Genshin Impact's Craziest Boss Theme (Scaramouche Explained)

[@AlexMoukalaMusic]

This track is the perfect example of a character theme done right, in my opinion. For those who watched my Moon Halo video, Scaramouche's Theme to me is the antithesis of that track. They're not too far off: both themes narrate the story of some tragic characters, and they do so by establishing a few melodies and repeating them over and over... The only difference is that Scaramouche's Theme compensates the repetitiveness of its melodies by: - creating a WILDLY evocative narrative through exploring several music styles and cultures - using advanced techniques such as Polyrhythms - using advanced sound design and processing vocals demonically - literally quoting Bach - featuring interesting tonal shifts which occur rarely, but make a huge difference Moon Halo does not do any of that. It doesn't try to be over the top. it's a rock ballad with a nostalgic and pure sound that stays the same all the way through. The reason why I could guess SO much about Scaramouche here compared to the very little I could guess in Moon Halo is because one track goes above and beyond to do an incredible job at presenting itself, while the other is comfortable in not doing that and tugging at your heart-strings with simplicity instead (which works if you're the type of person who likes that type of music OR if you played Honkai Impact and are already aware of its context). Genshin Impact's boss themes follow the first approach way more instead, I find. And that's why I like them personally. No other theme I heard thus far in Genshin's soundtrack is more articulate than Scaramouche's, I think. For this one in particular, I started by recording my first reaction to it, and despite my explanations in the first reaction were already plentiful, I realized that the track had a LOT more going on than I initially grasped in that first instance). I didn't want to leave that stuff out, so I listened to it once more, took notes and THEN made this video, scrapping the first one. I could've probably edited it in a way where I showed both my first reaction and then my "post-nut clarity analysis" but I didn't have time for that, and to be frank, there's probably 999 entertaining first time reactions to this track on the internet already! All things considered, I far prefer Azhdaha and La Signora's Themes on an emotional and musical level. But on a technical level, this, to me, was a masterclass in music writing. Bravo, HOYO-MiX. PS. As someone's been noting, the singer isn't Scarmaouche's Chinese VA after all

[@trungvu8957]

These two tracks are both great,imo the stylistic differences is as you said. One is complex and stylistic. One is simple but it rips your heartstrings with it( especially for those who play the game hk3). Both work and i love em.

[@mkol1998]

This video really shows me, as someone who doesn't know a lot about music, what a powerful narrative can be told through music. Adding this comment about what Genshin here did different compared to Moon Halo helps me notice these moments way more as well. Love you vids and the passion behind them, thanks for the work you put into them :)

[@zhou4931]

yeah, moon halo is more a gift for the people that have play to that piont.

[@KitKat-sv9qp]

even if it's not Scaramouche's VA that singing voice most definitely represents him. great video! if you still have the recording of your first reaction maybe you should post it as a Patreon exclusive, I'm sure many people would love to know how you first reacted to it

[@supermariorick]

The moment I heard this theme I knew it was fire :fire: and I was right

[@ally-zn8cu]

bro characterized scaramouche better than half of the genshin fandom

[@legendarydragon2564]

genshin fans try not to brutally misscharacterize every character challenge (impossible)

[@SettonSlaxk]

The genshin fandom has become a lot like the my hero fandom. I’d be surprised if they characterized anything correctly 😶

[@Sacration]

@@legendarydragon2564 for real 💀

[@schwarzwaldbrot8487]

somehow genshin fandom feels like the most retarded people in the universe came together to be cringe

[@halza9]

I feel like half the fandom is seeing him like one thing while the other half is different

[@MistressMelancholic]

Also it has been denied by his Cn VA of being the voice behind the vocal. But this amazes me even more because they really searched for a voice that sounds like Scaramouche and it immerses us more to make it feel like yes, Scara is singing this, it's his song.

[@BreMue]

That's shocking, I heard the CN VA does music too, which is how people were able to recognize his singing voice. Wonder if he denied it during the leaks only?

[@Jaynat_SF]

@@BreMue I think the denial came after the release, I doubt he'd even be allowed to comment on leaks because that's equivalent to confirming them and he surely is under an NDA.

[@MistressMelancholic]

@@BreMue he denied it during one of his streams last week. But yeah, a lot of people, including myself, thought it was him as well 😣

[@popstel2286]

Wait really!? I did not know that! Did the CN VA told us he refused?

[@MistressMelancholic]

@@popstel2286 it was not specified however instead Kana talked about his own interpretation of Scara's betrayal experiences and suffering in his backstory and how he came up with the voice direction for him. There should be translations somewhere in yt or twitter about it!

[@w3t_wlpes]

I once again bow down to the writer's talent. Genshin just makes some of the best music of the genre.

[@Ponch_ITK]

Ace Combat 7 sends its regards

[@Ponch_ITK]

*>Gayshit makes good songs* That's weird way to say Masayoshi Soken

[@tilde5884]

@@Ponch_ITK I have better music. I'm just better.

