Opera Pianist Hears Video Game Music for the first time (Full Version)

[@CefcaPalazzo]

3:00 - Elden Beast 12:41 - Towards Her Light 21:34 - Archange 32:43 - Die Mittsommernacht-fantasie 40:36 - Moebius Battle 47:57 - Duviri Paradox 1:00:42 - Lament of Orpheus 1:16:46 - Ludwig the Accursed/Ludwig the Holy Blade 1:25:29 - The Traveler 1:31:49 - To The Edge 1:39:23 - Children of the Omnissiah 1:45:02 - Liberi Fatali 1:49:55 - Dancing Perfectly Reasonably Clear Of Mind, Thank You Very Much. 1:55:49 - Field of Hopes and Dreams 1:58:54 - Megalovania 2:06:11 - Kindred I took long typing this so I hope nobody did it before me.

[@MrCat-hu7ry]

Nah , don't worry you did great . you may rest now it must've been tough and arduous for you

[@alpha8here]

Thank you so so much!!! Came here for Lament of Orpheus

[@Coppermind343]

Thank you so much for this!

[@frousteleous1285]

bless you for the work you have done.

[@fardareismai4495]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@jacobhumphrey3535]

It is so great that you took a highly respected member of such a classy and refined world and made her listen to Megalovania.

[@ultralm7250]

Dude megalomania was played at the popes birthday

[@xleplayVA]

@ultralm7250 I- i dont know whether you're serious, and i guess that shows how fucking ridiculous out world is now

[@ultralm7250]

@@xleplayVA look it up man

[@Izzy84075]

And her response was beautiful, too. "Bitchin'" indeed.

[@armandoestrella3097]

@@xleplayVA The best part about it, you had jesters performing tricks with pins and balls

[@akira-hr4tv]

I don't know if she will ever see this but THANK YOU KATHLEEN FOR GIVING THIS CORNER OF THE MUSIC WORLD CHANCE❤️😊

[@wren7195]

.............and yet I somehow think Kefka very much appreciated the sh!t out of this, standing on high, watching us try to look up.

[@fishiefish6179]

59:55 I’d like to point out that Darren Korb is not only the composer for all the music in Hades and all of Supergiant’s other games; he also voices the main character Zagreus in the game and sings as Orpheus in this song and several others. The man is incredible.

[@NGEvangeliman]

A modern Renaissance man

[@ChuUnthor]

Not to mention he’s actually S-tier at playing the game. Not quite the same level as the world record speed runners but not lagging behind by much.

[@bigsadge747]

and skelly too

[@jesseberg3271]

So I just found your channel. I am a gamer, and my Mom was really into Opera and classical music. Over the years she listened to me talk about a lot (and I mean one heck of a lot) of things about video games that she really couldn't have cared less about. But occasionally, I found something that would bring our interests together, and I treasured those moments. She died last year. Anyway, it was a couple of weeks ago when I first found your channel. I saw your video on the Maria and Draco Opera sequence from FF6 first, and I had this immediate urge to share it with her. She would really have enjoyed that, especially how you brought in the clips from all the operas that Nobuo-san had clearly been listening to before he wrote it. I'm sorry I didn't get the opportunity to share it with her. But hey, I can't be the only JRPG nerd out there with a classically trained parent, looking for common ground. So keep doing what you're doing.

[@MarcoMeatballPlays]

My dad died last year. I understand.

[@Alcyone_FGC]

Im terribly sorry for your loss but we have a lot in common my mom is an opera singer and funnily enough she is the one that got me into games and i share videogame music with her a lot but only for her to go complain to her superiors as to why they dont perform video game songs

[@unlimited971]

Condoleances. Requiescat in pace

[@lykoswolf2976]

Heh, I was sometimes able to interest my mom with cutscenes or trailer and she kept asking why they didn't make movie as it was looking so good.

[@kallistikaleid]

You found the right channel. This dude does amazing work, and he clearly adores his experience. That's what I crave.

[@Sollarious]

Seeing the genuine joy on Kathleen's face when the Toby Tracks started playing was just such a joy to see. The mixing of two eras essentially, and I was totally onboard with it.

[@mikicerise6250]

Toby is a musical genius.

[@KBWrecker]

Which tracks were those for the uninitiated?

[@keoplays167]

@@KBWrecker fields of hopes and dreams and megalovania

[@Daemondog]

Wish he played the whole songs. Toby definitely doesn't copyright them in videos

[@grandbean9031]

​@@Daemondogyeah it's weird that the only songs he cut specifically for copyright reasons are the only that had 0 chance of ever getting any trouble.

