Final Fantasy VI - Born with the Gift of Magic

Buy the album at: www.ffsymphony.com
The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra performs music from Nobuo Uematsu's Final Fantasy VI - and orchestrated as a symphonic poem called Born With The Gift of Magic.
Arr Roger Wanamo, conductor Andreas Hanson.
Recording of June 18, in 2014. From Stockholm.
(Reuploaded in 2021 because of old video with low framerate.)
I was there! :D

[@tuneablestar1712]

I love how Kefka's motif is just everywhere in this arrangement. Interrupts the Empire theme, interrupts the Esper World theme, just tainting everything. How music alone can articulate what an incredible villain he is.

[@edwardjaniszewski2890]

He couldn't have done more even if he stopped in to have the conductor wipe sand off his boots!

[@ulises453]

The world is square

[@justa16thnote]

In contrast, Terra's theme permeates the melodies in a more pleasant way.

[@dustybizzle1]

@@justa16thnote They battle back and forth constantly throughout the song, amazing use of leitmotif

[@SephirothRyu]

**AHEM!** Why do my boots still have sand in them?!

[@sean437]

That sudden stop brought tears to my eyes. If you've played FFVI, you know exactly what plot point that symbolizes and it's so very sad. And then a bombastic version of Terra's theme after. Beautiful.

[@WakkasLove]

I'm a simple girl. I see "Nobuo Uematsu", I click "Like". This was beautifully done.

[@SephirothRyu]

"Nobuo Uematsu"!

[@WakkasLove]

@@SephirothRyu One like for you :D

[@SephirothRyu]

@@WakkasLove Fair enough, I gave you one originally too. So... one like for your reply instead!

[@WakkasLove]

@@SephirothRyu :) Thanks lol

[@nimazsheik5152]

If Terra's theme doesn't push you to move forward in life regardless of obstacles in your way, nothing will!!!

[@orvoloco8261]

*cough* kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2jWapicfb5sp8U *cough*

[@orvoloco8261]

also (spoliers) *cough* kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2mziKJto9uil9E *cough*

[@joshelstro7581]

More arrangements of video game music should be this thoughtfully crafted. You can tell the arranger had a deep understanding of the games narrative. You can feel the beats and tension of the timeline of the game in the shifts in dynamic, tempo, and orchestration of each piece... we're marching into Narshe under the oppression of an imperial regime, oh, now we're meeting Kefka as he tries to burn down Figaro, now the empire is invading the Esper world, the team is failing to stop Kefka from releasing chaos, Celes and the team are rising from the ashes of the ruined world to fight back and win!!! What a ride! Close your eyes and its just like playing the game from beginning to end. Absolute master work by the arranger.

[@M_Lopez_3D_Artist]

I know right he really did his homework

[@budakbaongsiah]

The arrangers of this album are fans of the series, and when they did this project they replayed the games, watched some videos about the games, and listened to the OSTs. So yeah.

[@daviddobarganes9115]

I looked him up after seeing the thoughtful consideration that showed he really understood the original themes and story beats. His work is uniformly divine.

[@marcosgazamanes6165]

i can’t believe I can watch this for free.

[@misterturkturkle]

you cant yoir paying for it with time

[@marcosgazamanes6165]

@@misterturkturkle 🤣 it’s a pleasure really!

[@misterturkturkle]

@@marcosgazamanes6165 dont do it

[@Teddybomber87]

In 100 years this will be played as classic music

[@outlawscar3328]

It already is. Film and game scores from the 80's to 2000's are the most thorough explorations of classical music theory and orchestral arrangement in modern history. We're getting to the point where Uematsu and Williams are being regarded as the genius composers they are.

[@peterbienkowski3286]

it literally is right now in this video

[@Fuchsia_tude]

@@outlawscar3328 I feel like Uematsu even more than Williams, honestly.

[@equalsine6355]

Why wait?

[@sabin97]

today it's played as classical music. for example this video.

