Non-Gamer Hears Video Game Music for THE FIRST TIME

[@MarcoMeatball]

If you want the full cleaned up but unedited version of this video check it out HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWrNk4eJbd1ohcU and subscribe to the VOD channel while you're there! Shorts to come in the next few weeks.

[@Setsuna012]

It would be awesome if you checked out (The blessing of Vivec ) From Morrowind.

[@BloodTrinity]

Well, kinda hoped the "Serpent Eating the Horizon" or "God Shattering Star" would end up on the list in this video hahah!

[@acceptablecasualty5319]

Hey Marco! It kind of sounds like you recorded the call audio instead of your mic for this one! There's a bit of "skipping" where small, milisecond sounds are kind of missing? I dunno, just noticed, don't know if you can do anything about it.

[@noahcaelum6796]

@@acceptablecasualty5319 Might be your headphones or speakers too mate because I didn’t notice anything.

[@____________________________hi]

No NieR???

[@lion9f452]

As someone who greatly enjoys a huge array of music, but is not musically minded, or talented what so ever, I love these videos. It's always so fascinating to me seeing people who live music discussing some of these tracks.

[@andregon4366]

You and me.

[@braixendon5496]

Well worded my friend

[@RobSwizz1e]

I couldn't say it as well as you did here. Thank you, I agree.

[@michaelgarcia4035]

Oh my god, someone finally put it into words.

[@AL-fl4jk]

Her trying to relate to the gamer crowd by sharing a Asteroid story was adorable 😂

[@GamingDad]

Asteroids was an awesome game, I remember playing it on the commodore.

[@andrepita4067]

@@GamingDadfr

[@PrincessAriya.]

If it weren't for Asteroids or really any Atari age game we wouldn't have the Bullet Hell games we love today

[@Wingnut353]

Gyrus which is an asteroids like game is one of my favorites.

[@mitchhaelann9215]

Hey, you have to respect the classics. Without Asteroids there never would have been a Star Wars: Rebel Assault. No Rebel Assault means no Wing Commander, no X-Wing-Versus-Tie-Fighter, no Tachyon: Beyond the Fringe, no Eve Online, no Elite: Dangerous. So you have to appreciate the roots, you know? Can't know where you're going, until you know where you been.

[@flops1792]

she looks and sounds like an awesome music teacher her "listening face" is so precious we must protect her at all costs

[@deekayzee]

🥰

[@Camustang]

Protect her from what ?

[@innocentbystander3317]

​@@Camustang From people who are so slow, they need everything spelled out directly and specifically. From people who think their (profound) ignorance is everyone else's responsibility to fix.

[@Camustang]

@@IlMerluz Right, that, uh. Makes sense. She needs protecting from people asking innocuous questions. Well, that's a solid self-burn if I've ever seen one xD.

[@Camustang]

@@innocentbystander3317 Jee, you sure read a lot into a harmless question, buddy. The way I see it, typing "we need to protect Z" when there is no immediate danger is really odd, because it phrases the situation as though : 1) There is some sort of danger (when there isn't any that's obvious from the context) 2) The person can't deal with it on their own (as though they're helpless) Which is REALLY bizarre if you think about it for a split second. Oh, but I'm the slow one, right ? xD Also, as for the second part of your message...are you trying to argue that if someone asks a question, they are necessarily thinking it's someone else's responsibility to educate them ? Are you trying to argue against people asking questions and learning ? Woah, I am starting to understand why you felt the need to bring up my intelligence out of nowhere, uh. Must be tough navigating the world with this kind of belief. So I guess in your world, if you have a question, it's unacceptable to ask it even if it's just once, you must immediately google it or find a book...I guess ? Yaaaa...good luck out there.

[@Bherf]

I would have liked to see Kathleen's reaction if you had told her that the holy knight Ludwig (van Beethoven) in the second phase of the fight (when the music changes) draws his sword, the Moonlight (sonata).

[@DiegoSouto-fy9su]

Shit! Never thought of that. Glad I read this comment

[@LiloDemon]

Just a Correction, who compossed Elden Beast was Tsukasa Saitoh who is the leader composer and sound designer of From Software.