[@jdogzerosilverblade299]

as maxor once said. "i dont know what it is about japanese composers being able to conduct symphonies better than the country that created them"

[@Showwieh]

better than the continent that created them* yeah he has a point.

[@lindenbyrne7725]

The fact your brain was able to pick out a coherent sentence out of a maxor video, has me extremely concerned for your mental state.

[@jdogzerosilverblade299]

@@lindenbyrne7725 well it was one of the few times he doesnt throw a bunch of crap on top of it XD.

[@KamisatoElias]

@@lindenbyrne7725 who is maxor and what’s up with him lol

[@nobodyspecial6317]

@@KamisatoElias He's most known for his incorrect summaries of certain games, and is responsible for many memes in many different game groups. Check out his stuff, but be ready to lose brain cells.

[@ryandovaston2687]

Lament of Orpheus - 1:00:35 For anyone coming from the video

[@Nivmax]

That reminds me of a few years ago, when I went to Paris for the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra concert. I was just entering when I saw this old lady, easily in her 80s who entered right next to me. I don't know if she actually played the games or just liked orchestral music. But it didn't matter, we both came for some good music. She noticed me looking at her and we smiled at each other. She probably had the same thought, that it's amazing how completely different people can enjoy the same thing.

[@solidsnake434]

something similar happened to me, At Guadalajara I attended an Apocalyptica concert and beside me a really old couple, about their 80s I would say, sat dressed in their finest clothes too. I was a teen back then with my black shirt all metal, felt so impressed, but still we all were there for the good music

[@pennythejet]

They're probably members of the recital / arts centre and are making the most of their membership by going to every single event 😅

[@MythrilZenith]

I love that you're using your position as a veritable "bridge" between these two worlds to introduce more people on the classical/operatic side of the real joy and variety of video game music! I always got looked down on and treated poorly for not listening to "real music" growing up, so it's nice to finally see some appreciation going on, one song at a time

[@gyrrakavian]

Oh heck yeah I mentioned that I was getting my grandma the Cuphead soundtrack (she loves swing music) for her birthday this year, and one of my coworks was being derisive about it. "You got her video game music!?" "I got her authentic swing music I know she'd love."

[@glowerworm]

@@gyrrakavian isn't Cuphead more ragtime / bigband-jazz than swing?

[@Yesat-Erday]

And let's not forget that Lament of Orpheus is sung by Darren Korb, who also wrote all the music, played a good part of the music, voiced the main character (someone else (Michael Ailshie) voiced Orpheus for the speaking parts), and participated deeply into the development of the game itself. Also, he worked with Austin Wintory (composer for Journey, The Pathless, Banner Saga,...) and the London Symphony Orchestra to adapt a lot of his songs to a full orchestra.

[@KamisatoElias]

This song itself has pushed me to buy Hades eventually, it was beautiful. I have Dead Cells which is another roguelike game, and I think the music is similarly stunning too

[@UnrepentantFenian]

What a legend

[@ZeallustImmortal]

​@@KamisatoEliasDead Cells and Hades somehow managed to top Isaac and Gungeon as my favorite roguelites. There was many years where I thought that was impossible.

[@ZeallustImmortal]

The dude voiced like 80% of the game lmao.

[@Yesat-Erday]

@@ZeallustImmortal That's not true, he voiced Zagreus, Skelly and Orpheus. The rest is voiced by many talented actors.

[@Mindistortt]

Liberi Fatali sounds still sooooo fresh after so many years, look at Kathleen smiling and enjoying the whole piece.

[@NGEvangeliman]

I love Uematus Music, I'm a musical laymen, so I dunno what the term for it is, but His Melodies are so strong, and his music is so memorable! I can't help but hum and memories the music pretty much without trying. Earwigs!

[@AzamaraSehki]

I now want a continuing podcast in this format with you and your operatic friends going over all kinds of music. Absolutely love this.

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

Seconded!!!

[@Kaizelot]

Why am i crying? It makes me ao happy seen other people been amazed by the stuff i love

[@polyliker8065]

For me it's because it reminds me of when I first discovered it and takes me back to those good times

[@GHar94]

2:54 “..about a ring, and it’s…it’s…yeah” me whenever i try to tell my parents about my passions but they’re disinterested.

[@KooriGraywolf]

I love the pure joy on her face when she first hears all the chiptune sounds. From what she said it seems that she is familiar with the sounds and they remind her of her younger years, but stepped away from that world enough that hearing them again feels like a massive throwback

[@taca2118]

Her face emotion changes through Ludwig is golden

[@Puzzlesocks]

I watched this the other day and kept thinking about her not hearing any video game music since Asteroids. I think you picked a pretty good list but I'd love to see an encore performance with a little Skyrim, a little Hollow Knight, Ori and the Blind Forest, a dash of Transistor or Pyre, a sprinkle of Halo. It's so hard to actually pick because of how much phenomenal VG music is out there now. Great guest!