[@fantasy3922]

Most likely it was written by Yu peng chen

[@athos9293]

​@@fantasy3922 yea

[@azuren422]

It's so amazing that Alex hasn't played the Scaramouche's part of game yet but can figure out the story plot just from the music itself! Epic interpretation!

[@StitchySpooks]

It doesn't take a scientist to figure out how predictable it's story is. Which I'm not using as any form of criticism, it just isn't as deep as some may have you believe

[@gloriousbastard3319]

@@StitchySpooks You're obviously right but Alex's musical analysis skills are still pretty impressive

[@imbtt39]

it's pretty common in genshin to tell the whole story/personality through the music. that's why people like Alex and Marco for example most of the time can accurately figure out the plot without playing it yet.

[@rikyako88]

But then again, it's not entirely the predictability but also the delivery. Everybody knows what will happen but still everybody wants to experience how to get there.

[@ff_ive]

@@StitchySpooks I think its more on how fluently they’re able to express their thoughts and feelings and how they can relate music to those feelings. Explanation of musical reference and context, not everyone can properly do that.

[@plainnplane]

he's actually not only the child of Inazuma - he's the child of the shogun herself, and his anger and bitterness started compiling when she left him

[@flallana18]

Apparently Ei thought he wouldn't be suited to life as her puppet because he shed tears at his own creation. So she let him wander as his own persona and live as an ordinary Inazuman citizen. Unfortunately, Scara saw it as abandonment due to their lack of communication

[@Jesses001]

Well she is his mother...and younger sister. They have a complicated family history, ha.

[@hayond656]

@@Jesses001 Puppet is the Younger sister Ei is the mother This is for people who might get confused

[@mysteriousastrolabe]

@@flallana18 Lmao, it WAS abandonment.

[@xeacarons]

@@flallana18 she made him go to a long slumber until she knew how to guide him cz she was dealing with grief of losing her ppl at that time tho, unexpectedly, he woke up by himself and started wandering around the world (and misunderstood lots of things along the way) I will fix him

[@ironwoodkid9577]

24:04 - 25:58 some people were saying the boss theme feels incomplete, and there is a reason for that in the story, but the fact that you were able to explain why it fees incomplete without playing through that section of the game is just remarkable

[@saektus6142]

Kind of a bummer though that some people I see regards it as "lazy" or "stop coping this is bad music blahblah" but hey you can't really please everybody. Plus It's a relief that Alex explain it why it is "incomplete" in a more technical way in music. Makes me feel much better I'm not the only one who feel that it's been made that way. So far this is my favorite boss theme in genshin!

[@llllavemder]

it feels incomplete, because his god form is incomplete

[@entilopi8399]

it's so funny when people say it feels incomplete, like they're so close to the point (he's an incomplete god like come on now)

[@YunDaWorld1218]

@@llllavemder imagine if it was complete

[@georgerobins4110]

@@saektus6142 right? It’d be like people shitting on “For River” from To The Moon because the song doesn’t end in a satisfying way when that’s literally THE WHOLE POINT

[@123newjersey3]

I love how you can feel, Scaramouche's pain and agony. Yu-Peng clearly wanted to illustrate how misunderstood and bitter Scara is. And he did a damn good job, I'm happy to see you recognize these elements in your breakdown!

[@bndrewd]

Misunderstood **proceeds to enjoy people suffering**

[@skypianoprogression1942]

The most edgy and stupid character in Genshin Impact, you mean, really, even his fight is disappointing

[@gervoh]

Ain't no way is he misunderstood. Lashing out because your life isn't perfect is fine u til you take a life, which he did plenty, killing the entire Raiden Gokaden and joining Fatui. His fall was deserved and so is whatever happens that he loses his memory and becomes the Wanderer.

[@hayond656]

He's not "misunderstood" in fact he's the one who misunderstood everything Thinking everyone betrayed him even though they didn't

[@memoriesbrokenthetruthgoes9105]

He looks so lame and uninteresting and his new design sucks

[@KoongYe]

19:30 That part where you mixed Raiden Shogun theme with Scaramouche is so awesome and symbolic and beautiful I am at awe 🤯

[@nat-fs3ms]

i love this because he literally is her child (per scaramouches understanding, she probably sees him more as a creation)

[@vynsyxx]

then maybe youll like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/anq5o35ni6epqbc

[@andysui5979]

omg me too！

[@mariarivera1340]

@@nat-fs3ms actually Raiden and Scaramouch are based off of Japanese mythology with the 2 gods, The God of wind and Thunder

[@Itzthestriker]

@@nat-fs3ms its more of misunderstanding of scaramouchse part bc from his point of view Raiden/Ei abandoned him but from what Husk artifacts says that Raiden/Ei when creating a vassal she gave it emotions which she realizes that the vassal have soul so she doesn't possess it and gives the vassal freedom and she also gave him a husk feather as an ornament to symbolizes that he is under Raiden Shogun protection u can see the feather on scaramouchse model or splash art so after doing she made made another vassal but this time w/o any emotion having said that I can understand where scaramouchse is coming from like from the creators perspective they gave u choice to make ur decision buy from your perspective they abandoned you also it was Yae Miko that actually wanna get rid of him PS - the feather is right below his vision

[@ironwoodkid9577]

Having talented people like Alex and MarcoMeatball making videos explaining the technicalities of Genshin's music and why it makes you feel the way it does, is just amazing

[@Kenvious7]

YESSSSS ❤❤❤❤

[@RKNancy]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

[@shrimpchris6580]

A dude I watch named DrumRollTony started doing Genshin videos recently too and had a great one on this song, slowly collecting a full bands worth of great musician content creators..

