Nobuo Uematsu, Melodies of Life- A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@user-jl4zm9md1g]

When I married in 2003, we were able to convince our pianist to play nothing but music from Final Fantasy games. I walked down the aisle to the Figaro Castle theme from FFVI, and we walked out to Locke’s Theme from the same game. We have zero regrets 😅😊

[@Mangaka-ml6xo]

awesome!

[@Butterfliesandzebras]

Don't sleep on Uematsu. The simplicity is deceptive, the guy is an ELITE songwriter with an unbelievably sensitive and musical ear for melody

[@Lycanthromancer1]

And he's completely self-taught. Not a single minute of official instruction. The man is a complete, unmitigated musical genius, rubbing shoulders with the best of the best of the modern age.

[@diegorodriguez4226]

Not elite. The best videogame music composer.

[@salvadorortiz1826]

@@Lycanthromancer1for me, one, if not the best composer of the modern era

[@pattersong6637]

Fantasian Neo-Dimension, released in December, is supposed to be his final soundtrack ever before he retires. That's enough to convince me to get it.

[@progrob27]

He is the master, we all love Nobuo :D

[@Henriktranoy]

Uematsu is also a master of leitmotifs. He utilises them expertly to tell stories, foreshadow and set the mood. So worth noticing when listening to other tracks within the same titles. Melodies of life serves as "home" in a sense, and themes from this song will be reprised in different guises throughout the game. The "prologue" section is serves as a "main theme" for the final fantasy series itself, and has iteration in most of the games, and holds a special place in most players hearts who grew up with the series xD

[@excrono]

I completely agree, he has also used instrument samples as a leitmotif (different melodies with the same feeling). The alto flue in the Final Fantasy 6 score is what makes this a masterpiece musically and in narrative context from the very first to last track.

[@clindsell6111]

true every single song tells a story and if you have the context of the game it brings it to another level. Like the Zanarkand theme in ten. its hauntingly beautiful and at the very beginning of the game they set the premise for it by saying "this is my story" but then when you get close to the end and you see that scene play out having gone through the entire journey with these characters having seen them grow and fall in love and youre going off to see them die. man gets me everytime. really encapsulates the human spirit. to fight when its hopeless and write your own story.

[@excrono]

@@clindsell6111 That theme is a leitmotif for the FFX score as well. It can make the player feel approaching dread for the whole game that is suddenly released when Auron gives his speech at the start of the boss battle they thought was going to be the end. It’s a liberating moment that required going on that journey (and dare I say empathy) to pay off, just like he needed the party to experience that path to see and break the cycle.

[@clindsell6111]

@@excrono I agree it is true art and even as well respected as it is i still feel it deserves more credit. The best way i can put it is that its like the heroes journey through music instead of writing. even parts of the game that arent related to a particular song are part of the performance almost like one long opera in which you play the lead. every beat and step pulls you deeper and deeper into the song until youre filled with the emotion it is trying to convey. until you can see yourself there in that moment and feeling. making you feel as if you did in fact live those events, they were youre friends and you will miss them dearly now that it is over. truly beautiful.

[@excrono]

@@clindsell6111 Their lives will go in but your time with them has ended and sometimes you don’t want to go. It’s why I prefer philosophically or morally abstract endings left up to my own interpretation where everyone may not live happily ever after all (and I’d rather bow out of the story proactively at that point and learn about that experience versus dwelling on nostalgia). To be fair, that’s a survival horror genre thing.

[@erjino]

Also, there's an English version, sung by the same singer, which is as beautiful as this one.

[@marcosdheleno]

i genuinely feel like the english version is even better.

[@ginkage5863]

Both are great, and even though I couldn't understand the meaning when I first heard it... It pokes my heart with needles and I don't know why... And when I heard the English, I saved both in my phone playlist until now like the songs from guilty crown

[@pantalonesdemuerto7960]

@@marcosdheleno My sole complaint about the english version is that (to my ear, at least) "birds" is an awkward sounding word to stretch out into a long note like that.

