Isaac's Battle Theme | Orchestral Cover

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TandA lets out a howl!
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➤ Analysis:
Undoubtedly the most popular track, and the most recognizable to those even outside of the franchise, how does Sakuraba present the intensity of a battle?
To begin, we are thrust into action with diminished 7th chords (B-D-F-A♭). To enhance the intensity, Sakuraba pits two of these chords against one another; note the bassoon and contrabass in the 2nd beat of the 1st bar remain on B-D-F-A♭, while the orchestra pivots to C-E♭-F♯-A. This creates a remarkably aggressive semitonal clash.
These diminished 7ths jump to our tonic of A minor (A-B-C-D-E-F♯-G♯-A; 0:04), where the melody dances on the tonic triad (A-C-E). We then drop down to the flattened 7th (G) with a suspended 4-3 chord (G-C-D to G-B-D), with the 4th (C) acting as the familiar pivot note between the two chords, so to not make the jump too abrupt.
We would then expect the harmony to descend down another tone to the flattened 6th (F), but interestingly Sakuraba chooses to jump up a major 3rd (a tertiary shift) to B major (B-D♯-F♯). This sudden reversal of the harmonic direction is quite exciting as the melody then steps up chromatically from D to D♯ (0:08).
This then progresses (as we expect) into E minor (E-G-B) - the dominant minor from our tonic of A - where we then get a brief sequence as this harmonic progression repeats a 3rd higher (D to G; another tertiary modulation). This shift from E minor to D major allows a natural expansion of the outer voices (contrary motion), where the bass descends (E to D) while the melody ascends (E to F♯), creating more excitement.
When we reach G, it is but a fleeting visit as we are quickly engulfed in another tertiary shift to E major (E-G♯-B; 0:11), acting as the dominant chord to return us safely back to the opening tonic of A - a perfect cadence (chord V to chord I; here, E to A).
On our return to A, we once again jump down to G, and now we receive our further descent down to the flattened 6th (0:15). This descent continues (as expected) to the dominant (E), which is prepared with another suspended 4-3 chord (E-A-B to E-G♯-B), accenting the upcoming perfect cadence back to our tonic of A.
When we return to A (0:18), we receive the most climactic bar of the whole track (bar 8). Here, the orchestra are largely homophonic (playing the same rhythm), but this rhythm is syncopated (off the beat), creating a wonderful rhythmic dissonance.
In this bar, we descend once again from A to G to F, but this time linger on the flattened 6th (F) rather than tailing off on the dominant (E). This F acts as another tertiary pivot back to our tonic (0:19), where this material is repeated.
But while the first statement of this material was 8-bars long, the repeat is cut a bar short at only 7-bars long. When we get our dominant preparation in the 7th bar (on E), Sakuraba shifts cheekily into a passage in F major / E minor (0:34) for a brief 4-bar respite.
Following this, we return to A (0:43) and get a Dorian progression of A minor to D major (A-C-E to D-F♯-A); a minor tonic to a major chord IV. This partially repeats, but in the opposite direction, from A to F - another tertiary modulation. We swim between these two chords momentarily. When we reach the end of the phrase, our tonic has surprisingly turned major (A-C♯-E).
From this, we fall intriguingly into F♯ minor (the relative minor of our tonic major) for a brief interlude phrase preparing us for the loop to the beginning. Harmonically, we move from F♯m to E to D and back to E, all while sitting on top of an F♯ pedal. The last of these chords (E major atop an F♯) acts both as a dominant chord (E major) and a tertiary shift (F♯) as we return to our opening tonic of A for the loop.
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The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using sample libraries from EastWest, Vienna Symphonic and Sampleism.
★Game: Golden Sun
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library, Sampleism
★Tags: Golden, Sun, Golden Sun, Orchestra, Orchestral, Orchestration, Arrangement, Remix, Cover, Isaac's Battle Theme, Isaac Battle Theme
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#Isaac

[@TandA-Music]

Vote for the next arrangement, and new thumbnail discussion! ➤ Patreon (10 points per vote) - www.patreon.com/posts/61843922 ➤ Community Board (1 point per vote) - kzbin.infocommunity ➤ Twitter (1 point per vote) - twitter.com/InspectorJShaw/ ⭐ New Thumbnails ⭐ Testing out a new thumbnail design in the hopes of growing the channel a little more (since I suck at graphic design :P ). Let me know your thoughts below! \o/

[@angelorivera2768]

I want to say two things 1: I love how you even added the encounter sound at the beginning 2: I honestly thought this would be the same as the other orchestral version of this song, but THIS ONE, HOLY SHI-

[@TandA-Music]

It didn't sound right without that encounter sound ;)

[@nashywill]

Where's the other orchestral version?