[@Buddy-Love]

Used to watch both meatball and drumrolltony. Meatball stay quite generic, drumrolltony have noticeably more knowledge but Alex is like 100 levels above them. Aside all the hypes he really show to have lot of knowledge about music composition and its diversification. And an amazing ability to catch and dismantle literally any single subtle detail from a song, nailing them all. And, assumed he really dont play genshin, also an incredible skill to build the character image just from its song (ofc thanks also to hoyomix perfect job in doing it) At the end of the video I feel satisfied like when u achieve 10/10 of the objectives and u cannot do/discover anything else. While the other 2 give/know very few info and are mostly interesting for the reactions.

[@beckham3533]

@@Buddy-Love cause marco is a trained classical musician whereas alex is an actual composer so this kind of music fits his field moreso than alex who can really only analyze it from a classical viewpoint

[@tnbee]

finally you react to this! great reaction and inspiring as always alex! :3 edit: also that bass and guitar playing is fire omg

[@banghong0711]

BTW your collab with Marco is AMAZING! Thanks for all the Genshin Remix!

[@lucituci97]

Every musician is so talented! You, Alex, everyone! :) thanks for the amazing music!!

[@thefull9746]

omg it's the ost man

[@shreyass5756]

@@thefull9746 lmao ost man😂

[@Cosmik60]

Oh my god it's music man

[@diaster66]

11:36 "a fallen angel who was destined to rise but somehow something went wrong and it just fell down banished to hell" 12:45 "I am worthy I am destined to ascend" 25:46 "*this* close to becoming a divinity" my god such extremely specific yet spot-on guesses. Thanks Alex for the great breakdown of this banger music!

[@christleybarton6561]

26:05 and he ends up back right where he started- Inazuma

[@ajaxoquaza]

At 13:06, actually it's not his Chinese VA, his VA confirmed it on a stream that is not him but instead a professional hired by hoyo for the vocals, similar to signora's theme

[@luciel98]

that's actually such a similar voice compared to his Chinese VA! That's such a wonderful job honestly

[@NijiKonohana]

Probably really important to pin this, because a lot of people still believe it to be true.

[@RenaDeles]

Do you have an actual source for that because I have seen plenty of people saying both it is his voice and it isn't and nobody actually linking where they heard that. I'm not sure either way, I will say I have heard the voice actor sing plenty in various languages and it sounds a hell of a lot like him if it isn't him, but either way what's your actual source because nobody seems to have it.

[@CheshireInABox]

Link? I am not asking for a link to be rude. It is just, that it is lots of people's word against yours and evidence would be great. I would love to know who actually sung it so please, if he did say it wasn't him, then the link would be appreciated.

[@antichers]

I have the link but cant seem to paste it here. a twt user translated the video bit, @.rachii_chan on nov 6

[@emonte8148]

One of the coolest things about this song (that you somewhat helped me realize in your analysis) is how HoYoMix plays with language and tone to really capture Scaramouche's whole story. Scaramouche's past is filled with betrayal and pain, but I think he does miss his past somewhat and has regrets. When he talks about his past, he actually speaks in Japanese (though the rest of the song is not), and the translation is something like "The child is bound up and swept away", probably referring to how Scaramouche was betrayed and then "swept away" by the Fatui to join them. However, a lot of the song is Scara talking about his past pain and his future divinity, and he speaks in Latin during these parts. Latin is the language of choice for the Fatui Harbingers' themes, since they are based on old Italian tropes, and I think these Latin parts represent his current alignment with the Fatui and how he has disdain for his Inazuman (Japanese) past. In addition, the choir always speaks in Latin and is always talking about things like "newborn", "history", "life", basically hailing his new life as a god.

[@FrenchDinosaur]

False. What he's saying in Japanese is translated as "I'm being laughed at", and that's pretty much it. He spoke Japanese twice in the song, saying this line twice as well.

[@athos9293]

It's hard to translate things like that huh

[@emonte8148]

@@FrenchDinosaur I don't speak Japanese myself, but I'm pretty sure I know the translation you're thinking of. To my knowledge that version of the translation is pretty inaccurate, and I've seen Japanese speakers confirm that.

