Final Fantasy XI - Heavens Tower (Harp Arrangement)

[@MultiMelodia]

I think a lot of people sleep on FFXI without a good reason. Honestly, my main gripe with it is still having to use playonline. I've had a good time playing it, just wandering about and exploring the world without a sense of direction and what to do at what level. No doubt, the music makes that experience more immersive than you'd think coming from an early MMO.

[@Ouros88]

check out the server Eden ;)

[@MultiMelodia]

@@Ouros88 I've heard about it, but I generally avoid private servers.

[@shuritanuma2835]

@@MultiMelodia it’s more of a real server than the current ones lol I’ve been playing for nearly 3 years and Retail is just horrible at this point.

[@MultiMelodia]

@@shuritanuma2835 I get it. I totally do, but on a private server your character and the hours and hours you've poured into them are at the mercy of the copyright holder, the amount of money donated to keep the server running, and the server admins themselves. Every go I've had in a MMO private server has ended with a C&D from the rights holders and hours of character progress out the window. Time is finite, so I've decided to pour mine into something less likely to vanish.

[@Harpsibored]

I'll admit, I still haven't played FFXI since I don't have any interest in MMOs. I just like to be solitary with my gameplay. But I do LOOOVE the soundtrack. Is it possible to beat FFXI without interacting with other players? (man I feel super antisocial asking this question)

[@alumyst]

FFXI was one of my favorite memories. early college years during the lvl 75 cap days. starting city of windurst as a mithra. will never forget that time ❤

[@TheVirtuousDegenerate]

Brilliant. Always loved AFKing in Heaven's Tower for the music.

[@Harpsibored]

Oh man I love walking away during games and just leaving the character standing there. I probably did that the most with Balamb Garden (FFVIII) and A New World (FFV). ❤️

[@TheVirtuousDegenerate]

@@Harpsibored FF4 & FF6 world music on the SNES for me, then having to tell to my brothers I was "still playing" when they asked if I was done and if they could get on lmao

[@Harpsibored]

@@TheVirtuousDegenerate damn can't go wrong with leaving on world map music for hours. Good choices.

[@StephenSpanner]

Jesus why am I just finding you did FFXI right now? XI has some of my favorite music of all time and you absolutely rocked this one. Beautiful!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!! ❤️ yeah it's my only FFXI cover haha. I'd really love to do another one sometime

[@epoch99]

SO GOOD! One of my favorite tracks from 11! Been playing that game for 20 years! Thanks for selecting music from it!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much for listening!! ❤️ Damn a game that has brought you joy for decades. That's pretty special.

[@SiolfortheJackal]

"This is getting out of hand. Now there's two of them!" I've actually never heard this one before. Sounds fantastic!

[@Harpsibored]

I have multiplied like yeast.

[@Aurachan787]

This is my first time hearing this song and it sounds so good! I played FFXI, but didn't get very far. So glad I was able to discover it through your cover! 😊

[@Saucemageddon]

Your harp playing has brought me to tears. Pardon the small amount. Thank you!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate anything! ❤️ btw here's a longer version if you wanna relax to this sometime: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aabcfaeMrdmLjbM

[@Clubvirg]

Dang this was dope. Double the Harpsibored, double the trouble. This was really cool.

[@Harpsibored]

I've always wanted to reproduce asexually. I am a special jellyfish

[@Semaj4747]

Great arrangement. It would be cool if they used this in a final expansion, I always loved visiting this kingdom in FFXI. The entire region has this vibe. Those were the days...

[@happy_camper]

Despite never playing the game beyond lvl 20-something, I have been drawn to this piece (and indeed all of FFXI's music) for many years. Heaven's Tower is probably my favorite from the OST. Mesmerizing and meditative. It sounds like it's telling the listener a story from long, long ago. I absolutely love this arrangement and performance - you really captured the mood of this piece! Just wonderful. The harp is always so magical.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!!! "Mesmerizing and meditative" is a PERFECT way to describe this song. I love it.

[@alexsteer7551]

I listen to this daily. It's phenomenal!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much, I'm glad to hear that! 💙 I have an extended version available too btw! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aabcfaeMrdmLjbM

[@MiBrCo4177]

omfg.. I didn't know this was a thing on your channel.. FFXI is one of my my most favoritest favorite FF's ever made lol. 20+ years and it's still near and dear to my hear to this day.

[@Harpsibored]

I'm sorry to say I still haven't played it, but I loooove the OST. Super underrated. Will definitely do another XI song when I have the opportunity 💖

[@Agustin-OWA]

"2 harps and 1 girl"😵 I see what you did there haha😅, also great cover.