[@MarcoMeatball]

whoops

[@Shatterglass23]

Mistakes happen... No big deal

[@lesslighter]

@@MarcoMeatball yeah its what happens when your sound company has 2-4 composers in the group

[@TornaitSuperBird]

@@lesslighter HAL Laboratories Inc. does this all the time with their games.

[@derpi3438]

TSUKASA THE GOAT

[@adamdontdocoke]

Videos like this are treasures, man. Getting a highly educated, and genuinely enthusiastic perspective from someone with years of experience. The satisfaction of seeing her face light up at key moments of each tune. It's soooo cool. It's amazing to see how far video game music has come, and to be able to have someone hear it for the first time, and praise it. Thanks for this, Marco. Subbed on the spot. Also just noticed there's a whole VOD! can't wait to peep it! Cheers, man!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thanks Adam :))

[@Lillithp]

I loved this video, however i think its an actual crime that a game with a soundtrack like nier:automata didnt get mentioned

[@darmakx99]

​@@Lillithpthere's too many really amazing game soundtracks out there, there's no way to get them all in one video 😂

[@Lillithp]

@@darmakx99 wrong, he must get every good song from every video game ever in this video or hes cringe

[@spectralbride]

@@LillithpLiterally the best soundtrack ever

[@enzo991_]

I love the satisfied look on Marco's face 😏 whenever the music kicks into high gear and you can see how shocked Kathleen is. It's so relatable XD

[@MarcoMeatball]

Lmao my little smirk.

[@Ajehy]

“Look, mom! I found a cool thing to show you!”

[@Cassie_Lyn]

Honestly I never take the time to really appreciate video game music a lot of the time, but seeing her reaction was really cool, great video!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Immortal_Dino]

You have no idea how much I’m enjoying videos like these. Loving the whole idea of showing video game music to people

[@kontrol42]

Same here. I especially love watching artists reacting to them, it's a chance to learn more about music, and to enjoy those tracks that much more

[@tararosabelle7368]

Same

[@hugoloucao1628]

Totally agree. I think that these videos connect 2 worlds that at first sight might not have a lot in comum. But are interconnected in many ways.

[@EskiZagra]

VGM is so often underrated and scorned by classical musicians. Happy they discover new dimensions like Kathy here.

[@KARMAZYNA]

It is, in most cases, damn good music that non-gamer music lovers will sadly miss out on unless introduced to it. Whenever I stumble upon some nice soundtracks, I spam everyone I know who might enjoy them. XD

[@Siggney1]

one of my favorite tidbits of Ludwig The Accursed/Holy Blade is when his theme shifts to the holy blade it shifts to a waltz time, as if this final duel could be considered his last dance. also the choir is actually singing words that mean things in latin which is doubly awesome

[@Spookybluelights]

When I was a teenager my high school music teacher took us on a field trip to a rehearsal for the SF Opera and Kathleen was their accompaniment! It took me a bit to recognize her but the noise I made when I made the connection was very joyful. I adore videos like this where people in our industry experience art like this for the first time without context. It's also kind of humbling, for as widespread as games have become, for so many people it still exists on the fringes. It really makes my heart soar to be reminded that we're all connected by our calling to music and that calling transcends preconceptions.

[@MarcoMeatball]

What!!!

[@chipsalom]

Not from around Livermore by chance are you?

[@peternewman9606]

@@MarcoMeatball no diablo???,😳😳😳😭

[@Spookybluelights]

@@chipsalom No, I went to high school in the Santa Cruz mountains.

[@TimeIsMine93]

Kathleen is like that cool aunt who can find a way to get interested in just about anything you’re doing. My mom really hasn’t seen a video game since the nes and doesn’t really care to. But my aunt walked in on me showing her nephew god of war. Immediately fascinated the the lore and artistry. I love my mom but she doesn’t find much interest in anything I’m into. I showed her a render I did and she thought it was a photo, when I told her it wasn’t there was just confusion lol

[@TheCanadianGuy56]

That's adorable! My mother absolutely loved Casper for the ps1, and occasionally a game will remind her of it, and she'll sit there and watch me play for a while just reminiscing. Gonna get her a ps1 soon.