[@ToscaTee]

@@FrenchDinosaur technically we can only guess what the exact wordings are

[@krystalbuten3403]

Do you happen to have the original Kanji for this translation? I'm very curious to see it

[@yiqingtan4079]

It has been confirmed that the lead voice singing as Scara in the in-game version is actually Yu-Peng Chen himself!!!! Mind blown man!!! The Italian opera singer did a fantastic job and it's a version I will definitely be listening to on Spotify outside the game... but I think the in-game version is still perfect for the in-game experience and storytelling. Just my two cents

[@luscarkii]

my personal timestamps 0:39 noir jazz scaramouche :O 3:00 lost wanderer... 5:32 SCARAMOUCHE FINALLY DID THE FANDANGO 10:25 scara was about to ascend to godhood, but hoyo said SIKE 19:35 scara + raiden theme mixed!!! 20:20 MY FAVORITE PART OF THE SONG 21:08 emotions in the chord progression

[@karlacastanares3084]

I wonder what their faces would look look when they realized Scaramouche really did the pandango!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@angeldude101]

The fact that he instantly picked out the Bohemian Rhapsody reference is honestly hilarious and awesome.

[@iamdino0]

"In the shoes of a weary *wanderer..."* those who know:

[@UnderworldArtist]

I was excitedly anticipating this one! A minute in and he's already dissecting the genre, amazing.

[@Diwaystation]

Cuz he already do a research before

[@athos9293]

​@@Diwaystation anyway

[@w3t_wlpes]

WOOO! Since i watched Marco React to this i was just waiting for you too as well! Musical insights into this beautiful piece is always a treat! I bow to Yu-peng's Talent.

[@biotoxin6280]

The meatball has a following I see

[@jell00motto]

@@biotoxin6280 oh yeah most definitely!!

[@Impalassy]

I was also like, Man marco's review is soooooo good to listen to, but I wonder what Alex thinks since they have different lives and experiences and tastes. Finally I get to have both disections of such an amazing song.

[@anthonywu2410]

XD I was just wondering if there was anyone else who watches marco and alex

[@w3t_wlpes]

Rise fellow Meatballs!

[@KingDieselG]

When Alex don’t realize how spot on he is about Scaramouche 😂

[@nuhurrahman2861]

Then its the proof that he's indeed a pro musician,,

[@enju3588]

@@nuhurrahman2861 Also the proof how good of a story teller Hoyo-mix is

[@Soundwave1900]

Not quite spot on as he thinks scara regrets something when in reality he was mistreated and did actually nothing he'd regret.

[@tonkotsuramen8453]

Yu-Peng Chen nailed it on storyboarding the OST

[@FireBlueZ]

He is beyond pro at music honestly.

[@penguindrum264]

23:36 I don't know if you've heard the Sumeru tracks, but they hinted the main motif in the transition out of the "chorus" section. Scaramouche is from Inazuma, works for the Fatui (from Snezhnaya) and is in Sumeru. His theme is truly international lol.

[@senu.]

and weirdly enough seems to be finding some peace in sumeru after all that mess

[@Pompom-xy3uu]

Mr Worldwide XD

[@biazacha]

@@Pompom-xy3uu Childe quacking rn LMAO

[@leylia161]

He also went to mond, beat childe to being mr international

[@sanachou6474]

@@leylia161 and Scara was first seen in Liyue 😂

[@atmo-sphere6799]

Never knew I needed Scaramouche theme combined with Raiden theme until now. Now I need a full version.

[@kaykay8087]

If you find it send the link here.

[@heatherjohnson6699]

OHMYGOSH if you actually FIND it, please share the link with us!!

[@EclipsetheIcewingNightwing-I]

I’m pretty sure there is I’ve watched it twice

[@uqjx]

4:05 | 10:39 | 14:05 Accurate prediction of the becoming a god part Think it's interesting how the motif compared to Signora's theme is somewhat similar (Fatui motif) but slightly different 11:31 | 12:41 | 25:34 Foreshadowing the outcome of the fight 21:34 Prediction of his origins

[@SorarikoMotone]

each of the harbringers so far had their own flavour of that motif, because each of them is a unique person with unique paths that led them to the current situation of being affiliated with fatui. Music clearly reflects that, which is cool

[@clementine5366]

i personally think that the fatui motif in scaramouche’s theme is different bc he’s technically not a part of the fatui anymore

[@nakfyre9512]

I feel the need to sing your praises Alex. Scaramouche is not only a Child of Inazuma, he's Raiden Ei's clone, so the fact that you realised the Shogun's theme fits PERFECTLY in the japanese part is amazing. Not only that, but the reason his ascension to Godhood is cut off by the japanese trap music os because Sacaramouche's symbol of divinity is Raiden Shogun. And he cant get to divinity yet, because she's there essentially gate keeping him.

[@pawacoteng]

Spoilers Actually Nahida was the gate keeper this round - took the gnosis back.

[@georgerobins4110]

He’s a puppet, not a clone lmao He was a proof of concept for the Shogun

[@MidnightStriked]

18:51 Funnily enough this part is actually "Hollowed Skull" a song in the Inazuma region that is in the Tatarigami area. It's an extremely great motif and it's cool it was reused for Scaramouche.