[@Harpsibored]

Keepin it classy.

[@Tremendouz]

Aw yess, this sounds so lush and I love the long, sustaining chords

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you ❤️

[@Ouros88]

Lovely. This game has one of the best OST's ever!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you, agreeeeeeeeeeeeed ❤️ The FFXI OST deserves more love!

[@samfowler2073]

This might be one of the most beautiful performance I have heard in years.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much 😭

[@ryanleber]

Wow.

[@Sean081799]

I don't see harp duets very often but I'm happy to see one here - amazing playing!

[@Harpsibored]

Thanks a lot! 💖 Caitlin Ayala does a lot of harp duets/ensembles on her channel if you're ever interested. I really dig this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKOVlmuEatGDo5I

[@Seathasky]

Magical! My fave song in FF11

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! Same 💖

[@Seathasky]

@@Harpsibored Still amazing coming back to this video a year later.. Really well done Harpsibored!

[@Harpsibored]

@@Seathasky Damn, I'm super flattered to be remembered a year later. Thank you 😭

[@RebeccaETripp]

This is an exquisite arrangement, and it's going straight into several of my playlists!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank youuuuuuu ❤️ and thank you for your help!!!!!!

[@ret4kind]

Beautiful. You played a very obscure song from 20 years ago that has such a strong emotional impact on the people who heard it. You must be a tarutaru.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! Damn, this song is obscure? I need to get better at picking Top 40 FF tracks......

[@ret4kind]

@@Harpsibored FFXI maybe obscure but that in no way negates the fact that if you judge a game on atmosphere it is the greatest game ever created.

[@Harpsibored]

@@ret4kind good to know. I've never played FFXI since I'm not an MMO person but the fandom does seem passionate about it, and that's something I can get behind. Absolutely love the OST and hope to do another XI song!

[@AnimalisaKeys]

What a great arrangement!!! Love how you conjured up an extra harp and an evil (or good?) twin!

[@Harpsibored]

The twin is an anarchist, so she's for both good and evil.

[@jeburata]

I played retail and played again on a 75 classic private server to relive the nostalgia. Windurst ftw! Love how you played this piece!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!!! This is my favorite harp duet I've ever done, hehe

[@johnfenske7764]

lovely arrangementaru! delighted to see some FFXI

[@Lowtoves]

Wowww such intention and direction while maintaining the chill vibe. Dreamy soundscape

[@Harpsibored]

Thanks so much! ❤ I think I really captured the "do fifty million takes and pick the one that strays from the metronome least" intention 😁

[@sonatina3]

Beautiful! so atmospheric. Gosh I love the range you get on the harp you show off her and the beautiful pure melody notes in the middle.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! ❤️ I try to milk the harp for all its worth. Puahaha

[@DisposedHeroVGM]

Oh hey, a collab with Harpsona, nice! 😇 I'm not familiar with FFXI music, but this sounds great! Maybe one of these days I'll invest the hundreds of hours required to actually play through 11 and 14! XD

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! Imposter Harpsona and I are flattered.

[@ThomasMHead]

How pretty! Lofty and, well, heavenly. Nicely done! I'm fairly sure this is the first time I've heard any rendition of this one; yet it feels familiar, and I can't put my finger on why. 🤔

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! Hm not sure either. There aren't too many covers out there of this song (that I know of anyway). Maybe it's just a characteristic of the tune itself.

[@JohnOethGuitar]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Harpsibored]

Thanks! Hey love your channel!!! 😍

[@AllisonMartin]

ooooooooo when those chords come in, it's sooooo lovely! The timing on the melody + chords is so good, too; I feel like that would be harder to match up without a live duo. I really like this one!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! 💖 It was a lot of hard work getting everything to match up perfectly. Rhythmic playing isn't my strong suit. I've been a soloist for too long 😅

[@joshsstuff5931]

I'm obsessed with that ostinato. Also, I keep thinking, how did she stay in time?? Implantable brain metronome?

[@Harpsibored]

So this is the first video where I recorded audio and video separately, cause I knew I was gonna have to play with a metronome to get it PERFECT haha. Also so I could do the panning a certain way. I should've just lied and said I had a brain metronome implanted.

[@joshsstuff5931]

@@Harpsibored Ohhh whew, that makes me feel better! I'm trying to record a duet (two separate videos) with my harp teacher, and I'm having to do a lot of crazy things to keep it all in time - play with headphones connected to a metronome and record the audio, then record the video while playing the audio that I just recorded, etc. It's been crazy.