[@angelorivera2768]

@@nashywill this is an example kzbin.info/www/bejne/oF7YfYGVrLKqosk

[@ZeroManu92]

Yeah, the encounter sound is a must when you play any battle music from Golden Sun

[@SovereignCaustic]

You should one day add the level up sound at the end for symmetry :)@@TandA-Music

[@marvinmartinez3818]

With this masterpiece, grinding levels doesn't sound boring anymore

[@rossjamestobitt]

Oh look another orches.... OH MY GODS THIS IS FIRE! ❤‍🔥You captured the essence of the original immaculately!

[@justinjyeung]

I feel like I can die and go to heaven now :') If there's a Golden Sun HD Remaster, I want THIS arrangement as the battle theme :') It's got the perfect balance of instrumental depth, energy, and the sound of the original - perfect nostalgia :'D

[@TandA-Music]

Glad to have sent you to heaven \o/ ... no, wait ... don't die!

[@DontRollInitiative]

Oh boy, this one brings back so many memories. I can't stress enough how much I appreciate your content. Keeps the memories of this amazing franchise alive:). Let's hope you get to make some new arrangements at some point when the Golden Sun rises again.

[@TandA-Music]

We've gotta keep the franchise alive since Nintendo won't ;)

[@mikeprado30]

Beautiful rendition, as always! I hope you'll be releasing someday those arrangements in album form (at least in digital format, beyond Patreon).

[@TandA-Music]

Would certainly love to, but it's legally impossible to do at the moment (thanks to the good old U.S. Music Modernization Act! D: ) EDIT: Golden Sun album now up on Bandcamp! >> tanda-music.bandcamp.com/releases

[@Hoshi9Zoe]

[@TandA-Music]

Severely underrated instrument nowadays! :O

[@LeBingeDoctor]

Along with your formidable work, I appreciated the tempo indication, original coda, encounter sound and the white flash at the beginning. Solid details enhancing the exciting rendition of your arrangement!

[@Pyorittelisinkohan]

So epic 🥲

[@Duhemsounds]

That's some beautiful Golden Sun work

[@tellox85]

Brutal

[@isaaclemushernandez9780]

every single delivery you give always finds a way to impress me

[@ContemporaryOngaku]

What a talented arranger you are ! You should get into arranging for concert or films, man

[@TandA-Music]

Been working on a few original game soundtracks the past few years - still waiting for one of them to release, so watch this space! \o/

[@allisonh2048]

AHHH this punched me in the nostalgia bone! I love the exuberance, adventure, and even joy in this! It really captures the thrill of battle and the honor in victory. It makes me need to hold a sword in my hand RIGHT NOW!

[@pd7266]

Play at 75% speed, if you ignore the choppiness, it doesn't sound to manic and more like a strategic fight theme.

[@Posby95]

This cover sounds better than it has any right to. I've never been too much of a fan of Isaac's song (I prefer Felix's theme) but this version kicks ass!

[@ericlakeauthor]

What a fantastic arrangement. I've been listening to the extended version of this for over an hour already.

[@GengaJupite]

I'll be honest, I usually click on orchestral cover videos with low expectations unless it's a channel I'm familiar with but damn this was insanely impressive. Nice work, definitely gonna check out the other GS stuff you've done!

[@Sector8]

Holy! You nailed this one perfectly!!

[@TandA-Music]

\o/ \o/ \o/

[@-LorDDawi-]

Wow! My joy is immeasurable, TandA. Jonathan Shaw. I've always loved your orchestral arrangements, but sometimes I find myself in awe of your skill.

[@TandA-Music]

Glad you enjoyed! This one took a _little_ while, hehe

[@MrAzHines]

WOW! I’ve always loved finding new covers of my favourite battle theme... and I was wondering when you’d cover it! Amazing job!! Thanks so much for all your hard work keeping Golden Sun alive! ☀️

[@swordweaver9696]

I knew Bravely Default battles sounded familiar

[@alengorkgamer]

What a Masterpiece!

[@RedRune9]

1:07 Glad that the bwooooooo part is still in here. I always loved this part

[@TandA-Music]

Can't have Isaac's theme without the bwoooooooooo

[@skiks3562]

This is perfect. *Chef kiss

[@BlastoiseBaller]

Really gorgeous, and an arrangement I've been looking forward to seeing from you for a long time!

[@ShockWithoutFear]

This is fantastic!! Thanks for all the Golden Sun remixes you do, it feels great having these in the community

[@Jumpkick42]

Soooo many yups with this!

[@TandA-Music]

yup yup yup

[@ashclaw2306]

Glorious.

[@dianelouise7190]

Wow, this is amazing!

[@ShiningDrake777]

This is really, really, really good. Thank you so much for you hard work in this!