[@Ire_Naru]

Yup. The same motif is used for many songs of the same area. Soul fo souless conditions, silent testimony hmm and... I forgor. I think they all represent the pain caused by Ei very well. It's like they already were part of Scara's soundtrack. You can listen to those songs while investigating the Hanamikaze forge tragedy, and get your heart stirred up while reading the lore of the sword after you find it in the cave :'3

[@atriyakoller136]

Not quite, it's a vatiation + in a different key But if it were in the same key the first half of the phrase would be the same while the second half would be different. A Hollowed skull opening motif: F# G B C B G F# -G || Bb G F# G E Scaramouche's boss motif transposed tp start with the same note F# G B C B G F# -E || F# G B G F# (G-F#-E) Scaramouche's motif in the original key E F A Bb A F E D || E F A F E (F-E-D) (as grace notes) The || represents the halves of the phrase as I hear it, the - is indicating the part where the themes begin to differ. There was a Sumeru theme that Scara's boss theme was even closer to, so I'd say it's an homage to both regions and it's awesome how it was implemented

[@MidnightStriked]

@@atriyakoller136 ok.

[@Vemin247]

@@atriyakoller136Which Sumeru theme?

[@aiasky3534]

19:47 chills man. That’s A M A Z I N G detail - I really want someone to put his quiet voice behind her theme now. That’s just… such good shadowing.

[@atriyakoller136]

"My name means 'shadow'"... The new meaning to that line

[@darknos1198]

FINALLY SOMEONE TALKED ABOUT THE POLYRYTHM AND HIS HEARTBEAT, YOU'RE THE BEST!!

[@katcrow]

as someone who knows little to nothing about music aside from enjoying it like any non-music educated person; I LOVE these analysis videos that show just how much work goes into making us feel a certain way about these characters and the power the music plays in that. This track in particular I thought was SO cool and interesting and hearing you explain why it invokes the feelings that it does is SO fascinating and satisfying! thank you for your impassioned explanation of what makes this theme so great, I learned a lot and had a great time :)

[@bettyarts5267]

Honestly!

[@grimoireweissfan6969]

"It makes me feel like I'm in the shoes of a weary wanderer" HOLYYYYYYY

[@M.KAI57]

When you merged the Shogun's and Scara's theme, you literally blew my mind!! So, that's why it's so familiar, I thought it was only because of his Inazuman roots. For me, it represents his own identity like saying, "Look at me mother, I may not be the one you wanted, but it doesn't matter anymore since I'll be on my own path now" while still keeping his original Inazuma tune not because of ei but more because of those people he met, his family-for me at least.

[@Thesaurus_Rex]

I think the choir represents the people behind Scaramouche, the ones who gave him his new power and new body (mostly the Fatui, but also some corrupt elements of Sumeru). Most of the track, they're behind him, until Scaramouche begins to recall Inazuma, when they begin a dialogue, calling him back, pleading with him. Scaramouche's voice then sings above them, in a melancholic longing for the days before he was a monster, followed immediately by his personal theme as his voice becomes darker and corrupted, remembering why he can't go back, the things he's done and the things that were done to him. As he prepares to begin to come to terms with this, to embrace and use his full power with the organ buildup, he's harshly interrupted by the Fatui theme, where, unlike the rest of the track, the choir is singing over Scaramouche's voice. The Fatui are the ones at the ends of his strings, the ones who gave him his power and his darkness, and he can't get away from that. He tries, again, to come to embrace his power after the Fatui have their say, but at that point his will is broken, and he submits, as the track transitions to the "Tatarigami" theme, which is used when something tragic happens in Inazuma.

[@somestooperdguy]

I got an ad for your artmaster class on this video holy shit

[@SSQMinky]

Same lmao

[@yqisq6966]

You know it's the real deal when the polyrhythm hits.

[@ramon6783]

The "Scaramouche leitmotif" is something you hear from everything Fatui related. From Winter Night's Lazzo, all Fatui Harbinger appearances, and pretty much any story clip that has Fatui in it. What's amazing with these Genshin compositions is how they take the Fatui leitmotif then blend it to a new melody to create unique signature tracks for each harbinger. Gotta love too that they all have that deep-voiced Russian-esque choir.

[@angeldude101]

The Scaramouche motif and the Fatui motifs start similarly, but they are distinct, Scaramouche's ending by decending, and the Fatui's ending by ascending. Scaramouche's motif is all throughout this track, though the Fatui motif also shows up once.

[@whh1360]

holy shit，the singer is Yupeng Chen himself

[@Lonerzyyy]

yes，this is so sick！

[@EritoKaio]

6:30 that motif is also present in Signora's and Tartaglia's themes :) Edit: Also fun fact, Hoyo announced Scaramouche as a playable character on the release anniversary of Bohemian rhapsody. Its insane the lengths hoyo goes with their planning.

[@xkyoshi11]

Wrong melody dude. That melody was from Ominous Fandango.

[@JouganNeon]

He’s actually right. That motif is specifically known as the Fatui motif. It makes sense it’s in his theme as you know… he was originally the Sixth Harbinger

[@xkyoshi11]

@@JouganNeon No, no it's not. Ominous Fandango and the Fatui theme have different motifs. I suggest you listen to it more closely.