[@kylehales9591]

To them just music on a sheet...to me its my entire childhood encapsulated absolutely made me cry!

[@michaelschwentner3458]

I imagine it is important to some of these musicians; long hair trombone dude during fight song; clarinet woman on esper world

[@itdepends604]

the first part could not be further from the truth.

[@oncle_dan]

@@itdepends604 exactly what I thought.

[@adampierce7468]

Pretty sure they were all told it was from a video game and sighed in relief that it wasn't Super Mario or Legend of Zelda.

[@tuneablestar1712]

13:05 this transition from Terra's somber theme to the uplifting crescendo is just what FF6 is all about to me. The idea it evokes, that Terra doesn't have to do it alone anymore, that there are people who have all suffered like her who have her back now, I think is really inspiring.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

Even as a kid, the emotion this game pulled out of me is seriously impressive. it affected my entire worldview as a kid almost.

[@SunlethSky]

Not to mention the slow progression leading up to Terra's Theme in the final part of Dancing Mad (as Kefka is dying), kinda showing Terra finally overcoming everything

[@suppaman19]

It's literally straight from the game, it's the Save Them OST track

[@eachtimelaw]

曲のアレンジから垣間見える作品の解釈がとても好きです。 FF6特有の荘厳さが最大限に表現されていると思いました。

[@PierreGenay]

In french, sorry, but... c'est magnifique ! Cette composition est exceptionnelle, et au delà ! Mille merci à cet orchestre, qui a déjà produit moultes merveilles,, pour cet exceptionnel ajout. Je rejoins les contributeurs de langue anglaise : Kefka est présent dans chaque note, et surtout, surtout, Nobuo Uematsu est sublimé, considéré et reconnu dans cette orchestration. Bravo. Merci.

[@Phnxkon]

that's wonderful ! This composition is exceptional, and beyond! Many thanks to this orchestra, which has already produced many marvels, for this exceptional addition. I agree with the English-speaking contributors: Kefka is present in every note, and above all, Nobuo Uematsu is sublimated, considered and recognized in this orchestration. Well done. THANKS. (In case anyone else was wondering)

[@edrache1857]

I love how the strings mimic Kefka's laugh.

[@budakbaongsiah]

11:45 The Unforgiven sounds SOO GOOD here. You really can feel Cyan's rage.

[@TELLA0103]

妖しく揺らめく邪気と渦巻く欲望。それを振り払わんとする人々の願いと焦燥。 FF6の原作・原曲が表現していることを凝縮した素晴らしい演奏。 おかげでこの19分だけは脳内でリメイク体験できました。

[@nopainnotears3238]

すばらしい 感動をありがとう 日本より

[@Guitarraeficaz1]

I want a FF6 remake with these guys playing all the music. This is absolutely strunning. The arranger sure knows his Final Fantasy 6, all these musicians might not even care about the music or the game itself unfortunately, but they did a damn good job!.Remarkable, beyond amazing.

[@Larindarr]

I have always found that those that care, it shows in their performance. And those that don't it shows. For example Royal Albert Hall's British orchestra could not sound more dry. because they don't care and you can see it in their faces too.

[@woodman2855]

i think they care a lot about the music!

[@Guitarraeficaz1]

@@woodman2855 It sounds like they do! Happy new year woodman!

[@mitchmueller9730]

I cried. This is just so well arranged. You can tell the arranger really understood the themes of the music and how they related to the drama and themes of the story. It reminds me of the huge influence playing this game had on my childhood and young adulthood. Wish they would have had found ways to put in more of the individual character themes - but really to do justice to all of the characters and themes of the game, you would need at least a full hour of music - possibly even a 4 hour wagnerian epic.

[@1manorgy]

I mean, Umaro didn't really need to be in there. Or Gogo.

[@Patrick-zk7de]

i admit i was tearing up for the last segment. very powerful performance

[@themore-you-know]

I love how it naturally opens with the Opera Orchestra scene. Musicians, this one is for you!

[@outlawscar3328]

Oh my God. Kefka's theme could not possibly arranged any better. This is an absolute masterpiece.