[@Harpsibored]

@@joshsstuff5931 yeah you can generally do one of two things: record video/audio simultaneously with headphones on so you can listen to the metronome as you record. OR record audio separately, then record the video with the audio + metronome playing obnoxiously loudly in the background. I did the second one for this because I didn't want to be wearing headphones in the video. Felt like it would mess up the aesthetics of what I was going for. Plus I knew I was recording the harp in 3 parts for panning reasons anyway. Hope this is helpful!!

[@LloydTheHammer]

Well done! I can tell from your expressive playing that this songs means a lot to you and it sounds really good! Great job putting this together and keep at it! :)

[@Harpsibored]

Thanks a lot dude! 💖

[@dagga19k]

Oooh, wasn't expecting you to cover tracks from FF11! While I haven't played it (because I'm not interested in MMORPG) , I love the OST, there are so many beautiful tracks like Promyvion, Flowers on the Battlefield, Selbina or Gravit'on. Wonderful performance, my lady!

[@shuritanuma2835]

Oh waiting for dunes parties in Selbina…!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! ❤️ Same, haven't played it but I love the OST. Ronfaure and Sarutabaruta are on my to-do list.

[@ttslider2957]

@@Harpsibored "Sarutabaruta" or West Sarutabaruta [S] "The Cosmic Wheel"? They are both so good. Either way, I'm excited!

[@butterfingerspart2232]

@@Harpsibored Not FF, but this is a good one too, nice bounce to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYfFnHyEhpVshLM

[@LoneTreePeak]

Here we go! Double performance. That's awesome. Self collaboration for the win! Haha you fooled me with the XI. I was expecting a IX but this was really amazing and I'll enjoy whatever songs you choose to cover. This particular tune was really nice with a special feeling of deep relaxation. I didn't play 11 to be honest, but I really enjoyed this so thanks for introducing me to this cool music. Also nice production with the dual performance. That was amazing. I hope to see more of that in the future. Very elegant and nicely done! 🎶 🎵 👍 👍

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️ Haha I won't lie I was TEMPTED to do another FFIX track but decided it was time to be a little more versatile (...for now. I'll definitely do at least a few more IX tracks this year I hope). I never played FFXI either but the OST is just damn glorious. I love chilling out to this song on loop. Will make an extended version of this as well once I get a chance 🎶

[@LoneTreePeak]

@@Harpsibored Hey you're welcome! That's great to hear you'll be doing more this year hopefully and I'm also happy to hear about the extended version incoming. I enjoy running these tunes for a while as they provide a good background ambience for when I'm working on some things. Very cool. 🔥 🎶 🎵

[@ferdk16]

What a lovely ambience 😌 I can imagine getting immersed in the world of the game with such a piece. I swear one day I'll break my "no MMOs" rule for XI and XIV, I wanna experience all these amazing tunes in context :) Great arrangement!

[@IkariLoona]

It's worth it, and the music can really be a major part of the experience. This one in particular plays in an area that serves as a center of government to a nation where magic plays a major part, and along with that a few secrets and society-wide coping mechanisms and compromises, and I think the music expresses that really well, as it does in several other places. As a fun exercise, try listening to Bandits Market from XI, and try to imagine what's going on in that area and around it.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! ❤️ I also have a no MMOs rule, but it does make me sad I don't have much context for the music in FFXI. I LOVE the OST.

[@IkariLoona]

@@Harpsibored I don't know if you looked into the Treasures of Aht Urhgan side of the FFXI soundtrack, but "Whispers of the Gods" may be worth a listen - if it's not entirely played on harp, it sounds remarkably close to my untrained ears - a nice quiet track with a sense of wonder that plays in an underground area where well preserved ancient ruins match the nature that has overtaken everything else around them in beauty.

[@yuiko01]

Hello~ I just found you today and saw that you covered a lot of Final Fantasy songs. Just wondering if you have plans to cover Terra from Final Fantasy IX. I think it would sound lovely played fully on the harp.

[@Harpsibored]

Thanks for the suggestion! Yup, that one is on my FFIX to-do list. One of my favorite location tunes.

[@psycosulu]

Very beautifully played, good luck in the contest!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! 💖

[@ryandude3]

This one takes me back! Spent a lot of time here since I was from the good ol' Federation of Windurst. Now I need to see if you have other FFXI tracks.

[@Harpsibored]

Spoiler alert: I don't. Hah. Well, I did make an hour long extended version of this as well. But FFXI has such a killer OST, would definitely love to do more. Another favorite of mine is Sarutabaruta 💖

[@ryandude3]

Oooh, yes, that's another earworm from that OST! Made low-level grinding less painful.

