Famicom trilogy, and the second half focuses on the prolonged titles. The orchestral preparations embrace some acquainted names, corresponding to Kousuke Yamashita, Natsumi Kameoka, and Yu Manabe. Different arrangers embrace Naoya Iwaki, Yuya Takano, and composer Kenji Ito himself dealing with the “Overture” association on Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Tune-. Of those arrangers, I discovered Yamashita had essentially the most to supply. The opening association for Romancing SaGa, “Opening – Overture – Daybreak of the Romance,” is a robust reminder of the sequence’ easy, humble roots with unadorned, well-crafted melodies rebuilt into one thing larger and bolder. A fantastic instance is Yamashita’s association of the battle themes within the authentic RS, the “Beat Them Up! Medley,” as a surprisingly sturdy association for a few of Kenji Ito’s earliest battle themes.
Yamashita once more handles “opening” and “battle” duties with monitor 7 of the primary disc. I’d argue that “Prologue: The Rise of Morastrum” could be troublesome to flub in an orchestral association, because the supply materials is constructed on synth orchestral sounds. Nonetheless, Kousuke Yamashita finds methods to brighten and elaborate with out taking something away from the unique.
Contemplating all that, one might argue that it’s Natsumi Kameoka who brings the home down. Observe 9 is likely to be essentially the most spectacular of every little thing on the album: an eight-minute nearer that includes each of the “4 Sinistrals Battle” themes from Romancing SaGa 3, with an extra minute of clapping from the stay viewers on the finish. Effectively deserved, I’d say! We’ve heard these themes in orchestral kind earlier than, even organized by Kameoka herself (see disc 2 monitor 4 of The Orchestral SaGa -Legend of Music-). Nevertheless, these battle medleys have a tendency to chop every theme quick, preferring a better variety of battle themes over elongated and well-built preparations. The Sinistrals battles (beforehand fan-translated as “4 Noble Devils,” for you old-school followers) are a few of Kenji Ito’s strongest battle themes. Kameoka delivers some extraordinarily intense, fast-paced renditions right here, rivaling the a number of Orchestral SaGa releases earlier than and after this 2020 live performance.
There may be lots to like on the second disc, together with preparations from arrangers much less usually utilized by Sq. Enix, although they’re definitely as much as the job. Yuya Takano’s “The Land of Giants / Melodies of Good and Evil” from Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Tune– captures a number of the finest atmosphere and occasion music from the sport, with Takano properly passing the hovering melodies between solo devices (clarinet, trumpet) and ensemble strings. Naoya Iwaki expertly handles a few of that SaGa THE STAGE music, pulling on the heartstrings fairly nicely with “Ballad of Love / Brimming with Want: Noel and Oaive.” Piano concerto model was the appropriate name, and the inclusion of the harp made me smile every time I listened to this one.
There may be an encore part on the finish of disc two that includes Kousuke Yamashita’s “Remaining Battle Medley” from the Tremendous Famicom trilogy, then Yu Manabe’s “Ending Theme” from RS3. I feel Yamashita’s “Remaining Battle Medley” has the heart-pounding pleasure that matches Kameoka’s disc one finale. Sadly it suffers from the medley-packing, becoming three superb and prolonged battle themes into lower than six minutes. I’d have favored extra elaboration on the RS2 remaining battle, because it stays a private favourite.
Over the previous few years, Sq. Enix has spared no expense in increasing the prepare music catalog of the SaGa sequence. And sure, I’m all right here for it. That mentioned, I’d like to see the Sq. Enix Music group decelerate with the orchestral albums for some time. Whereas this album and the a number of Orchestral SaGa releases are incredible, they’re risking a market saturation. Let’s see some extra synth and digital preparations! Let’s see the “Acoustic Association” albums broaden from SaGa Frontier to the whole franchise! Let’s *lastly* get some Piano Assortment albums, please; I’m begging you! It is going to be each bit as pleasant as these orchestral albums however at a fraction of the associated fee. I really like this album, however please, let’s broaden our musical horizons!