[@octaviomoran8475]

Time? Thanks

[@SephirothRyu]

**AHEM!** I have sand in my boots!

[@ShermTank7272]

@@octaviomoran8475 The motif is worked in throughout the arrangement (brilliant move!), but the segment at 4:22-7:40 is pretty much _just_ Kefka's theme, and it's amazing. I love the constantly changing tempo and instruments used. It really fits Kefka's chaotic personality.

[@baylordeo6171]

This is probably just me but the guy in the back dealing with all the minor instruments - and thus running to and fro between them - kinda reminds me of the opera scene in the game when the player is the one running around in the back/rafters.

[@catherinelee1206]

"Minor instruments" Percussionists: *mildy offended noises*

[@edwardjaniszewski2890]

@@catherinelee1206 *cries in glockenspiel*

[@joshuakegley3524]

The blonde gal playing the viola has Ultros's eyes.

[@juanantenor1740]

Ha ha ha, ha

[@nicholashursh9594]

Waiting for a giant octopus to show up and wreck the show.

[@kingplaya6558]

Still the best orchestra performance that I've ever heard, hands down. I've revisited some of my old favorite concerts after hearing this and they paled in comparison.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

When these games were current it wasnt really 'cool' to play video games. There was no internet, meeting other people that played them and knew about them was pretty rare. 20 years later Im watching a professional orchestra perform tracks from the series. I never ever would have believed this as a kid. So cool!! 3:10 12:05 13:03

[@eliminoh_p7877]

Not much more can be said that hasn’t already. Except it seems like no one has noticed at 4:13 the orchestra starts to imitate Kefka’s laugh. They do it a few times. An amazing touch. This piece brought has brought tears to my eyes more than once. Just to hear the closest real life rendition Uematsu of this quality is amazing. This composer should do one from every final fantasy. I’d definitely be here for it.

[@N3bu14Gr4y]

I am the kind of person who panics when asked what my favorite movie, book, etc. is because I thoroughly love everything I enjoy. But when asked my favorite song, I automatically say "Born with the Gift of Magic."

[@orchidmantis125]

I've listened to a lot of different forms FF music from Distant Worlds, the piano piano albums, the new pixel remasters, oc remixes, and much more. I legitimately think this has to be my all time favorite.

[@user-xz2if4vk6r]

I was in the same concert tour in La philharmonie de Paris. Oh... oh... What a gift it was!!

[@Kupoinfo]

Is it just me or did this bring back vivid images of the gameplay back in your mind. Very talented musicians for being able to bring out the emotion of this song.

[@mattk6719]

You know how in memory, it's even better than the actual thing because your imagination fills in the gaps between the 16 bits?

[@kathrynjaneway1999]

How greatly recorded this is. Thank you to the sound engineers

[@890lli]

Wow! The Terra's theme slowly starting after the 14:00 slow part is among the best moments in FF arrangements!!!

[@miaomiaochan]

I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this. I sometimes feel as if I'm part of a small, exclusive group as a fan of FFVI and its unrivaled soundtrack, but I can't be happier to see that I share my love of this game with many more people than I previously thought.

[@MrScud1999]

Finally, the best quality version of this video. Kudos uploader.

[@Keithustus]

Will kind of miss the janky video stutter though. It almost looked like a deliberate effect by remixers-I’ve been watching a lot of mashups recently!

[@user-ug2xg9fn3p]

アップ待ってました❣️ 俺のお気に入りFF6戦闘曲 11:36

[@oliverstaunton10]

Sounds awesome

[@KooriGraywolf]

There were so many amazing things about this arrangement, how so many themes were intermingled, the Kefka and battle sections were so well done, and I audible went "woah!" when they started to play the FF battle bassline at 11:36. Roger Wanamo who made this arrangement must truly love this franchise.

[@HKExzy]

Sadlly the original was taken down , but at least we got another one with better quality .