[@lockekappa500]

Hollow Knight and Ori and the will of the wisp. YES. This. Everything from Supergiant also.

[@Naters305ytg]

Final Fantasy also I feel would be a good addition.

[@MugenHeadNinja]

Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yasunori Mitsuda, Keiichi Okabe, Shoji Meguro and Yoko Shimomura are essential composers from the Japanese side of things. From a Western perspective we've got Jeremy Soule, Mick Gordon, Grant Kirkhope, Darren Korb and Toby Fox are very notable composers, ofc there's too many from all around to mention, but these are all some of the most notable imo.

[@ohhaithere2010]

Austin Wintory is another fantastic composer for some of my favourite soundtracks. Another wonderful composer is Jessica Curry

[@lockekappa500]

@@ohhaithere2010 Austin Wintory did Hades, which he has in here.

[@MattBateson]

If you find an opportunity to do another session with her like this, I would love to see it. It was a joy to watch and there is so much more to explore.

[@gyrrakavian]

Same

[@Safiyahalishah]

Right? Would have loved to see her reaction to Skyrim (not Dragonborn but a piece like Standing Stones or Frostfall) or Jesper Kyd's Assassin's Creed score (The Pantheon, Dreams of Venice, there are so many great choices). Though I haven't played the game much, the Elder Scrolls Online has one of the most unexpectedly beautiful OSTs I've ever heard. A Land Burdened with History is a personal favourite.

[@gigaganon]

Happy to see there's the full version here!

[@majbrat]

I find it so interesting to see young teens on different social media requesting full symphonic, instrumental songs from video games and stating it is their favourite song. Gaming has been exposing multiple generations to amazing music. So many more people should know this and these composers should be getting wider recognition. I would love to go to whole evenings of live orchestra performances of video game music.

[@colbyboucher6391]

It seriously is cool! I hope that more people who're interested in this stuff try going back to "the classics", the real far back classics, like, 16th century and before. TONS of beautiful music people are missing out on.

[@stephentordoff]

Eímear Noone (video game compose and conductor) has made a comment along these lines at two of her concerts (with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) I've seen: "When I hear a gamer say 'My favourite song is ', I always ask them 'Does that mean your favourite band is the orchestra?'" (paraphrased from memory). She definitely sees video game music as a gateway into the wider orchestral/classic space.

[@ZeroZiltch]

@@stephentordoff I'm stealing this. My favorite band from now on is "The Orchestra"

[@WebofHope]

Fun fact about Hades' music, Darren Korb isn't just the composer, he also did all the voice work, including singing, for both Orpheus and the main character (Zagreus)

[@Cerana1182]

As a classically trained cellist and lover of video games this is exactly my level of appreciation of two of my favorite mediums combining. It's so wonderful to see this and nerd out over it!

[@GCLU]

The choir of the Moebius theme is real and in person. The chorus was done by Barzz, a pretty recent formed group from 2018 which is listed as a "chorus of game music specialists."

[@FatalisReigns]

man, hearing Kathleen talk about her friend doing the study on men singing in higher ranges comparing to metal singers was so interesting and makes me really want to see her reaction of Jinjer - Pisces so we can hear her thoughts on the opposite of that haha

[@Feoral]

This! First time I heard it I was blown away by the vocal control and the sheer range.

[@memphiskash]

as a Pisces, that song was an instant classic the second it dropped

[@Shendue]

I love her smile when she listens. You can tell Ms. Kelly has a deep love for music.

[@boneitch]

It's so interesting how you say that Die Mittsommernacht Fantasie is the next evolution of classical music. My personal reaction was that it is metal distilled to pure auditory storytelling, where the edge is in the visual and interactive experience, but the actual music and structure is still there. I know that metal and classical are so closely connected, they could be twins (just with very different clothing styles), but I love experiencing it from a piece of music that isn't even either one or the other ❤

[@uzn8545]

Electric guitar and violin That

[@KamisatoElias]

I’m obsessed with watching 2 classical opera experts passionately discussing their passions, it’s wonderful and makes me smile

[@ballachmona]

I really appreciate how earnestly she listens. All the little movements of someone truly listening to music, the little “Mm” type nod. The thoughtful smile. She really does love music. Thank you, Kathleen Kelly.