[@Xanatrix]

I remember that I have said that I am running out of words describing my amazement at your arrangements. You made a layered track and video this time, so my amazement is back in full swing! I love this song in-game, and I love your arrangement. Thank you so much for this excellent rendition.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!! ❤️ Was nervous doing a layered harp track for the first time but I'm glad it worked out. I'm not sure how often I'll do duets like this but hey it's a good option for when the track calls for it!

[@Rhomagus]

Goosebumps

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you 💕

[@Rhomagus]

@@Harpsibored No, thank you.

[@Ephremjlm1]

So sick great job!

[@tsori8717]

harp has to be one of my favorite intruments. It has such a pure tone to it. This an enchanting arrangement and beautifully performed. Great job!

[@Harpsibored]

Well what do you know it's my favorite too. Thank you!!! 💖

[@JaronDavis]

This cover is so well done, atmospheric, and moody; love it!

[@Harpsibored]

Yay! Thank you so much ❤️

[@JaronDavis]

@@Harpsibored You're very welcome! :D

[@wrath_of_ronin1095]

Thank you

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you for listening ❤️

[@Mcpblackheart]

That bassline side hit me in all nerve innings . Instant of my harpsi B faves ❤😁

[@Harpsibored]

I'm honored!!! ❤️

[@gideonzz]

ooooooohhhhh of course it was Heavens Tower !!! That makes sense on the harp!!! I feel dumb... You on the other hand should feel fabulous, in that lovely dress AND after doing this incredible duet cover! Cheers to you!

[@Harpsibored]

Hey you guessed beautiful songs, no need to feel dumb. Awww thank you so much!! ❤️

[@MrAquilina420]

That was mesmerising. I just realised how guitar-like the harp can sound when strummed. Tastefully mixed too.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@tetsujixiv]

I played XI for many years and I still go back to it every now and then, I love the OST, so glad this popped up in my recommends! beautiful

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much, glad you're here! Will try to do more FFXI in the future. The soundtrack is 🔥🔥🔥

[@tyty0071]

excellent rendition, love it!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!!! Always love to hear appreciation for the FFIX OST! ❤️

[@tyty0071]

@Harpsibored Please do a harp rendition of another amazing track from FFXI called 'Recollection'. TIA

[@justaname935]

This is awesome!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!!! This is one of my favorites 😍

[@cookedchicory6742]

This is such a nice and ethereal track to cover. The harp duo is doing so good here. I love how the second one is doing its entrance, there's something powerfull with it.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! 💖

[@CommDao]

I was wondering how you were gonna do the layout for this-- very cool!

[@CaitlinAyala]

soooo pretty!! I could listen to this on repeat forever

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! ❤️ Gonna do an extended version of this one at some point. I listen to the original track on repeat constantlyyyy

[@Daisuka]

Beautiful piece. Heaven's Tower is one of my favorite tracks from FFXI. I started in Windurst, and the music for that city is peaceful.

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much! One of my favorites too! ❤️

[@Soundole]

Really beautiful work, and the quiet virtuosity of this hasn't escaped me - it's not trivial to keep that meditative accompaniment going with that level of precision and polish for 5 minutes straight! There's a great sense of flow and control in your melodic playing, and the gentle but spacious reverb you've chosen works perfectly for this! Thank you for being part of this year's competition!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much, this really means a lot!! I feel like this song looks deceptively easier from a technical standpoint but god getting everything to sync perfectly.....no. Hahaha. Thank you again!! 💖

[@ChromaticApparatus]

Is this your first multi-track recording? Such an entrancing piece, sounds beautiful! I've never played any of the MMO FFs, but I do love the music from them!

[@Harpsibored]

Yup, it is! I'm sure you caught that I recorded the left and right hand parts of the high notes separately, so I could get the panning effect I wanted 💖 Have definitely come a long way in my crappy production abilities. Thank you so much!

[@LyneaFlynn]

Yesss I love this piece!

[@ajarthur99]

Nice choice. Well done

[@dustinh.3725]

Does it give goosebumps to play this? I got them while listening. Well done!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you so much!! ❤️ Yes, especially when playing the lower part. This song just really hits me when it comes in. I dunno how the hell Mizuta came up with this...genius.

[@bigc418]

awesome !!

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you 💙

[@bigc418]

@@Harpsibored no thank you

[@bigc418]

​@@Harpsibored kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIecfqilj9mAi7s do this song pleaseee : P

[@bigc418]

@@Harpsibored stil my fav song never would of heard it bec i dont play the online games but i can ssleep too this song forever its like rain falling greatness

[@poisonapple1991]

I wish I knew you in real life, you're awesome.