[@ke8mattj]

Oh man, just listening to Kefka's song was so powerful and enjoyable.

[@Intax100]

I don't think I played the FF with Kefka in it for around 30 years but that bit from 4-7 mins in brought me right back to him laughing at me the whole damn game. Great stuff.

[@pablor3138]

This arrangement is stellar, clearly made by someone who loves the game and understands the humor, sadness and tension of each scene. The pacing is perfectly done. Some arrangements from others to rushed or played without soul. Many directors don’t understand its not about delivering a piece without flaw, it’s about the emotion you cause on people who listen to it. This team definitely gets it.

[@budakbaongsiah]

The arrangers are fans of the game.

[@JpnhAbou]

Man the Kefka theme... absolutely love that bassoon solo followed by the violin section's "clownish laugh" at [4:22]

[@kobarsos82]

This is just an insane arrangement! Beyond words! I am speechless this has to be my favorite medley composition of this legendary favorite soundtrack! So many smart Kefka nods!

[@_Ocariao]

Always that I see this recommendation, my thoughts are "let's get emotional". And now here I am, in tears. The quality of this arrangement is out of this world, the conductor let all his body talk. The musicians show attention to details, being serious and happy at the same time. They, and us, are having fun. An emotional one. Human kind can born with the gift of magic, this video proves it.

[@budakbaongsiah]

Probably because the arrangers took this very seriously. Before they even start making rough drafts for the arrangements, they replayed the games, read the wikis, looked at fan theories, and debated on how to make the tracks tell the stories instead of just orchestrating the tracks one-to-one. In a way, the arrangements done here (there are also arrangements of FFVII and FFX music on this performance; the album is called Final Symphony, just go search for it here in KZbin) are closer to actual classical piece than how most orchestrated game music in concerts like VGO or Distant Worlds.

[@_Ocariao]

@@budakbaongsiah thanks! Already downloaded lol I appreciate very much this album.

[@72hawkj]

Great music from the best game ever

[@sotnasoigres315]

I must have missed something really special by not having played this game. What a fantastic soundtrack!

[@oncle_dan]

Play the original.

[@destroy_time]

the greatest game ever made.

[@Fuchsia_tude]

@@oncle_dan The Pixel Remaster series is a very faithful port to modern systems though, assuming VI will be the same as I-IV.

[@JacobMinger]

@@Fuchsia_tude I’m excited to hear the pixel remaster’s updated soundtrack of 6 after hearing some of the music of the 1-4 pixel remasters

[@Sunnyybunn]

Snes emulator and old FF4 with ur game 🎮 👌

[@joeroeder3742]

I've watched this probably 4 or 5 times now. I'm just now playing through Final Fantast 6 for the first time and I love hearing these songs and being like "OH! THERE IT IS! IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT!"

[@ezmyrmcoc9459]

As a 42 year old man, I can assure you it is perfectly acceptable to start crying at 16:00... or anywhere from 0:00 to 19:18 for that matter.

[@Salacious_T]

Every damn time brother.

[@1manorgy]

as a 31-year-old man I was wondering just that

[@MJG206]

And as a 47 year old, i will just say... Heck yes.

[@Adramelk]

The harpsicord for the music box moment was magical for me. this entire piece just shows the magic of one man who never took formal musical training once in his life

[@ryangarnett4705]

Same.

[@corvettez06usa]

The greatest Final Fantasy score of them all.

[@SEELE-ONE]

The transition between pieces at 12:05 through 12:20 is Godlike

[@tuneablestar1712]

Dude, yes. Kefka: and all the world will know that there was nothing you could do to stop me!!! >:D *THE WARRIORS OF LIGHT*

[@smvanderlouw]

Just amazing stuff 👏🙌👌😍

[@ryangarnett4705]

For sure!

[@d2astik264]

THIS, is amazing.. Such a talented group of people. If Aliens, came and asked us what our greatest feat was.. An Orchestra, playing this music.

[@Mr.Foxhat]

Never played Final Fantasy 6, but it certainly has one of my favorite OSTs in gaming.