[@thecrowbarofirony3703]

This is quality content of the highest tier. I always love how professionals with no exposure to video games would regards game music. Sometimes I wonder if the music I love are really well composed or was it because I hear them in the context of a touching scene or a difficult boss fight which is why I like them.

[@williansnobre]

Music often activates the same parts of our brain that deals with language, so even when we don't know about music we can tell if something sounds off even if we can't point it out precisely. Tastes in music may vary but good music is good music regardless, so don't doubt it, if you like it the music is probably good on it's own. But when put together with themes and story in a game it elevates the music. Put together they become more than they are on their own. It's like opera.

[@thelordofpie7157]

It would be amazing if she could do this again, I love seeing her reactions as she's exposed to these songs. Hearing both of your thoughts and the conversation back and forth is great too. I'm glad she had so much fun with this and experienced some amazing songs she may have never heard if not for this.

[@SPENCEx1x3]

Totally agree. I’m only partially into this vid and it’s really cool to see gaming music get some nods. Would like to see her takes on some of the more iconic video game songs as well (definitely not saying this just because I hope they listen to Halo Theme Gungir mix btw lol)

[@CelticBotansDigitalArt]

This was such a treat! Ngl, it was so cool to hear you two geeking out about music, and Kathleen Kelly's reactions and input were super interesting to hear, and to see her learning more about game music. Thanks for this, and for all the song recs, I didn't know a lot of them myself, so I was right there alongside, learning and listening stuff for the first time! (My personal favorite organ playing scene in movies, I'll have to go for Davy Jones in Pirates 2, haha. So badass! And favorite organ soundtrack, not being played onscreen by the characters but as soundtrack is the "No Time For Caution" scene in Interestellar

[@chacehorsman2615]

I know there was only so much time, but I think Martin O'Donnell's work with the Halo franchise would've deserved some time. The early pieces in the first 3 games still give me chills. And you could point out where they use motifs from 20 years before. Awesome stuff, really cool to hear the perspective on videogame music from a professional composer. I realized I took the quality of videogame scores after decades of being a gamer for granted because it just felt normal to me. Kinda reminds me of showing my mom, who majored in classical composition, symphonic metal and seeing her appreciation and surprise.

[@ariseharbinger4799]

definitely also like to add Music of the Spheres

[@killermetalwolf2843]

i agree, martin o'donnell is amazing

[@kallistikaleid]

You are absolutely, astronomically correct. Those initial Halo themes changed the world of video game music. I played the Halo 2 cd more times the year it came out than times I ate and slept combined.

[@chacehorsman2615]

@@kallistikaleid Dude, I learned that opening theme to halo 2 on every instrument i could find. I remember that super old youtube video of the guy doing the gregorian chant in the locker room with the full reverb. XD If you're not familiar you should look it up.

[@drteeth362]

Cannot forget Michael Salvatori. The dream Duo of him and Marty is what elevated Halo from great games to unforgettable experiences.

[@zyzikmatroskin]

Thanks for full version!!!

[@mycroft16]

Video games have some of the greatest music. On par with any hollywood score and can be just as powerful and deep as any opera. There's a unique relationship between the player and the music since the music is often tied to what you the player are doing in the world. It feels like it's music for you. It feels, at least to me, more participatory and simply passive watching/hearing.

[@tserofmodnar]

I really appreciate that you uploaded the full recording! I had a lot of fun listening to you two talking about the music. :D

[@mistsretrolibrary]

I love the conversation about Libari Fatali. Uematsu is self-taught so it was interesting hearing her say all that about him.

[@justinland1208]

love that dude. I'd put him up there with John Williams.

[@nickelakon5369]

The ace combat section reminds me of how back in ww1, during the advent of the use of aviation in war, a lot of the pilots of fighter planes were almost considered to be the next generation of arthurian knights, and its like you kind of picked that out of the music that there's this sense of heroism, chivalry, and honor between pilots and how the aircrafts are essentially their trusty steeds.

[@Kamfrenchie]

Indeed, in fact, a lot of cavalry officers switched to being plane pilots when it was seen that cavalry was fairing poorly. That's apparently why planes are borded from their left, like a horse. It's a holdover from cavalry officers.

[@Feoral]

​@@Kamfrenchie I had no clue! Thank for this!

[@Kamfrenchie]

@@Feoral cheers !

[@guujigaming]

Love this! Keep spreading the beautiful world of VGM!❤️ It’s always interesting to hear the thoughts of music professionals who doesn’t play video games

[@ForestskiesOfficial]

Since she's a pianist, I would have loved to see her reaction to Fallen Down from Undertale. It's a very piano centric piece and would have probably blown her away more than Megalovania or Field of Hopes and Dreams. It is still nice to see her reaction to those, but something as soft and nostalgic as Fallen Down would have probably really just struck a chord with her.