[@autumnrain3937]

24:14 is where Fatui leitmotif starts bro, 6:30 only represents Scaramouche's while 24:14 represents the Fatui Harbingers I am more than happy to provide examples: Fatui Leitmotif Elogia Cinerosa ( 1:16 ) Wrath of Monoceros Caeli ( 0:44 ) Signora Phase 2 ( 4:10 ) the examples given sounds exactly the same but if you compare it to 6:30 in this video it sounds different Scaramouche motif ≠ Fatui motif

[@xkyoshi11]

@@autumnrain3937 this guy gets it.

[@Average_mazatlan_citizen]

25:40 just telling you, you got It perfect here Like WAY TOO PERFECT

[@sparklingblue]

ok but jazz version of ominous fandango slaps. this is such a detailed explanation and analysis, i love it so much! the string melody that repeatedly go up and down from 9:08 sounds grander now, and i agree that it shows his "divine" arrogance. Yu-Peng Chen and staff of HoyoMix truly living in 3100 for this track

[@haoujudai]

18:51 My favorite part of the song. The best part about these Fatui songs is the way they make it sound so alien from the rest of the music pieces in some places. Compared to the rest of the soundtrack, which seems to have a more pure traditional composition (for the most part), they take that and mix it with more modern sounding composition and instrumentation, which gives a extra layer of suaveness and swagger to the Harbingers.

[@Teddygal30]

It's cool how well he can tell so much about the character and story just from the music without having seen it in game! He could figure out so much about Scaramouche (and Signora too back when her theme was released), it's proof that music is a whole other language that can be used to communicate a lot of emotions that can't be conveyed in the same way with words Thanks for making these videos, I feel like I learn so much about the little details the composers put into the music to really tie it with the story and feelings

[@Teddygal30]

11:20 like it's crazy to me how well his interpretation of the music matches Scaramouche's story, it really is like musicians can talk to each other without words

[@coffeeshampoo87]

25:34 I loved this interpretation because the buildup happens a few times in the song, the first is after his own theme, the second after the Fatui theme which shows that he had made multiple attempts to achieve divinity. This whole analysis has been extremely accurate so far and I'm loving it

[@caparashon]

They did it, the absolute mad men. They had Scaramouche's boss theme do the fandango

[@whistlegirl5726]

I was absolutely expecting Hoyo-Mix to sneak in a fandango/flamenco reference, but couldn't pinpoint where exactly. Thanks for pointing it out :D And I love love LOVE how spot on you are for pretty much the entirety of Scaramouche's story.

[@arthoormoorgen9492]

Yu Peng Chad once again made a masterpiece. Happy to see you reacting to Genshin theme again! I would recommend Fischl's domain battle OST, it's one of the best theme in the game.

[@FireBlueZ]

Ah yes Fischl domain ost. Another crazy battle theme. The original Fischl ost by Yu-Peng Chen mixed with insane mix by Yijun Jiang if I am not mistaken.

[@eightyp836]

Anytime I talk about videogame music with friends I think to myself "I hope Alex Moukala makes a video on this song" 🤩

[@hairylegs1319]

Always.

[@rodrigo-3-]

Literally me, lol

[@FireBlueZ]

Literally

[@VeritasNumquamPerit]

Yes, your analysis is quite on point with what scaramouche has gone. I'm so happy you mention bohemian and fandango because that exactly what is in my mind when i listen the track carefully. And toccata and fugue is making me cheer in delight because i have been telling people that this has track toccata and fugue influence in them. Thanks for the perfect analysis as always

[@arlenesunny8686]

Me too😣

[@FireBlueZ]

13:20 Update, Yu-Peng Chen is the voice actor for this soundtrack

[@KoongYe]

There's something about the Japanese bamboo flute (尺八(Shakuhachi) I think...) that pulls on my heartstring. It really emphasizes loneliness and solitude of Scaramouche.

[@sunhaotian8265]

You have the best Scara music reaction I have seen! Very professional yet very clearly explained even for people not knowing music.

[@ladyonyx3811]

I have to say, i think this might be the second video I've watched from you. I LOVE your reaction and explanations. I'm no musician, I'm a writer by trade. However, so many nuances of music stand out to me. When you said that it felt like Scaramouche was ascending, the gates opening, only to be spurned and cast down to hell, I could understand how you saw that. And following that rejection, Scaramouche was left with all this suffering and rage inside. If he wasn't to be an angel, then he'd become a demon that burns down the gates of heaven. In a way, this isn't a totally inaccurate way to see Scaramouche. His story is tragic and watching him go from innocent to abandoned to betrayed, to bitter, and then to vengeful...this piece embodies the epitome of his delusion and all the rage and anguish just pours out in this last desperate attempt of his to become something more. This is probably my top favorite of Hoyo Mix's productions. It's absolutely perfect. Thank you for your reaction and patient explanations. You're brilliant!

[@profaneyo-yo7587]

It literally gives me goosebumps when you hit the exact spot of the narrative through analyzing the music, and I can't stop screaming and clapping when you say he's so close to being a divinity. This is the living evidence of what an accurate language beyond words music can be, and true masters can speak it and understand it.