[@xblindx]

need to do yourself a favor and play it, it's awesome :D

[@alicialockhart1081]

I just recommend playing old school final fantasy games if you are into jrpgs, otherwise it could be a little hard to get used to.

[@Mr.Foxhat]

@@alicialockhart1081 My first 3 JRPGs were FF7 on the PS3, Final Fantasy 3 on DS, and Blue Dragon. Dragon Quest 5 is my favorite game in the genre hands down though.

[@alicialockhart1081]

@@Mr.Foxhat being that the case, I dont know what u r wating for, go play it the original snes through emulation cuz all ports that came later are trash.

[@azumadavion]

I accidentaly heard some FF 6 osts on KZbin, then I decided play FF6 for the first time, FF 6 the only FF I played because the osts 😂😂

[@LukeMaynard]

What a FINE conductor. Watch him at 11:40 or so, as thingss start to get really exciting, and how light and measured his conduction is. This arrangement absolutely COOKS, and it's not easy to give it the lightness it needs. I've known this music in my bones since the mid-1990s, and never heard it performed quite like this.

[@budakbaongsiah]

The Unforgiven never sounded this good before.

[@Patrick-zk7de]

the world of balance music in this always gives me a pit in my stomach and tears in my eyes anytime i listen to this tbh, very powerful performance which conjures up my emotions. these preformers are the ones born with the gift of magic

[@SMac86]

Greatest FF soundtrack. When I heard the airship theme come in after the battle theme my heart soared. So beautifully put together, I wish I was there live. So many good memories from this game evoked by this performance.

[@satirical140]

Something I've learned from Nobuo Uematsu's work is that everyone has something FUN to play. I think that really comes out in the music and makes it that much better.

[@user-lp3wk5cu4v]

オケのことはよくわかりません。 ただ発売当時9歳の記憶。FF6のキャラデザインに大興奮し、妄想の中ではいつも自分も冒険している感覚だったことを鮮明に思い出した。 ナルシェで氷漬けの幻獣防衛戦。 奇人ケフカの生々しい姿。襲撃に遭い、激しい攻防が交差する雪景色。 本作には無いのに、脳内で勝手にイメージされるリアルな戦闘シーン。 この演奏しているおじさん達はロックのカッコ良さを知らない。いやFF6はもとより、スーファミのコントローラーを手に汗かいて握りしめたこともないだろう。 それでいてどうやって俺の心と脳みそをここまで揺さぶるのか。 並の編曲、並の集団じゃねーことだけは確か。

[@dominicpowis9166]

hearing the played live at the symphony hall was unreal. just pure magic

[@slurpbeats]

brass section sounds so great here, amazing production, recording and performance

[@tsulong]

the person who wrote this arrangement understood the assignment

[@lcs8412]

the soundtrack from this game is just surreal, unmatched, brilliant. I can't really put into words

[@edwardjaniszewski2890]

The restrained snare drumming @3:17 is *chef kiss*

[@distortomanipulo]

This is so good it made me lightheaded.

[@reinaldoortiz7421]

That this was written is wonderful. The love for this series of games and their music is cherished by those of us who have lived in these games. The renditions and orchestrations of the people who take the time to make this sort of thing is sorely lacking, and when it happens... magic is far too small a word to describe it.

[@budakbaongsiah]

The arrangers did took their time. They replayed the game and even watched some fan videos regarding the allusions the game made incase they missed it while replaying. The arrangers are huge fans of the game.

[@bartolomeothesatyr]

This performance just gave me a frisson. Fantastic!

[@codekhalil6437]

Best arrangement bar none. This is the one. Flawlessly performed.

[@seantomlinson3320]

How did I not know this exists!?! I love it. Thank you.

[@felixwalne3494]

Man what an emotional piece. I literally got a spine tingles when the battle theme kicked in as well as Terra’s!

[@charlielan9287]

The ending is the most epic version of FF6 orchestra I've ever heard.