[@bwehh7272]

Coming in to comment on this late, I know, but I've never been much of a classical music or opera person. I've never even played most of the games featured in this video, but, I went to see Yoshiki from the band X-Japan in Carnegie Hall for a piano concerto and he featured an opera singer in one or two of his songs and it absolutely blew me away. I could feel her voice blow through me in a way I've never felt before, even being a metalhead that I am in the face of amps turned up to 5 million. Admittedly I'm writing this in a pause in the midst of yours and Kathleen's discussion on the disconnect from classical and opera from the wider audience, but since that discussion started I've just been thinking "the audience is there, you just need to accept it." People who love this video game music will love the other stuff, too. This is an audience, untapped, because the people trying to find an audience for it aren't going for the right angle. It's always "how do we convince people that classical music is good?" and not "how do we show people that the things they already love already exists in classical music?"

[@akira-hr4tv]

Oh yes an unedited version 😊 how did he know that's what I wanted

[@Kaizelot]

I love this new series 💕❤️

[@typhlo7291]

While I definitely agree with your interpretation about the reason "Ludwig the Accursed" is so distorted is due to Ludwig's backstory about being a corrupted Knight, I think the most pertinent piece of lore in relation to her comment about the chorus in the background that wasn't fully mentioned is that the Holy Moonlight sword is what helps him to regain a small portion of his humanity in the transition between phases, and the chorus you hear in the background of the first phase and in the foreground of the second phase is thought by many to be the Holy Moonlight Sword itself singing to Ludwig, trying to remind him of his purpose and his humanity, which there is actually some evidence for found in the lyrics. Most Fromsoftware/Bloodborne songs that utilize a choir use just vocal sounds that sound like words but aren't actually a language and don't mean anything, but this specific track is unique in that the singers are actually singing (somewhat grammatically incorrect) Latin, which talks about the "hunter in the white robe" who "does not lose his way at night nor become drunk on blood", which sounds like the blade trying to remind Ludwig of who he used to be and of his own humanity (you can find those lyrics and their translation linked at the end of this comment). The reason this chorus is so faint in the first track is because Ludwig has forgotten that he is even carrying the sword, and has fully lost himself. But it becomes louder in the second phase when he finally hears the sword and recognizes his "guiding moonlight" that was "at [his] side all along" and regains a small part of his humanity. This is also reflected in the fact that during his first phase he fights like a wild beast and mostly on all fours, while in his second phase he stands on two legs and wields his sword like he used to before he became corrupted by the old blood.

[@SnailHatan]

Well, this is a pleasant surpise from KZbin’s recommendations. Would love to see this become a series, she’s such a joy and you’re a great host with a nice range of musical choices. Gonna recommend something from Outer Wilds (DLC and main game, as they have very different vibes and instrumentation)

[@tennoan26]

Love that you put this out, although wish there was time stamps.

[@Exelitious]

I've found, as a classical musician, that there's so much unknown of the video game music industry that it feels somewhat tragic at times. There are so many gems and fantastic composers that I feel like music schools should also give an insight to this field, especially if we consider modern music. It might not be avant garde or stuff of that sort, but there are so many pieces and OST's that are up there with some of the greatest works. Also I feel that in video games, music is an insanely good narrator, even the atmospheric pieces which I find would be underwhelming on their own as a classical piece. Really makes me want to take composition class when I go to music uni.

[@jthongman]

The genshin fight theme with the Fibonacci sequence. I just love how it boggles everyone's minds trying to grasp the rhythm lol

[@dxmxged_lotus_-9033]

Lateralus by Tool be like....

[@xBermellonx]

awww this was so wholesome and I love how she is very enthusiastic and willing to continue even though it's already very late for her ❤😢 and I am very happy she liked the music, specially her reactions when listening to undertale 🤗 thank you both you made my day 🤗

[@vlander1992able]

I'm so glad there is a full vod of this

[@Bugbreach]

SO SO glad Warframe was included! Their music is always beautiful and the Duviri Paradox soundtrack again was such a treat! From shanties to opera, warframe nails it all

[@inawinchester]

Not the opera part but I absolutely love "we all lift together" 🥹

[@michaellaporte4951]

I didn't even think Warframe had a story; I thought it was just fighting. Why is the music so beautiful?

[@dahmainahgaimah2913]

@@michaellaporte4951 Warframe's story is incredibly well-hidden, the game basically has a 50+ hour tutorial, and then smacks you in the face with The Second Dream. I would recommend checking out some breakdowns of Warframe's plot. It's incredibly messy and convoluted, but in my opinion it's one of the better stories in modern video games.