[@astronautilus7891]

bruh my mouth fell open when u mentioned flamenco steps i wouldve never even considered the musical implications of the percussion there. its also got a little bit of a double meaning! cuz i think those little percussives sound like old jointed dolls moving and scara is a puppet!

[@FlowCat]

your excitement is so infectious, I love watching your reactions. I was a trained classical musician, and it's nice to see you break down how incredible the music really is!

[@lucybrown9106]

By the way the male solo singer in these music is Yu-peng Chen him self!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! But it is him!!!!😍😍

[@dublim6367]

Hey Alex, the singer is Yupeng Chen himself, based on the official OST realised today ..... 😰😰

[@Aydindra]

I love watching professionals' reactions. It's amazing than you can tell not only what the music tells, but also HOW it tells. I really appreciate you showing us how this epic track is build and why it works the way it works. My jaw dropped few times.

[@leithejudge]

what's crazier about Hoyo is Scaramouche, or Wanderer is officially showed on 31 Oct, the exact same day as Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody is introduced to, the lyric in Bohemian Rhapsody also similar with the Scaramouche's past, and the lyric of "Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me" in Bohemian, if we follow the story we'll know for sure what it is (Raiden Ei's god name is Beelzebub), that heavy reference is so smooth, I don't think a player that didn't really follow the story will notice, but thanks sir for noticing that one of the reference, how this boy is one inspired by Bohemian XDD edit : the name is Beelzebul for Raiden Ei my big thumb just goes to auto correct XDD

[@hanakozaki_rin]

bro you’re too powerful that even the ad I watched was your own ad.

[@whatiskirby3495]

21:59 you explained this ‘warmth’ that is alien to the rest of the piece very perfectly! I always noticed something very nice out of this little part and finally I found the answer of how it was done thanks to you!!

[@OrdepLiveira]

You understood Scaramouche perfectly just by listening his boss theme. He is a puppet, that at some point was lost in his confused feelings, and sought to inflict his pain in others, and to become a God that strikes fear in his enemies. One of his names is "Kunikuzushi", that means "country destroyer".

[@newbie4789]

Your genshin boss theme analysis is really really entertaining because when you point out some story themes, people who know the story and lore are just surprised. Atleast for me, I'm always noticing more than what you noticed because of your analysis

[@wyspreegamings6380]

Dang. The music really tells most of the lore. Impressive.

[@annesharoy7127]

Honestly I hoped to see a raw reaction from Ur side but seems like u already listened to it and here just explained the entire music language here....still it was fun to see all the knowledge shared here

[@sogunuboschet6942]

I got an ad for your online courses while watching this video!

[@heavyblastoise]

Ever since Signora's theme i was always looking forward to see how they would implement the Fatui motif into Scaramouche's battle theme. I kept waiting as the track progresses yet the motif was still nowhere to be found, and turns out there it is at the very end of the track. It tells you something about Scaramouche doesn't it.

[@noreallytrythis]

I keep coming back to this and it's just as beautiful everytime.

[@Piikaachuu1203]

THIS IS SPOT ON. Really a testament to your music knowledge and the composer's talent The only thing I can pick on is that his past wasn't beautiful and warm at all, but extremely tragic because he wasn't treated with love and acceptance. The warmth is probably coming from the prospect of leaving his past behind and possibly heading towards greatness he thought he was destined to achieve.

[@F1nalVer1dict]

Glad to see you're back, Alex! KZbin needs someone to bump up the average quality of reaction videos.

[@ToscaTee]

Technically this is more of an analysis video, professionals reacting to stuff in their respective field are the few reaction video format that’s actually good

[@GipsyD29]

Hell yes. Alex back at it again. Although I'm a little disappointed that this isn't his first impressions, I'd love to see his first reaction to the beat drop to the Japanese trap... but in exchange we get a real in depth analysis of the theme!

[@Tea-xo9ry]

the lyrics always make me sorta sad because it’s like he’s calling out to his mother and wanting to be saved by her, but he knows he was “abandoned” by her.

[@lyly-lh4fe]

I love how you do not only react but really add something to it and explain clearly thing in a more professional way. Also this song is such a master piece in game industry I just love it

[@evans_workshopx]

Funfact: They finally announced the real singer for the Vocal here is actually Yu Peng Chen himself!

[@petrichorrs]

I've been waiting for this since forever!! I really love Scaramouche's boss theme, and his themes in general. His boss theme's my favourite!! It's just so good. They really did an amazing job portraying his emotions in his boss theme. I'm not even halfway through the video, but you're already getting everything spot on! That's so amazing. I really love your reactions and analyses!

[@tinyred9710]

fun facts - the first phase you reacted to has a track name of "Ominous Fandango" Also the motif at 15:26 is the same motif used in withering zones in the forest

[@andreafelizola5369]

I've been literally checking for this video to come out EVERY DAY since I played the scaramouche boss battle Edit: Dio mio tu meriti milioni di iscritti, nessuno su KZbin mi ha mai fatto ascoltare le mie ost preferite con così tanta "insight"

[@TalkingSoup]

i love how good musicians and composers can just hear a theme from a soundtrack and immediately know the story and ideas the other composer was going for. music really is a whole language.