[@kortyzol420]

Thank you so much for sharing this, i heavily relate. My mom, well, she has no interests whatsoever and whenever i show her a model, a drawing, or whatever i made she always just makes this weird face and doesn't say anything even though my stuff is apparently pretty impressive according to everyone else. I'm never really upset because of it but it does bother me in a weird way, not because she doesn't care about my stuff specifically, rather i think she just sees art and creativity in general as a waste of time. Idk, i'll never understand "normal" people lol

[@Tomiply]

My mom still plays new games and has been playing since the N64. Pretty lucky in that sense.

[@cristinacandelagarcia6445]

​@@TomiplyYour mom is cool.

[@bohlam6c]

at first i was concerned when you were explaining elden beast, like would it be too much of an info dump with these fantasy literature keywords... but then i remember she's an opera conductor and medieval fantasy is like a bread n butter for that genre.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Trust me ;)

[@Ajehy]

She immediately hit on Vogner and I knew she got it. It’s the Elden Ring Cycle!

[@idiothead5511]

​@@Ajehy*wagner

[@brandontaylor5861]

Her reaction to Ludwig the accursed and Holy blade was perfect. Anyone can feel the energy, the anxiety, and the horror from it

[@1tyrus]

Kathy sounds like such a delight to talk to, I loved listening to her perspectives on these tracks

[@kevinrieder]

"Delight" is the same word for her I thought when watching this. I hope she'll come back for round 2 and that Marco will hit her with a Fus Ro Dah

[@kris.........]

She's wonderful, thank you for sharing this with her and us ❤

[@MarcoMeatball]

Welcome :)

[@sherlockscones]

I SEE ELDEN BEAST I SEE LUDWIG

[@deadmeme8622]

finally the ost's that matter

[@axelgarcia4188]

Ludwig is sutch a good boss you feel when the music hits especial the base oh my god

[@Entelarmer]

In other words: YOU DIED

[@graysonofthewood3747]

AYYYYY LETS GO

[@jukkaputtonen4797]

Gascoigne solos

[@GlacierRain]

when Liberi Fatali kicked in I smirked and said to myself "Marco you beautiful sly fox". ahhh what a pick! An all time favorite music of mine.

[@WhaleMilk]

It's always a joy to introduce people who aren't familiar with Video games to the artistry and genius that can result from video games. I would love to see more of this kind of content if you can manage!

[@lemondragon2341]

It was so fun to see Kathy's surprise and delight learning about video game music! I love that you gave her some lore and context as well! It's really neat hearing the perspective of people so knowledgeable of music history and theory. I hope she can return some time to listen and talk about it some more!

[@SDFRiver]

I would also suggest “Baba Yetu” by Christopher Tin. It’s the opening song for Civilization 4, and was the first musical piece composed for a video game to be nominated for as well as win a Grammy.

[@havz0r]

excellent suggestion

[@tofu_golem]

Also Sogno di Solare from Civilization 6. A poem by Leonardo da Vinci set to orchestral music is so I'm the spirit of that whole game series.

[@0GregorSchultz0]

aaaaalso....its the Lord's Prayer in Suaheli. Like everyone who played Civ4 got "exposed" to that....unreal

[@ivanho34]

I was shocked that it was not on this video

[@seiboldtadelbertsmiter3735]

I love Baba Yetu so good.

[@SirMalorak]

When I grew up I was belittled for liking video games, especially fantasy, nerdy ones. Not just belittled, but straight up bullied. I am now growing up in a world where composers, visual designers and all those creative people are praising videogames for being what they truly are: Art. They're fantastic, they're beautiful and I love them. Thinking about Soken laying in the hospital writing a modern prog-y, leitmotiv-heavy piece such as the one shown in the video made me tear up at the indomitability of humanity. Thanks for this video!

[@lowberrymix]

Marco, I rarely, RARELY sit down and watch a full video from beginning to end. if it's more discussion heavy, it's more background sound. but this got me to sit down and be excited for all 35minutes!! i was looking forward to all of her reactions and opinions

[@MarcoMeatball]

CRYING. I'm so glad you enjoyed this.

[@frousteleous1285]

@@MarcoMeatball I hope you have more of these kinds of videos in the future (no rush, of course). It's cool seeing you interact with other people who have the same musical knowledge but are just being opened to the experience of VGM.