[@PsyCoCinematics]

@@dahmainahgaimah2913 'Incredibly well-written, yet convoluted n' messy' sounds like the devstreams describing what'll come out in a few years vs the reality players face on patch day -_^ I'll give em credit up to Second Dream. After that, the grind doesn't match the payoff of the story progression.

[@colbyboucher6391]

The discussion between the two of you has been way more interesting than I expected. Love that she brought up "I Want" songs because they're *super* common trope in gaming at this point. Also, props to Nathan, because I didn't even realize the conversation had been edited until you brought it up.

[@petsan97]

Really makes you appreciate game scores on a new level when people who are not familiar with a particular game (or games in general in this instance) can come in and give a shockingly accurate prediction of everything from the themes of the story, to the overall plot points, to even the background of many characters, just from hearing the associated tracks. Obviously any audio theme is meant to evoke emotions consistent with what it's supposed to accompany, but the fact it works so well in reverse is amazing.

[@juilescieg]

My personal experience about the FF8 Intro with that song: I was 14 or 15, never played a FF before. I was watching the Intro and was simply so mindblown about every scene. The intro endet and I was like "what was that? What did just happened???" One of my alltime favorites even today. And the musics fits the scenes veeeeeery good!

[@PaulStryker]

Liberi Fatali is such a good song, let's just consider it was from a 1999 game. Think that music in the games from the 90's wasn't a big issue, videogame companies usually preferred to sacrifice music quality for a small product. Very few games from that time tried to put an orchestra on it, and the result was clearly "synthetic" and poor. The progress in audio and music quality in the next years were astounding. I'm totally amazed for that one.

[@morganshibby8941]

Outstanding opening music for a FF which still remains my favorite of all.

[@Taitou25]

Watching Kathleen's expression as she was introduced to Destiny's music was wonderful. The Traveler is such a wonderful song.

[@senounatsuru6453]

Would have loved to see her reaction to Journey.

[@Rekyas96]

I have been telling my friends for years that my favorite music genre is orchestrial game music, cuz i dont even know how to call it. And idk if i sound like a nerd but since i was a child i have loved videogame music because how emotional it is. With my lack of knowledge in music i can only say its like clasical music but with a modern twist. And nowadays with how much money goes to the videogame industry i love how i can enjoy the amazing and innovative soundtracks. I also love the insight and educational content of ur videos, so thank u for ur job!

[@ianrosenbalm6555]

Good music truly brings people together, regardless of culture or generation. Kudos to Marco for being a bridge to give video game music to an even wider audience, and to Kathleen for being open to the experience! ❤ Looking forward to more of these! 😊

[@PopeCop]

Thank you Kathleen for giving this a chance, video game music is a world full of hidden gems, and it's great to see classically trained arstists finally recognize it

[@TheRedstonian]

Only one request if she comes back - 14.3 Billion Years, Outer Wilds.

[@emPtysp4ce]

1:25:29 I straight up got flashbacks as soon as those trumpets came in. Shit was like I was back in high school booting up the game for the first time, that got a big smile all across my face.

[@RoyalRose6]

I love and appreciate Kathleen's reaction to listening to the Opera of Warframe's Duviri Paradox, I love seeing how engaged she is in the music, and one can tell she is deeply listening and being swayed by the emotional tones. She looks like she is watching a real Opera performance.

[@Alargator]

I skipped through this, mostly to see her reactions to the songs, but after the whole thing I want to watch it all again from the start to hear it all. Thanks for sharing!

[@uzn8545]

Okay, which Ost were you got excited to at first?

[@ShawnQuiQui57]

We need an episode 2! Do like a retrospective of the top game songs from each genre from each era

[@squirrelbuddi]

One of my favorite guests you've had on the channel i enjoy her reactions the most so far.

[@wildhaert2]

To insert a personal anecdote on the conversation on musical storytelling and the dedication on it that surfaced during the "Lament of Orpheus" conversation. The FF14 song "Answers" which I've seen you react to, was major in that it was the song the backdropped the rewriting of the world and story, both beginning and end. In the newest expansion they call back and draw that track full circle in a history repeats itself style that also, well provides many answers if you'll forgive the joke. I am the sort of person who feels frustrated and humiliated when crying, even at a funeral so when I say that the emotional weight of the reintroduction to answers left myself at strangling the urge to cry, it's of the highest form of endorsement. I find that kind of storytelling and emotional investiture which is only available in long form media absolutely beautiful, and videogames are unique vehicle in which music can hold that experience hand in hand, elevating and evolving over a long period of time entwined together in a way which I don't believe evens movies have shown themselves capable of yet.

