Symphonic Fantasies - Chrono medley part 1/2

UPDATE: Symphonic Fantasies CD out September 17 2010! It features a recording remastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. The CD comes with a beautiful 16p booklet, more than 70 min. of music and can be found for €14.95 at Amazon.de. For more info, check out www.symphonicfantasies.com !
Orchestral Game Music Concert, entitled "Symphonic Fantasies", featuring arrangements of some of Square's greatest hits. Conducted by Arnie Roth, and performed by the WDR Radio Orchestra at Cologne, Germany (2009-09-12). Yoko Shimomura, Hiroki Kikuta, Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu were in attendance.
A fantastic orchestral medley of the Chrono series, which includes:
- [CT] Presentiment (Part 1, 0:00-0:24; Part 2 3:46-4:00)
- [CC] Scars of Time (Part 1, 0:25-2:20, 3:50-4:30, 7:09-7:22 ; Part 2, 4:01-4:34, 7:26-8:36)
- [CT] Chrono Trigger (Part 1, 2:21-3:49 ; Part 2, 7:42-8:36)
- [CT] Peaceful Days (Part 1, 4:31-5:26)
- [CT] Kingdom Trial (Part 1, 5:27-6:17)
- [CC] Gale (Part 1, 6:18-8:46)
- [CC] Prisoners of Fate (Part 2, 0:05-3:45)
- [CT] To Far Away Times (Part 2, 2:45-3:45)
- [CT] Battle with Magus (Part 1, 8:30-8:46; Part 2, 0:00-0:04, 4:35-5:54)
- [CT] Frog's Theme (Part 2, 5:55-7:41)
Great arrangement. Rony Barak rules again. Prisoners of fate is so emotional!

[@JackBigDanniels]

It is surreal to see old and extremely professional musicians playing songs from your childhood favorite game.

[@VivianDanger]

It is correct to see masters of their crafts honor a timeless piece of interactive beauty. No pun intended with the 'timeless' thing

[@gitglompified2456]

RIGHT? i feel u

[@fuckugplus]

the craft of classical music has took a turn this last centuries, it still exist, yet you don't realize it, movies and video games. these are the places classic music survived.

[@JonGodcommadore65]

They look so annoyed too. "I didn't study under the great kcorishnicogfff to play this!?!"

[@mrwusss9126]

These were glorious days my friend.

[@regensyscronos347]

To see all the elders use all their skills to play a videogame's medley Man, generation's touch right there

[@DaShonuff]

A lot of people don't realize that many of the composers who write music to these games are indeed real composers who work for video game companies. Koji Kondo is a perfect example. It might be a video game but the music follows the same rules as would a Beethoven music sheet does. Music is very universal.

[@salvvillalobos8819]

These games just have truly artistic music that's all and they realized it :D

[@Tatarana93]

I dont see the distinction of the music at all. This is real fucking bliss to listen to the work of Yasunori, very beautiful songs not to be treated as simple entertainment for youngsters of old ages ahahaha. But nice perspective BTW

[@SchwamGamers]

Love the drummer guy! He's into it and loves every second. That's how it's gotta be!!

[@ShinCT]

I HAD to look this up because I've seen him in other videos too. He's actually kinda famous. Rony Barrak's his name? He stands out so much because he's always so enthusiastic. Love him!

[@user-ww2lc1yo9c]

SchwamGamers He is an Arab. The drum seems to have some special place in the Arab culture.

[@stark1987]

screw the conductor, hes the one keeping the tempo

[@danyhimura]

@@user-ww2lc1yo9c Lebanon ♥ The drum is carried in the blood for us! greetings!

[@rast123456789]

I am the opposite I wish I could forget I ever played this game so I could play it again like it was the first time. Nothing beats the first time. Pure Magic

[@canticledrawl]

This is probably the best rendition of Time's Scar that exists.

[@Panther016]

+Snake Plissken yeah so many other "orchestrated" versions just don't get it

[@SNESdrunk]

Brilliantly arranged

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

Everytime I see your comments it makes me appreciate your channel more.

[@yanneilucia]

That drummer is so passionate xD He's loving every second of it >_<

[@ctr1502]

That Asian gentleman is absolutely slaying it by himself. He's on that beat!