[@satitlertritsumpun8930]

I love those moments when she close her eyes, it's like she's trying to understand the feeling of the song, trying to create the image from the sound

[@wazkangz955]

Elden Beast and Kindred were the best reactions. You could tell that while not necessarily “traditional classical music” she appreciated the instrumental and vocalist aspects and how it contributes to the atmosphere. OST’s deserve Grammy’s.

[@johnmasonRCingabout]

It's great to see classical music in such modern stuff.😊

[@Densoro]

I love how Kathy approached these tracks, mindful not just of their musical depth but their _literary_ depth. There was no sense of 'tl;dr this is all just frivolous,' she tied a lot of it back into humanity's overarching storytelling traditions and I am _all about that._ Also that Genshin track got my blood pumping. I've probably commented this before, but an undercurrent of electric guitar in a more complex composition makes me feel like a song's _veins_ are filling with electricity. Reminds me of a subgenre they call artcore, that takes classical sensibilities and puts an impossibly fast drum machine beat over the top. You have all the elegance and refinement and technical expertise of traditional music, combined with octane levels that weren't possible before this century.

[@lonestarsongs]

❤

[@jwjustjwgd]

Artcore my beloved

[@Metalhammer1993]

That genshin track really is good. Never played genshin, just not my type of game, but that soundtrack just is moving. Like it's literally moving. It starts very Mozart-esque then goes to spain with the clean guitar while the electric guitar makes me just think of Vivaldi's four seasons. (Four seasoms is gorgeous on electric guitar)

[@sirconrad8328]

I always loved that sound but never knew what to call it. Thanks for letting me know!!

[@amokriinprolgiid3409]

And it makes perfect sense too since she is an opera conductor, and there is a lot of storytelling in opera, so I would hope that a woman who conducts opera would have that appreciation for the storytelling and literary aspects of the songs. She really does show her expertise nicely here and I'm here for it too.

[@Moldybeard]

It's always neat to see someone realize something new about what they love

[@reaperofthings]

It’s incredible to hear that Kathy was so taken in by Duviri Paradox that she was ranting about it off camera, especially because Warframe is freaking *free!* I can never get over the fact that games like Warframe and Genshin Impact have music so good classical composers are left with their jaws on the ground and you don’t even have to pay a cent for those games or their soundtracks. It was a joy to see Kathleen Kelly on the channel and if you can ever get her to react to more with you that would be an absolute blast.

[@AuspexAO]

The Genshin composer is waaaay too good, but to be fair that game makes bank and they can afford a killer talent like him, ha ha.

[@alexlowe2054]

There's so much other amazing music in Warframe. I'd love to hear what she thought of the music in the second dream.

[@rossmorton7002]

I still think "We all Lift" is the best thing they've done for Warframe.

[@Kodaiva]

@@rossmorton7002 for narmer is a good match to it though

[@Volgalist]

Hoyoverse, Warframe and Riot are very fine game company when come to musics. Yup, they are game company.

[@lucas_lipp]

What a fantastic video. Both of you added so much to this discussion and it's so fascinating to hear the perspecive of someone who hasn't really been exposed to video game music, but has this profound understanding of classical music.

[@moosiemoose1337]

Okay, yeah this was great. I'm going to go watch the full version now. I hope Kathleen comes back on to the channel again!

[@DiePutzkraft]

where can I see the full version?

[@Daikyu9.47]

@@DiePutzkraft his vod channel

[@mandoperthstacker]

Yes Encore!

[@Ryan_but_the_name_was_taken]

I realized today that I enjoy others enjoying music almost as much as I enjoy listening to music. Nice to see those with musical background and experience being shown another world of possibilities. I have no real musical talents but believe every genre has a gem everyone can at least appreciate.

[@tomm35]

2:45 she nails exactly what the Elden Beast is: "a throwback to an earlier time"

[@rowleyj31]

Love this! When i Sub for music classes in school i usually am playing video game music as the kids walk into the classroom. My all time favorite will always be the Halo main theme. I would DIE to watch an symphonic orchestra with chorus perform the song.

[@MagolordYT]

Not sure whether someone already mentioned this, but at 13:12, you asked whether Moebius Battle was sung by a real choir. It was in fact, by a choir named Barzz I believe. Just a cool fun fact for you - love your content!