[@DoodleToast-c4o]

As an obsessed Genshin player who has listened to this boss theme on repeat for too many times now, lol- Your enthusiasm combined with your explanation + references was most appreciated. Thank you!

[@mizuhashitsunoka]

Man I love your analysis so much! Just the other day I was arguing with a couple of friends regarding Scaramouche as a character and tried to explain what I thought about him being a misled kid who doesn't understands that he had been feeling sad for so long and thought he could remove his feelings but keep his anger. And like so many other things about him, but I can't believe HoyoMix actually made his track to describe his entire life story and what he felt until now. Thank you so much for such a detailed analysis and literally just giving me a weapon against my friends who kept saying I was exaggerating xD

[@FakingGold]

You should try listening to fischl's domain battle ost. That song slaps way to hard for only appearing in an event that only lasts for a month.

[@Slushy.o0]

Yes plz 🔥

[@TheSast]

I'd love to see that!

[@sakuuux3]

21:12 this part is so emotional to me 😭

[@LegitimatelyJustTasha]

26:52 The fact that the exact same ad of you promoting your course played made my day.

[@darkestlight4363]

I was playing Genshin Impact today and, as I was playing in Sumeru, I realized that the melody at 18:51 is actually the melody you hear in Sumeru's overworld music. So it's Sumeru's motif with the Inazuma instruments! That's such a cool connection.

[@UnknownUser-xs7dg]

19:30 holy sht that was so freakin cool, i didnt think raiden's theme would fit there so perfectly

[@chieftheearl]

I'd love to see the choir perform this in the future live concert. I was disappointed when they didnt show the choir in Signora's theme in the previous one

[@michaelwyatt8946]

the fact you actually combined zone of the enders and genshin music together is...bruh.

[@alfredopastore561]

he hasn't played the quest,yet the first word he uses is "wanderer". Simply amazing

[@seraph1690]

when he said "this close" and was doing that gesture with his hand, I was seeing scara crying for the gnosis

[@jego207]

the music tells so much about the story of Scara in one track. Amazing breakdown, Alex!

[@pacificnebula4899]

I am just imagining right now the Hoyo-Mix team reacting to Moukala's analysis and getting hyped up by all his comparisons and deep breakdowns! 😆

[@talamioros]

I love that you picked out the fandango as an homage to Bohemian R--not sure if people have pointed out here, but Scaramouche is literally modelled on the tragic persona in Bohemian R, and Mihoyo has been making sure we get the reference. His introduction song is explicitly called "Ominous Fandango", one of his key backstory spoken lines is literally "I wish I'd never been born at all", his character intro video is titled "Any way the wind blows" and his character was revealed on the anniversary of the release of Bohemian Rhapsody.

[@TravelerSaniar]

19:37 i mean raiden is the person who created scaramouche. So it makes sense that they probably made this theme in a way that it can also match with raidens theme

[@RoselynShade]

it's... scary, how accurate you are with your comments about the story. Like, without playing the story, just... mind blowing you read all of this from just music alone. Inspiring. Also explains why these musical pieces effect us so deeply.

[@tinielcerulis6829]

So happy you're doing videos about Genshin Impact music which is, in my opinion, one of the best video game music in past years. Each update has awesome themes of all sorts.

[@goop952]

This man is the EPITOME of coolness.

[@tari-b5s]

the way you're able to figure out the story through the music is actually so impressive. also the way you describe the music, each change in tone and key, it makes me so happy because somehow you're able to put into words what i can't when i listen to it. awesome job!!!

[@wesyoung296]

Actually to our surprise, the singer is Yupeng Chen himself! :P

[@gladiusbladeofthenorth9939]

13:09 in that exact section,its actually Yu Peng Chen himself singing. while the latter one is not scaramouche's VA,but someone who sounds similar,as said by the voice actor.

[@thewhutnow5795]

Who's Yung Pen Chen? 😂 It's not Yu Peng Chen either, stop posting false information. You don't even know the composer's name how unreliable can you be 🤓

[@grimoireweissfan6969]

@@thewhutnow5795 so who is it?

[@jonong3836]

Please stop spreading misinformation, there is no confirmation that it is Yu Peng Chen. According the the VA (鹿喑kana) they “wouldn’t have asked him to sing, but instead hired a professional”.

[@grimoireweissfan6969]

@@jonong3836 ah thank you, someone who actually gave answers

[@thewhutnow5795]

@@grimoireweissfan6969 of course they would hire professional, like they did before for other Genshin music. That's obvious already.

[@Chocobooo92]

Mihoyo should start to pay you. Your explanations are very helpfull. Thanks to you, I can fuller understand and appreciate the artistry of the songs.

[@Arevika01]

I’m vibing with you, this theme is so freaking amazing it’s nice to share it. You actually made me notice so much more, thanks!!

[@GrimMeowning]

18:50 he also sings that Inazuma part in Japanese language, while his "modern" parts he sings in Latin.