[@anonony9081]

That opening is so powerful. Gives me goosebumps every time

[@yumenodaidokoro]

9:42 この部分もまたすきです

[@quorthonthegreat5649]

I'm a simple Man. I see "Nobuo Uematsu" and I click like and comment.

[@ericm.8793]

Well. I've seen numerous orchestra attempt those pieces (individually), but none has enticed me as much as you have. Wow. That was beyond what I've imagined and dreamed as far of renditions! Just pure perfection. Day 1 fan of Final Fantasy 6. (FF3 if needed!! Haha!). Hope you'll cover other installments!

[@Edwardxibalba]

No mamen, estoy llorando. Esto es bellisimo, los mejores 19 minutos y 18 segundos de este dia.

[@Quaylin]

Ok, I'm picking FF6 back up on my phone and playing through again. This hit the feels HARD!

[@singaporygon3103]

play the free Brave New World version of FF6, it's a must-play!

[@SolaR_SigmA_]

I've never had my emotions stirred like this by any performance ever. 19min 18sec of pure chills and astonishment! thank you all so much for this amazing performance!

[@proflucasc]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderfulness with us.

[@mura9233]

数十年前のゲームのシーンとともに、その頃のことを思い出しました。ありがとうございます。

[@tuneablestar1712]

7:40 - 8:00 I can just see Kefka on his throne, high above in his tower, looking down on his dead world. All hail Kefka, king of nothing.

[@juanantenor1740]

He would have been very pleased with that, in the end.

[@liangseng7474]

And all shall bow before him, if not, see what happened to Moblitz

[@greyscapeentertainment4816]

This is such an amazing medley of these various songs. The way this was wrote woven together is pure genius. I love every single moment of this!

[@colnay4736]

Beautiful, just beautiful !

[@stephenmoran5855]

Well wasn't this a lovely surprise to stumble across. Simply magnificent.

[@NicktheLanguageNerd]

Amazing arrangement, incredible performance.

[@jakebowen]

This above and beyond the best performance I have ever heard for this arrangement. Just wow! 🤩

[@jellyneck7978]

Wow, what an incredible arrangement and performance!

[@prollybee]

this gives me chills. absolutely inspired arrangement and performance of such a wonderful score.

[@BinnyBongBaron_AoE]

This is such a tremendous piece of art, I can't even imagine how many times I've listened to it.

[@johnv.3105]

Amazing arrangement.

[@heathernicol3026]

Ooh… I had goosebumps through the entire thing! Peerless performance of a truly exceptional arrangement!

[@MotsniHoppy]

最高です！ 中学生の時にプレイしてた思い出が思い出されます！

[@TheMajesticice01]

This is so soothing! One of my top five favorite game soundtracks and games of all time

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

Absolutely amazing!

[@RoseytheHuman88]

Two of my favorite things: FFVI and orchestra music 💕

[@user-nb1ki6lr9k]

いやぁ,,,本当にff6は素晴らしい曲を産んだ,,,久しぶりに心の真から感動したよ

[@Silvont69]

This is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen/heard

[@user-ug2xg9fn3p]

この曲を演奏した方々の感想を聞きたいです つまらないのか楽しかったのか それともどう感じたのか

[@trollingisasport]

すぐ鳥肌が立ちました。

[@trias418]

this is incredibly beautiful. Thank you to the musicians, the conductor, and of course Nobuo Uematsu

[@TheNeophoeny]

It's the best arrangement I have ever heard!

[@ruffgook]

man their brass section is sick

[@user-ng9pd5wc7f]

ティナとケフカの対比で綺麗にまとまったアレンジ

[@gamearchives8405]

amazing 　素晴らしい

[@chiplopez520]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@FadaLed]

gosh the eeriness of the Esper World theme... goosebumps

[@originalandcreative]

Incredible arrangement!! Wow!! This truly captures the spirit of one of the most EPIC creative narratives in modern time. I literally had goosebumps the whole time. And that transition to Terra's theme really hits you hard. Just beautiful.😭