[@voyance4elle]

Wow!! Thank you for sharing that info with us 👏

[@trentsims]

I think one of the best things about video games is that they're so varied, not only in mechanics, but tone and theme. Everything from Dark Fantasy to Light Hearted Science Fiction, and they all have a sound track which matches them. No matter what type of sound you enjoy, there is a video game track out there that you will love. The only obstacle is ignorance of the medium and videos like these help to bridge that gap.

[@BlitzedNostradamus]

More music pros need to hear this stuff. Videogame scores are on par, if not often better, than film scores. This stuff needs to be heard.

[@dark_winter8238]

I would think most know as the crossover of many composers doing games and movies nowadays.

[@ame-]

You just always have the most delightful guests🥺✨ thanks for this awesome video!

[@wafiqa4777]

yay , lets bring more Opera friend to react. i really like this type of content

[@NorthWolf97]

It's something so heartwarming seeing the facial expressions of people adoring the music they're hearing.

[@Chas-OTE]

This has easily become my favorite new series on your channel! More please!

[@v-ia]

YOU INCLUDED LIBERI FATALI OMG!!!! IM IN TEARS THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@carlosriveraauthor]

Watching these videos is so validating to me who used to sit with my tape recorder in front of my TV recording the music from Mega Man 3, Castlevania, Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, Ghouls n' Ghosts, etc. People used to look at me like I was crazy when I told him I loved video game music when I was a kid... Still do.

[@deekayzee]

Amazing to come and read the comments a few weeks later! So much commonality with classical music fans - people are passionate about what they like and also ready to criticize Marco for leaving out their favorite stuff 😅. I love it!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Hahahah

[@asolomoth1066]

The best part about these videos is that they also show new songs to viewers who might only come to this channel to see Marco react to songs they already now without checking out other videos

[@MarcoMeatball]

Hehe my plan is working

[@SchazmenRassir]

If you do a round 2 with her, I'd recommend just about anything from Bastion, Frostpunk, Undertale or Deltarune (because of course), Mass Effect, This War of Mine, Subnautica, Far: Changing Tides or Armello.

[@barrybend7189]

Add in the Bravely Default tracks.

[@brandondennis7527]

Oh, 100% subnautica. Gotta add Hades to that list though.

[@TheTacokiller11]

Don't forget Nier replicant or Automata

[@jld12er]

i would do the opening of chrono cross or sephiroths theme from ff7

[@SchazmenRassir]

@@TheTacokiller11 I like you guys replying with more game suggestions to my comment. Especially ones I haven't played, like these two. I know what OST's to look for for more awesome music!

[@jesterbrown90]

These videos are addictive. It's always great to vicariously relive that 1st time experience by witnessing someone else's 1st, but that extra layer of Marco showing friends and colleagues makes it so much better!

[@MarcoMeatball]

:)

[@MsSilentH]

Ugh I LOVE how she relates what she knows to the game songs, I don't know much from her world of classical, so it's so cool to hear what she picks up and elaborates on! And even me being very familiar with gaming music, to hear both of your thoughts and knowledge of the classics and all the influences that they might come from, especially in the form of story telling Also side note, soooo many more songs to add to my playlist hahaha

[@very_vaelin]

I really enjoy the dialogue that comes from having another person with you. As a layman, I appreciate your insightful commentary.

[@happygilmore3234]

This was euphoric to both watch and listen. Two people passionate about music sharing and enjoying the experience. :D

[@næntsi]

I love the fact that I can see how much Kathleen loves and appreciates music. 🥺

[@rabidcabbage7230]

I love how you talke about the lore with her. It enables you both to give context and talk about the intent of the piece which is amazing!

[@LivingNihilism]

Having Mechanicus songs in there will probably always tickle out a unique reaction. The pieces in that ost are so out there, seeing someone react is always cool.

[@techwizsmith7963]

I still have Children of the Omnissiah in my standard playlist

[@Pup_Majestic]

I personally feel "to the Edge" is one of the most amazing songs given the background. Both, in game, and how it was written. As it was written in the hospital while Sokken was fighting his cancer. Made the best banger, and still makes me tear up every single time I hear it. Also, loved that she got to react to "Archange" from AC7, but would love to see her react to either "Zero", "Daredevil", or "The Unsung War" from Ace Combat as well. Even "Kings" from Project Wingman.