[@TandA-Music]

A whole week spent on this one track - worth it tho! ;)

[@Blues2Dark]

This is truly awesome, I've been listening to a lot of these all day today, well done!

[@RoydGriffin]

Thank you so much for this

[@lucabov7388]

YEEEESSSS. So cool. So epic. And that way to end it! Truly a masterpiece :D

[@retrohero2762]

I'm just foaming at the mouth imagining this in a GS remake

[@TheDovakhin01]

The finish is great!

[@TandA-Music]

Glad you think so! \o/

[@MattallisStorm]

This is great, thank you!

[@enet2404]

Thats really impressive

[@Lp-zm8we]

Nostalgic

[@SonicLink125]

This is so amazing!!! You did fantastic on this arrangement! I honestly don’t know how to approach this, but there’s just one minor problem (and it’s a very common mistake) with the song that if fixed, will make this the best orchestrated piece of Isaac’s Battle Theme ever. I would love to contact you about it if possible.

[@TandA-Music]

Ooh, you have me intrigued 👀 - feel free to let me know here!

[@SonicLink125]

@@TandA-Music Ok. So, there is a very common misconception among fans that Isaac’s Battle Theme is only 1:12 minutes long and it loops back to 0:03. That is not true. The song is actually 2:23 minutes long. The “second verse” has a part that have slightly different instruments and tempos and the flute isn’t as potent like the “first verse” does. In the original song, check between 0:33-0:40 in the first verse. Then check between 1:42-1:51 in the second verse. They are actually different. (Also, the original song actually starts to loop at 1:12 and not at 0:03. Though personally, I think it should have looped at 0:03 so we could hear both verses.) I hope this all makes sense.

[@TandA-Music]

Ah! So someone else _did_ notice that! xD It's funny, because what you've described is _definitely_ there in Sakuraba's original recording. But in the ripped MIDI, the 2nd loop is nowhere to be seen. So _which_ one is the correct one? (We need someone to write a dissertation on this, hehe) Personally though, since the only change was a single instrument replaced, there was little need to do a 2nd loop solely for it (but good ear!)

[@SonicLink125]

@@TandA-Music Wait, really?! That’s so odd. Because I have the ripped MIDI for years since it was available that has that 2nd loop and in the game itself it does that 2nd loop too. Hmmm...(I agree! We need someone to write on this. Haha) But yeah, it’s a minor thing in the end. But even then some minor things can make a huge difference. Regardless, this piece is amazing!

[@TandA-Music]

Oh man, this opens up a whole new can of worms if there are multiple versions of MIDI rips xD My life is a lie! (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

[@Zubaja]

Oh man, this is amazing! I especially dig the flute portion!

[@vittoriosommatinomusic]

Awesome job!!!

[@munsterotaku3058]

I would prefer his this one instead of the original after YEARS of griding on the first game ahaha

[@diaphonis]

Pero que épico!!!! Me encanta!!!💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@DEIsaac]

Loved it! Great job!!

[@TandA-Music]

Glad you enjoyed! \o/

[@terrylic44]

Awesome!!^^

[@Xeyner13]

Awesome! I was wondering, which instrument did you use for the main melody? When it's fast paced it sounds so good, are those violins?

[@TandA-Music]

For the melodies: 0:04 = Trumpets 0:13 = Oboe, Clarinet, Violins 0:18 = Everything \o/ (Rinse and repeat for 2nd time) 0:35 = Panpipes 0:42 = Trumpets 0:51 = Violins (countermelody) 0:53 = Horns (countermelody) 0:59 = Mallets, Piano, Harp 1:06 = Trombone

[@Xeyner13]

@@TandA-Music Pretty neat, thank you

[@raphaeld8345]

Oh shit this is good

[@TandA-Music]

Haha, I hope so ;)

[@oldbird4601]

w

[@fluffyeevee383]

I've actually never played Golden Sun. But after hearing this, I think I have to

[@TandA-Music]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIK1iGOIgpmJZs0

[@Floesinator]

Are you thinking about releasing and extended version of this amazing arrangment? I would love to use this to accompany my D&D campaigns ^ ^

[@TandA-Music]

"Ohhhh yes" -Churchill (extended version will release tomorrow - always the day after the main arrangement \o/ )

[@Floesinator]

@@TandA-Music Awesome! Thank so much for doing these. I have a deep love for Golden Sun and hearing your arrangments of its songs just fills me with joy ^ ^

[@TheRaik97]

I was here! :D

[@TandA-Music]

Yes you were! :D

[@TheRaik97]

@@TandA-Music Men, you are great! I love your songs and your youtube channel!!!

[@TheRaik97]

And Golden Sun!!