[@gregoryedwards3467]

Yasunori Mitsuda... What a legend. I love how colorful his music is, despite his catalogue being far smaller than Nobuo's, I feel he stands up with him. Wish there was more work of his that I could find.

[@MarlboroShinobi]

Let's be clear on something. If you are someone who has never played this game before...i implore you...no, i stress that you are missing out on something beautiful. Just a video game? yeah i know...sounds stupid to emphasize something so heavily. But.........we have characters who are so genuine and perfect, the soundtrack? christ, this rivals some of john williams' music in terms of tone, graphics? yeah whatever, you get the idea JUST fine with super nintendo. But, if you're here, you might already know all of what I just said. This is perfection folks, have a good look. The best game ever made in my opinion. Everything is there. (sorry for being lengthy)

[@MarlboroShinobi]

both chrono games****** but trigger more so**** sorry.

[@timopers4334]

MarlboroShinobi I with you mate!

[@Nocturno300]

Hands down best game ever

[@Phantomsbreath]

@@Nocturno300 Legit the ONLY way to do time travel that doesn't feel like a gimmick.

[@booJay]

The solo violinist near the end is a complete boss. The percussionist is his brother from another mother. This epic music comes from the greatest story ever told!

[@Moniiii148]

One of the best soundtracks ever!

[@sh1yo7]

I was there, it was bloody brilliant!

[@blunts1988]

I teared up during 4:21 - 5:25. :') Best medley ever~

[@twoaretutie4694]

good morning Chrono :D

[@JBMystwind]

Love this. And kudos to that percussionist, he had the vibe down!

[@rarailuvsu]

I cried listening to Scars of Time LOL. Beautiful

[@megid00]

Listening to these makes me reminisce so much of the past, and how much I wanted to hear these songs in orchestral version. These performances truly make my heart cry, and I can help but smile.

[@drewtweedie7408]

Hello little time capsule, I hope you are well.

[@megid00]

@@drewtweedie7408 I'm doing well. Feelings of bittersweet memories just get stronger as I get older. Thanks for checking, hope you are well.

[@aboutgast]

I wonder if those artists have ever played the game... They all seem old (no offense intended) yet play this as if they knew exactly whats behind this whole soundtrack. This is by far the greatest video-game music orchestra I have ever listened to.

[@kenshinsavior]

these "time wasters" for children shaped me into how i perceive the world today. every main hero from every rpg were my role models. Empathy, discipline, courage, dedication, respect, and resolve to finish what needs to be done. actually, it sounds like attributes adults SHOULD have. i guess whats why when an adult comes along with them, they're considered a 'hero'

[@AndyWitmyer]

Agreed. Cecil, Locke, Celes, Frog - even silent protagonists like Crono and Link - they all helped to forge within me a certain degree of morality and compassion that is atypical when compared to the "heroes" of today.

[@shutedan]

who ever made these arrangements is a god

[@themariofiend1144]

every time I listen to this, I cry from happy memories

[@dharkomens]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU MY HEART CANT TAKE THIS

[@alonsojett]

This is the greatest orchestral arrangement for a video game EVER, and I don't see how can it possibly be topped. The ending transition from the magus theme to frog's and then Frog's theme, Chrono Trigger and Scars of Life all layered together is too freaking good.

[@LinkXMidnaFTW]

Why can't most orchestrated game music be this beautiful

[@TimOkolowski]

so glad i went there, live it was even better, such an awesome performance

[@EvanYoungMusic]

It's amazing to see how much Arnie Roth has made his career just conducting video game scores.

[@Kronosbattlemaps]

seriously how can you not see this as the score to a motion picture...one day hopefully in my lifetime I will witness it... one day.

[@user-ne9uk8tm8d]

やっぱりこのアレンジが一番好き

[@holynetwork]

this makes me smile so much, reminds me of those old days of forgetting to save, getting home from school just wanting to see what happened next, these guys did such a good job bringing back memories

[@Manlyman47]

wow think this is the best chrono trigger medley ever.

[@Onionboy32]

Amazing job!! Thank you for posting this on youtube!