[@lusteraliaszero]

the themes and lyrics of To The Edge are also extremely relevant to sokkens situation, it's like it has a double meaning

[@greenlionleo]

Watching you bringing the beauty of music in video games to music enthusiasts and professionals who have no real exposure and seeing their amazement is a gift, not just for them, but for sharing with all of us. I am both humbled and grateful to have come across your channel. keep up the great content and wish you all the best in all you do here on KZbin and in anything else you do.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Aw!!

[@tyler7356]

Please, more of this wonderful woman reacting to Fromsoft music (especially Bloodborne) her reactions are priceless

[@BNuts]

I love how Hoyo-Mix has able to give each Mihoyo game a different feel, and then for different regions, different events, different characters. They just don't stop, ever. I love all the music, I was so hyped for _Honkai Star Rail_ even way before it came out, partly because of the music.

[@abeldiaz3877]

Best video KZbin has fed me this month. I'm keen to sift through your videos and enjoy vg music.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Welcome aboard!

[@kevray85]

Love this so much. Love Kathy. Love Marco. Storytelling is at the heart of the crossover between opera and video games.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thanks kev 🥰

[@alilarhdiri9666]

There is nothing better than watching two professionals who love what they do and discuss it. Goose bumps all over.

[@AegisKHAOS]

As someone whose musical knowledge is mostly limited to 'yeah, that sounds cool', really appreciate Kathleen's thoughts on the music you showed her. Her explanations were quite educational to someone like me. The discussion at the end about traditions was also an eye opener. Also, can't knock on Asteroids.

[@jestergamedev5551]

One great experiment that could be done would be bringing Kathleen through a history of videogames music from the bleeps and bloops of the atari to the various sound chips all the way to the modern way of composing for games.

[@banggugyangu]

I really love seeing how these non-gamers sit down with you and truly listen to the music you're presenting them. It's so common for people to hear that it's from a video game and not take it seriously, and it's so refreshing how intently your guests have been listening.

[@thatlastrock]

Most of Genshin Impact's music is amazing. The themes for every zone is incredible.

[@dripapproved1582]

I JUST NOW REALIZED HOW SIMILAR BATMANS THEMES SOUND TO LUDWIGS. IT ALL MAKES SENSE, A CORRUPTED KNIGHT! Holy, it’s so fascinating to me the amount of parallel to other stories music can have.

[@deadsetanime7102]

I loved her reaction to Liberi Fatali. That score gets me every time. My heart starts racing and my imagination soars.

[@BJGvideos]

I used to work at an art museum and i noticed there wss a belief among older staffers that young people don't relate to art. And I feel like that carries over in music as well, that misconception of relating in a different way somehow being the same as disinterest. It's good to see people examining this a lot more objectively.

[@roddny444]

I absolutely loved this video and her interpretations of the songs and takes of the music from that perspective. Great content

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annaairahala9462]

I'm glad you use different tracks for different people so it's not repetitive showing the same ones to everyone! There's so much good music that deserves the recognition

[@MarcoMeatball]

Eventually it might become an issue but for now I'm catering it to people specifically

[@astrofan1993]

Kind of surprised you didn't have her listen to some of the music from The Legend of Zelda (specifically Skyward Sword, since that game used an orchestra instead of a digital soundboard) or Skyrim, especially since the game takes heavy inspiration from Norse culture, which many operas tend to be based on (and the choir in several pieces, especially the main theme, adds a level of epicness to the score). Heck, even Star Fox: Assault would have also been a nice choice, since it also used an orchestral score (a favorite of mine is the Space Battleground music heard in the first level, as well as the track that plays when Peppy Hare sacrifices himself and the Great Fox near the end of the game). And let's not forget Halo, since there are Gregorian-style chants in several pieces, especially the main theme from the first game. And what would be really funny is if they heard Sloprano, the song from Conker's Bad Fur Day (the N64 version, not the Xbox remake), since it is literally opera, and its lyrical content is in line with Mozart, who was quite fond of scatological (i.e., toilet) humor. Maybe if there is ever a Part 2 to this video, we can see some of those other games. With game soundtracks becoming more like what we would hear from classical orchestras, it would be nice to see more people whose job it is to study and perform these classical pieces listen to the video game music of yore and today.