[@DakonBlackblade2]

In the same fleeting momment thou must live, die and know.

[@cerebrophage7709]

My favorite Organ in movies was "No time for Caution" in Interstellar

[@Kili_1701]

Elden Beast and Ludwig the Holy Blade are by far my favourite soundtracks of any videogames. Theyre so amazing. Soulslikes music are akways so damn good

[@scythelord]

1:52:10 Liberi Fatali was recorded with a real orchestra, not midi. Also chiptune typically refers to older than SNES such as the FM synthesizer music of things like the Genesis and NES. SNES was like any computer midi music in that it was sampled sound, albeit low quality/extremely small filesize samples.

[@Robonator14]

This was so incredibly fun to watch

[@Vithedel]

Thanks Marco. We really really love this. Spreading these wonderful art pieces to new people and expanding our horizone.

[@HigherEdGaming]

This was really fun to watch and I was pleasantly surprised about your musical choices. What a ride :]

[@elizabethduffy2145]

I love her reaction to that change moment of Liberi Fatali right at the start, exactly my reaction the first time I played the game.

[@KikoKay-Kay]

This was a joy to watch. Its always a pleasure to see someone realize the sheer quality of video game music at this point. The popular view of it is still in this weird "chiptune" bit. Which couldn't be farther from the truth. I think i can wholeheartedly say that some of the best composers in the world work on games right now.

[@Reclaimer_087]

Great music choices, great conversation! I'm just a gamer, but I've been telling people for years how amazing and evocative video game music is. I'm happy to see you trying to educate people and invite them to share in the love we have for these tracks. Kathleen was lovely to watch, listen to, and she engaged really genuinely which I appreciate; I will definitely be checking out part 2!

[@LiamDerWandrer]

What I always liked about Children of the Omnissiah is the fact that it seamlessly combines human sounds with the purely mechanical "voice" of an instrument to pay homage to the fact the mechanicus are trying to embrace metal instead of their "weak" flesh. Wanting to become machines. It always sounded like an old engine singing together with an actual chorus. Just beautiful. Do any of you think that as well? That the bass humming and "singing" sounds a bit like an engine low-key humming and revving? I always thought that also showcases the fact that the mechanicus is achieving things with incredibly brute force methods that require pure prescision and control to truly make work, like using a full blown waterhose with the absolute control and skill of an eye-drop. After all, they are using an understanding of technology that treats everything like a ritual and aestetics and materials from the renaissance era but they manage to create true cyborgs and truly terrifying weapons for war in space. For all humanity has lost and forgotten the mechanicus shows that progress still was made and continues to happen. Even if they needed to substitute duct-tape and high-prescision fabrication tools with faith. What works, works! :)

[@In-Midnight-Clad]

I watched 10 minutes of the short version and had to come here to see the whole thing. This is so great!

[@In-Midnight-Clad]

Kathleen seems like an absolute joy.

[@DefectivePieceofChalk]

From's games are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to game music. Their soundtracks are phenomenal and always fitting to the theme of the content. I was hoping to see Gwyn's theme in here too, but I guess we can't have everything.

[@sebastianbronowicki7073]

yeah, really was hoping for the plin plin plon

[@SupremeGrand-MasterAzrael]

As someone who has never played the game and thus has not heard the music, Towards Her Light gave me goosebumps. What a beautiful song. I absolutely love the Celtic vibe and the folk lyrical structure. Thank you for exposing me to this.

[@flyingardilla143]

Her joy is infectous.

[@Onyx1987]

I grew up with FF8 and Liberi Fatali is just... it's a part of me at this point. I can replay it in my head perfectly, after 20 years. THANK YOU for acknowledging it!

[@colbyboucher6391]

Ayy she brought up Emerson, Lake & Palmer! A lot of Japanese composers are obsessed with them and classic prog rock in general.

[@hivanberg3681]

This was so cool instantly subbed. As a audio engineer in the early stages of my career, one of my aspirations is one day work with orchestras. Being a huge gamer as well it was really interesting to see someone outside of the gaming world comment on the music in video games. I've always thought the music in games was phenomenal but never got the credit it deserved outside of the gaming community. Definitely would love to see more of this. Keep it up.