[@7563able]

I saw this yesterday at the barbican, I had to find it again. It was pretty fucking amazing.

[@Madraf45]

Man this music and the game are awsome. Just got done beating it for the first time on the DS. I wish i could go back in time and tell my younger self that he is missing out on a wonderful SNES game. I hope younger generations get to experince this game and the tale it has to tell. Long live Chrono Trigger !

[@alcapone531]

This video comment section is like a museum

[@honestTom333]

You people the whole orchestra you are my heroes; such amazingly astounding talent

[@speedstriker]

Finally an orchestral performance with a decent recording!

[@AnssiVIH]

I love this so much.

[@a61763]

this is just soo brilliant !!! outstanding !!! remarkable !!!

[@gabrielresendea]

Perfect symphony, I love symponhys. Chrono Cross and Trigger FTW!

[@Ub3rSk1llz]

damn that time's scar is fucking amazing

[@Svenskhl]

einfach wunderschön

[@ashi7061]

amazing !! fantastic!!!

[@Orthanc98]

Such precious memories...

[@lethaljellybean]

Amazing!

[@stubert311]

so glad it's not just the old cell phone camera version :D

[@thevarrior]

My god this is beautiful

[@GazettiSF]

6:17 what you came for

[@Feyzzel]

Moved me to tears :)

[@MrSneakyfatguy]

1:20 - 1:50, that transition between the violin solo and the rest of the orchestra stops my heart.

[@ultima03]

this made my day =)

[@protohunters]

Why not? Chrono has some of the best game music ever.

[@DuskStalker]

Agreed ! It was really awesome !

[@Dreamewalker]

Man. To think that a lot if not most of these musicians have no idea where all this music of the gods comes from.

[@jbragg85]

amazing....

[@Nelamu]

I´m actually playing this game for the first time, and just like you I'd like to go back in time and tell myself about this jewel!

[@Stradivarius8457]

Very nice.

[@hafabee]

Epic musical tribute to the single greatest video game rpg ever!

[@badlover55]

you're right ! i think that's the best arrangement they can do !

[@Naleka2008]

According to a German message board, the orchestra manager of the WDR confirmed a CD release... but no firm release date yet.

[@loganschurman2249]

You know shit is serious when a game has so many good musical pieces that they make a medley.

[@trendthis364]

Music of the HEAVENS!

[@GeoffTaucer]

Seems like orchestrated Chrono Medleys are a dime a dozen these days, but this one really stands out, imo. I love everything about this arrangement. Peaceful days was especially beautiful.

[@victorhugo4525]

The tamborine solo was amazing.... No. Seriously I want to cry when a remeber me playing this beautiful game T_T

[@pyro0351]

What!?!?! John Travolta's in this one too!?! He must really love Chrono Trigger!!!

[@arturmota1986]

This is LEGEN...wait for it...DARY! My childhood in one music! It's unbeliveble!

[@Gust1vus]

Flamenco drummer stole the show

[@AlajAband]

That is not a flamenco drummer. It sounds arabic.

[@Cesc8170]

He is playing the djarbouqa, which is an arabic instrument.

[@bevrosity]

rony barrak?

[@IMaximusDMI]

I think the cameraman was in love with him. Him stealing the show seems forced on us.

[@JoelHansell]

He's hired on as a solo player and thus gets bigger credits than the orchestra members.

[@aseed89]

2:40 LOL. When I saw the john travolta drums guy again, I started laughing. He's always so into it lol

[@DontpushtheBbutton]

This is so awesome. One downside, I really, REALLY hate it when music stops when it's not finished yet.

[@DreamerTrain]

@Syouke It's not about getting to hear it as is in the CD exactly, it's about faithfulness to the original work.

[@Orthanc98]

I understand what you mean it has had a great impact on me as well. I don't believe there is a word that could define this music and do it the justice it deserves.

[@bionicdragon5]

I LOVE scars of time!!! And Frog's theme!!! AND EVERYTHING ELSE TOO!!!!! I LOVE IT ALL!!!!!!! STRAIGHT TO FAVORITES!!!!!!!