[@Harpsibored]

Person: wanna hang out or do XYZ on Friday night Me: no I'm playing the harp Yeah I'm pretty awesome

[@poisonapple1991]

@@Harpsibored what if person said wanna hang out, make music & record FF collabs and listen to you play your sweet harp? Cos ngl, that sounds pretty awesome to me.

[@Harpsibored]

@@poisonapple1991 come to think of it, the last time I had friends over I just got drunk and made them listen to me play Fisherman's Horizon. All in all not a bad night.

[@poisonapple1991]

@@Harpsibored sounds perfect to me!

[@TheManPF]

Fantastic

[@rophgames]

Absolutely enchanting 💚

[@lecoursaire666]

Absolutely phenomenal!

[@fiwz7840]

Beautiful :]

[@TripleBMusic]

Really beautiful performance! Your video says 2 harps, but I hear 3, you can't hide the truth forever!! (because of the left and right panning I assume you recorded the audio for those separately but them performed them together for the video? Or did you do some other kind of trickery to get that effect?)

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you! Haha you got me, it is 3 recordings. I recorded the left and right hand of the top part separately so I could pan them L and R to get the effect I wanted. But it is playable as a duet, if that makes sense, so I figured I'd rather just make 2 videos instead of 3. Meh.

[@levelupdelivery9504]

Applause Applause Hadn't heard this. Thanks for the introduction, and for waterfalling melody chemicals into my brain. You actually executed well on setting up and organizing your media here. Execution Points +11 In truth, I prayed so hard recently. Even had the entire church this last Sunday morning put the scripture down, and ask God to favor numbers 1-8, 10-15 for the rest of time. (Or at least until I die) #Salvation #deliverance #keepthetwinscoming!!! #itsgettinghotinhere

[@Harpsibored]

Oh so you're saying my next cover should be FF9? Got it!

[@dagga19k]

@@Harpsibored Yes yes yes!

[@levelupdelivery9504]

@@Harpsibored @Dagga19k Everybody calm down, we need to calm down. Breathing fortunately will calm down our central nervous system. Hopefully you guys have done so. I don’t even know what a stale mate is, but this feels like one. I have a solution to satisfy us all. I see 2 Harpiboreds in the video, her and her clone. Or maybe they’re both clones.. who knows……. The original Harpsi may continue producing ff9 content or whatever, and as far as the extra Harpsi clone. I’ll take that one off your hands. Perhaps……. to party with. Yeah to Party with (lmao just noticed 2 Harps 1 Girl)

[@Harpsibored]

@@dagga19k haha I'm just messing, I'll probablyyyy take a break from FF9 for just a bit to cover some other games. Although there's always a high possibility I'll be cracked out playing at 1am and randomly decide to switch over to a FF9 song and just run with it. (that's how Unrequited Love ended up happening...)

[@Harpsibored]

How about an additional 2 Harps 1 Girl edition, but a FF9 song?

[@C-SasLe]

👍Really nice !

[@minasojomassiel4397]

For the sake of efficiency I would think someone would play that series of notes and then loop the footage but...I'm having a really tough time telling whether that was done or if you actually played that same series of notes for 5 minutes straight. I feel like it was the latter~

[@Harpsibored]

Haha well let's put it this way...yes, it's looped. But I played it for hours to get a take I deemed worthy enough to loop. I'm somewhat unhinged in the head.

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

👏

[@elijahwileye]

Heaven …….. is this heaven ?

[@Harpsibored]

Well.................it's the tower.

[@Netch_Godling]

Join us on FF14 :D

[@Harpsibored]

I've never played an MMO hahaha. But...I could play a FF14 song?!?!?!

[@Netch_Godling]

@@Harpsibored oh man there are tons to choose from. I am not sure it would fit but radz-at-han would be epic

[@Harpsibored]

@@Netch_Godling Was just planning on being a basic bitch and doing Answers or something but this song's pretty dope!

[@Netch_Godling]

@@Harpsibored -bow- i do what i can to spread the jams

[@budakbaongsiah]

This is from XI, not XIV. No wonder some people call XIV players evangelists.

[@WarpWhistlesMusic]

T W O M S T howmst ever shall we contain this power aaaaaaaa very pretty tower song (even if I didnt play FF11 oops)

[@Harpsibored]

TWOMST? Huh?

[@Harpsibored]

(and thank you 🥰 I never played FFXI either...cough..)

[@jamilp2869]

fantastic

[@komando8365]

Amazing

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you 💙

[@SaveTheWhales5]

Amazing

[@Harpsibored]

Thank you 💙