[@Androvalius]

Those were two absolutely _fantastic_ hours, which inspired me to try something similar with my mother. I've had a long and complicated relationship with my mother my whole life, because my passion for video games, pen&paper roleplaying and fantasy worldbuildng always were something she wasn't able to comprehend, and thus accept. We _do_ have one love in common tho, and that is music. And since I've discovered your channel, now quite a while ago, I've been thinking of maybe trying to make her see video games as a whole thing from the very different perspective that music is... What you did here with Madam Kelly might just be THE way to do it, or at least the rough basic idea from which I should start. Thank you for what you're doing. People like you are part of the reason I still feel proud to love video games as much as I still do, even at 34 years of age lol. Also, _what do you mean_ there's no Genshin Boss themes or in this list??? What are you teaching the poor lady, Marco, Sir!?!? xD

[@TheMightyJobu]

Thank you! This is incredible. Looking forward to watching an opera with ya!

[@HeimburgerMusic]

I'm aboard with your tangent about classical institutions tapping into VGM for their regular programming, not just for a game night. That would be a thrill to be at an orchestra concert and hear Mahler or Brahms played next to Austin Wintory or Bear McCreary and not have it played up like the orchestra is "slumming it." Just programming it according to intended mood and feel regardless whether it came from 18th century Europe or 21st century LA, Seattle, or Tokyo.

[@Wickerrman]

This was awesome to watch, I love when people learn just how good video game music is! It's a great way to earn new respect for video games from people that often don't understand them.

[@Blubkuh]

You need to have "To Zanarkand" from FFX in one of your videos. such a great song

[@Kniffel101]

32:25 As a German I gotta give you props, cause you're 90+% there with regards to pronunciation! Most native English speakers can't get the 'ch' right but you're really, really close! =D

[@Hoigwai]

I enjoy this one but the one that completely caught me off guard was Eurydice's song "Good Riddance". The reason is because of the timing in the game. It was after a bit of getting beat down many times, and I discovered her. Her song was so beautiful that I felt relief and that was her purpose in that level. I sat there listening to her sing before I met her. It was magic.

[@danzansandeev6033]

As someone who grew up on and adores Ancient Greek myths this game was a godsend (no pun intended). Especially happy about Hades who always gets bad rep in media. He’s not Satan, he’s one of the most decent gods in whole pantheon and that’s saying something)

[@colbyboucher6391]

Yep, Good Riddance is on another level.

[@Nikelaos_Khristianos]

Honestly, all of Darren Korb’s work with Supergiant is incredible! He is a musical genius.

[@CassiusFA]

props on a lot of the tracks you included, wouldn't expect to hear Liberi Fatali, seeing reactions to more of the Hidden Worlds final fantasy music would be great.

[@MajorSmurf]

I do find it amazing how songs can link to your memories of other songs. I was listening to part of towards her light and instantly my memory flashes to the first OP of Spice and wolf which is wild. Something about it just took me back. They share a similar Celtic origins I think (I ain't no music expert). Anyway I really enjoyed listening to two people geek out about music. If you ever want to repeat this with anime then I could geek out with pure bangers. The Japanese have a certain flare for music and love twisting different genres together. One of my most favourite soundtracks is one that combines rap and opera.

[@Ajomoni]

Is it "Libera me from hell"?

[@LimitedHandles]

Really enjoyed Kathleen's responses to these tracks and found her delightful. Good watch.

[@williansnobre]

Movie soundtracks are, in my opinion, classical music sometimes, but I think videogame music has been keeping the story telling aspect of classical music alive with more success. Some JRPGs, specially the older ones, are almost built like stage plays even. I love how you both share your thoughts on the storytelling aspect.

[@williansnobre]

@@mildlyinterestinglts Music is much more than that. Music enhances the experience and can even put new layers on a story. For example, the movie 'Arrival' had one of the main songs on the sound be almost a musical Palindrome, which follows a major theme of the story itself. Or the song 'Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, from Dark Souls, played using only the white keys of the piano, fitting Gwyn as the Lord of Light who trembled before the inevitable darkness that was nearing.

[@Sayros23]

Seeing Fischl's theme here fills me with joy also your faces 34:16 made it even better lol

[@Terribadguy.]

I feel the same way about video game music composers as I do Magic the Gathering card artist. We are so damn lucky to have this talent in our games.

[@Zaddartha]

Happy I was suggested this video. I almost fell out of my chair when Children of the Omnissiah came up, it is my favorite song to listen to on repeat while working. Praise the Omnissiah!

[@The_Blazelighter]

If we compare old chiptune to crayons, then I'd say modern chiptune is like oil pastels. Similar in texture, but much more rich and intentional in use.

[@jankbunky4279]

It simply allows more possible artistic choices in total, and a groundedness that wasn't possible before.

[@qweeqweeq]

My high school marching band played portions Liberi Fatali for our show during my freshman year, and I still whistle the chorus to this day! It was a lot of fun and so intense.

[@bionicleone]

She has to listen to “Ezio’s family” and “Warthog Run”