[@MagusLay]

The Mechanicus soundtrack has hit me so hard from when I first heard it and never lost its effect over time. Even hearing that small snippet leaves my breath shaking. The organ calmly putting the fanaticism and incredible age combined with the synthesized choir of cybernetic caretakers. Never fails to bring a tear to my eye.

[@wobin_dwonderdog]

It scratches my brain in ways I cannot describe

[@Ferdawoon]

Videos like these are always so fascinating and enjoyable. Sure, part of it is the affirmation that someone else likes the same thing as me, but it gets even more so when it is someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field but also new to this particular section that really enjoys the creations! For me I mostly think "Do I like this?" and maybe "Does it fit?" without really considering the craftmanship that has gone into creating it it is really entertaining to hear someone who can pick up on influences, taking inspiration from the great composers and the techniques that are used in the field. Same reason I enjoy listening to authors describe their "Behind the scenes" as they write books, how they can write the ending first and then work backwards to reach that end or how they use tricks to make the reader feel a certain thing about a certain character. How do you make a character likeable, how do you make it seem pompous or arrogant or shy or proud or .. So listening to these types of videos are great. Would have loved more referenes and comments of how the pieces are structured.

[@Gremalkin1979]

It is always fun to se a professional get a glimpse into a strangely familiar yet new world of music. It is moments like these that can reshape a persons perception and direction in life. Thank you for sharing it all with us Marco and Kathleen.

[@meirwind]

it always fun to hear 2 music expert on the craft discussing video game music, especially one isn't as expose to it as we are. plus them talking aboud sound garden and song piece it remind them of, make listen/experience them in future. my brain: that a good idea, it will enrich and borden our horizon, except only one tiny problem.... how the hell you spell half the things they say!? me:......ah PS i salute to the poor editor on cutting several hour discussion to half an hour :P

[@julianemery718]

Games are truly a special thing. When games first became a thing, or shortly after maybe, then only form of audio they could use was music, sure some could make sound effects but beyond that, music was the voice of a game, so it had to do a lot of work. And the games that had the strongest music voices did the best, like Mario, or Zelda, or Pokemon, or Crash Bandicoot, you can hear the music in your head just from the names alone.

[@jgkitarel]

For Dancing Mad, there was a full symphonic version, an actual symphony, for it. You should have also had her listen to that, just to show what it WOULD have sounded like had the SNES been able to render such sounds. It's every bit as epic as you think. Also Aria de Mezzo Caraterre from the same game, which also had a full on operatic rendition as well. Two of the most iconic tunes from Final Fantasy VI. Also, Elden Beast is a good one, but you should also give her an opportunity to listen to some other From Software gems. One thing that company did was make sure that the music fit the theme for what it was also there to portray. Background music was rare, for most games it was boss only, but the music was always appropriate for those. Yeah, video game music has come a long way. From midi to full on orchestras and everything in between.

[@MarcoMeatball]

We also listened to Ludwig.......

[@corvidaegudmund1186]

Obligatory “One of Us! One of Us!”. It’s neat to see the musical perspective of someone who has little-to-no idea about the stories and scenarios behind the songs. I would love to see her do more videos if she has time, even if it’s just short one-song-at-a time-kind of things. As much as I know probably everyone has more suggestions for her, I would love to see her react to more FFXIV or Arknights music (even if just to see her reaction to exactly HOW diverse the composers go with genres!). Even if she doesn’t have time to do more videos, I think she should hear “Awakening”, “In the Balance”, and “Forged in Crimson” on her own just for how fun those songs are.

[@PaimonsQuill]

Kathleen's reaction is amazing! I love how you break it down so well for her also! Awesome video!!!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much!!

[@SyrantStuff]

Kathy was an absolute joy to see! I will check out the long VOD sometime soon

[@Johnny_Awesome]

This was amazing, thank you and thanks to Kathleen Kelly. Awesome experience for someone who had his feet somewhat in classical and general theater scene and communities many years ago. I will definitely go on an watch the full version of this, also pt2.