[@fernandocasagrande6625]

Great words, man

[@7ropz]

bravo!

[@Evu_EN]

wundervoll, würde ich in umgebung köln wohnen hätte ich mir auf jedenfall tickets geholt, dann würd ich es jetzt auch nicht bereuen schlag den raab anstatt diesem meisterwerk geschaut zu haben. Aufjedenfall danke für die uploads :A

[@ImmortalRayeth]

The CC Music is so amazing. I got nerd chills listening to the Prisoners of Fate-> Scars of Time part. So amazing.

[@ButtercheeseYay]

I am SO GLAD I bought the CD of this concert.

[@user-ww2lc1yo9c]

Brie where can I buy it from?

[@ButtercheeseYay]

I don't know about shipping outside of Germany, but here is what seems to be the official online shop: www.spielemusikkonzerte.de/shop/ I myself bought my copy at the Cologne Symphony.

[@darkerratum]

Both Chrono's are beautiful actually. Canonically speaking, CC is in fact the sequel to CT regardless of the fact that CC basically gives CT a bad ending. Chrono Break should've finished the story if Square pushed through with it.

[@MaickyMiguel]

I just Will say... AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@demoras]

I honestly think they won't feel like as if it's slumming at all :) The piece by itself is very respectable and quite complex. It's not just some background music, it's a incredible score that took a lot of skill to write. I think any musician, whether a gamer or not, will appreciate playing such a piece :)

[@Dobader]

That guy on the drum is such a beast.

[@FengshenNL]

I was there too :3 line 29 =D suuuch an aaaawesome concert

[@drewtweedie7408]

so cool, hope you had a great time

[@niveks_]

They really seem to dig the music, that's awesome.

[@rubendlove]

i didn't played chrono cross, but Chrono Trigger it's a pretty and beautiful game... for that time this is a masterpiece... Chrono trigger is almost the all time best RPG of all time. not for the battles, but the story line, the endings, the characters have charisma.

[@palpmaster]

goosebumps

[@Beyond_Slots]

The Drummer Reminds Me Of Mick Fleetwood! They ALL Performed So Beautifully! Such Emotion If More Muscians Played W/ More Emotion Maybe Together We Could Change Thee World, Music is played thee way it is Felt w/o That Feeling You Wouldn't Have Ever Had Such Pieces Such as This! Thumbs Up If Anyone Agrees'!

[@Nupsuify]

It was truly worth travelling the 1500km!

[@ARP318]

Ahhhhh.... Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. My 1 and 2 best games of all time (in that order). And this. THIS^. is why. The goddam amazing music. This brings to mind memories of Kid and Frog and Marle and Lucca and Harle and.... sorry, fanboy moment.

[@darkstarXSI]

oh there is john Travolta again, lol how I found tis video? I simply typed chrono Travolta , never fails. btw CC soundtrack is amazing all the comositions from Yasunori Mitsuda deserve more attention!

[@tataso]

and long live for Chrono Cross !!

[@Icewind007]

I know! Makes me want to pull this video off, fix it in premiere, and give it back to be reuploaded.

[@xenotypos]

OMG OMG j'étais même pas au courant OMG OMG

[@Omnilatent]

I could've been there in the audience that day but I didn't even know something like this existed until now 8(

[@Freaky0209]

ich war daaa :P

[@Kyubi095]

ich wär zu gerne dabei gewesen! hab nur das ende im radio mitgekriegt

[@TheMattOompa]

Chrono Cross...that game that made me love violins

[@SnakesInAHole]

HOLY SHIT THE DRUMMER HAVE CRAZY HANDS HOLY HOLY SHIT!

[@DemonmachinE]

Cool, I'll check it out. I've heard of it before but haven't gotten around to it. I was mostly talking about the big multi-million dollar projects. The big AAA titles... they've been watered down from a gameplay perspective to make more room for narrative.

[@thatwunguy05]

I bet most of the people in this symphony don't even realize the EPOCHness of what they're playing.

[@JacobPaige]

@Poskusin which is why I specified the time period before they saw the sheet music or heard it in any form.

[@Naleka2008]

There also have been two performances in January in Japan and one in June in Stockholm.