[@MarcoMeatball]

I appreciate you’

[@notarat9303]

"My concept of improvement is how good is a digital piano, and not what you're playing for me. I didn't know how good it could sound." You have no idea how much that means to me as a musician that only has a DAW to work with right now. I love classical music and I want to create something new with it but I've been told so many times that I need an "actual" piano or instrument (like yeah I'd love one if I could actually afford one....)

[@FOVoid]

22:02 I LOVE the Mechanics Soundtrack and her reaction is amazing!

[@MrRyuuTakeshi]

Well she was an absolute delight. Hope she comes back for round 2 sometime.

[@SaniOkMEDVED]

I like how open-minded and talkative she is!

[@alexcurtis6180]

Having just beaten the Elden Beast last night, I have to really praise the composers for Elden Ring for making such a complimentary soundtrack for such an incredible game. The music for every boss is a major part of the experience, and even the exploration music always sells the mood the environment is going for. Elden Ring is a gaming experience I will not soon forget

[@xBrokenMirror2010x]

The difficulty and complexity of composing chiptune music is not like "bad midi" its basically that the game itself can only have so many sound tracks (depending on the bits), and each track is preprogrammed to be a specific key on a specific instrument, and you not only have to compose one song with these restrictions, you have to compose ALL of the songs with these restrictions. Its like trying to compose 40 songs, but you only have 16 people in your orchestra, and each of them only know how to play one instrument in one key. But you somehow need to take that and compose 40+ songs that all sound unique and different.

[@everilliem3292]

I'm just happy to see Kathleen jamming to Ludwig's theme! Love this whole video, amazing work Marko and wonderful guest. You're probably swamped with projects but I would love to see a part 2 or some variation done some time, absolutely ADORED this!

[@MarcoMeatball]

Glad you liked it!!!

[@DemonYaz]

Really cool of her to share her expertise it was fun to watch

[@starsilverinfinity]

Man there's something so interesting about watching people dip their toes into the world of VGM - Im glad you were able to share this with us

[@cako666]

16:57 no matter how musically virtuous and/or educated you are. We all know the universal feeling of music so good we have to do the stank face 😂

[@falcon5190]

You won a new subscriber sir. The older I get the more frugal I get with my subscribtions to a channel but your constant high quality of both presentation and content just can't be ignored. Thank you for your amazing work and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@MarcoMeatball]

Thank you so much!!! I try to keep it no bullshit here 😄

[@art-byfayleif3938]

12:01 her expressions while listening to these there’s just a joy with her expressions it’s great❤

[@kingjamos2422]

This was pretty awesome little experience. Watching as you introduce a conductor to video game music for the first time was quite the treat. You could see how much she was enjoying herself and it was infectious.

[@snakesnoteyes]

Just found your channel and your experience with classical music and opera really elevates this conversation because an inexperienced person would have a totally different framework they were approaching this professional with. Than you so much for this level of content, from life long classical and opera fan.

[@MarcoMeatball]

My absolute pleasure

[@RaveF0Xx]

The soundtracks you’ve picked were great Marco! Thank you for your hard work! I really really really enjoy these videos❤

[@nyarlathoteporlyeh6158]

More music professionals discussing videogame music? YES, PLEASE!!!

[@Lunzatis_Palemoon]

Marco, you and Kathy are going to have to explore the music for Final Fantasy 14. There are soooooooo many songs of different genres that you could probably do a literal series on the music of that game alone. The main composer of Final Fantasy 14 is Masayoshi Soken and he composed the music for the expansion Shadowbringers while in the Hospital fighting Cancer. He is an absolute genius of a composer.

[@R-XI_Sulla]

I would had loved to see the reaction of her to radhans theme The second phase is as of its a glimwr of hope for the soldiers who nearly gave up to give their general, whos mind was destroyed, a warriors end. I also love how in the fight radahn seems to somewhat remember who he was shown by how much magic he started to use after phase two and the soldiers see this and start to chant For that their beloved general, the starscourge and mightiest demigod to finally find peace

[@grayrook8637]

Much as I love the reactions I most liked her video gaming memories about Asteroid. Video games have become as much a cultural touch stone as any in our modern landscape and that is great.