[@crownedakuma]

The Japanese version sounds better, cleaner and softer, iconic. But the English one has vocals you can link to and gives solid meaning to the beautiful harmonies

[@KiddDaPhoenix]

@@crownedakuma I think the JP lyrics are better, too.

[@xsithspawnx]

This song gets me teary-eyed every time. I love FFIX so much, and the music in it is some of Nobuo Uematsu's best work. Great video.

[@jonopens]

Even humming the melody along gets the tear ducts fired up. Such a gorgeous song.

[@lewstherintelamon1377]

Yeah. . . I can't not think of Vivi's letter. "My memories will be part of the sky."

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

If you're open to additional requests to listen to Nobuo Uematsu's work, I've got a few more recommendations. * Suteki Da Ne: A romantic pop ballad from Final Fantasy X. The context of this one is that it plays near the end of the second act (right around when the heroes are at their lowest point). The female lead is on a religious pilgrimage to sacrifice her life to appease a terrible monster -- effectively a living hurricane -- and stop it from killing innocent people for a short time. Her faith in her religion has recently been shattered, but she feels she has no choice but to continue, in order to alleviate the unending despair of her people, even if just for a little while. It is here that the male lead pledges his undying love and promises to protect her, no matter what. * Dancing Mad (Distant Worlds arrangement): An orchestration of the final boss music of Final Fantasy VI. This song is broken up into four distinct movements; in the original game, the final fight took place over the course of four stages, and the music only progresses to the next movement when the player reached the next stage of the conflict. The villain is a nihilistic madman who has recently ascended to near-godhood, who believes that the world deserves only death and despair. If you listen closely to the countermelody, underneath the apparent grandeur, you can hear his scornful mockery of the very idea of life and hope. The orchestral arrangement ends triumphantly, as if to signify the heroes striking a killing blow to a would-be god and returning peace to the world. * Liberi Fatali: The music which plays in the introductory movie of Final Fantasy VIII. This piece is designed to get your blood racing for the wild adventure you'll be dedicating the next 40 hours of playtime to. The scene largely consists of iconic imagery, teased to the player without context, to evoke a sense of mystery. Every so often, it cuts to a sword duel between two rivals at a military academy, training to become heroes in a world fraught with political turbulence; unbeknownst to them, they are about to find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy of cosmic proportions. Appropriately, Liberi Fatali impresses upon you feelings of weighty responsibility and grim determination. EDIT: Additionally, if you're open to listening to music by other Japanese video game composers, I highly recommend Yasunori Mitsuda's Scars of Time for Chrono Cross.

[@PipkoFanfare]

Scars of Time was Mitsuda. Uematsu contributed some music to Chrono Trigger, but I don't believe he did anything for Cross, and most certainly did not write Scars of Time. Don't get me wrong, I love the song deeply. But it's not Uematsu's work. It's Yasunori Mitsuda.

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

@@PipkoFanfare Sorry, I was mistaken. I fixed my comment to remove the misinformation.

[@ghostlightning]

Solid recommendations -- although I admit my bias because these were in my late adolescence and early adulthood and thus my peak indulgence in JRPGs

[@strangevision99]

Those three also all have rock covers by Uematsu and his various bands.

[@Ashgrom]

I'd give a shout to Aria di Mezzo Carattere.

[@NoFunNoHope]

So glad you returned to Nobou, especially cool you picked a song I haven't seen others react too yet. I did my 1st play through of Final Fantasy 9 this year (It's an old game though) and it's a lovely, story oriented game. It's extra fun to see European/American aesthetics lensed though a Japanese view point. Edit: So if ya'll are unfamiliar with the game and want some more context to place the music this is where you're first introduced to the song, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYKuZniNe8-LaMU (2:02 for the attached video cutscene if you want to skip to it). It actually has the sound of a harp piece in the game version. Escorting a princess who's ran away from her own kingdom because of the odd behavior of her mother you've recently arrived at a city ruled by her uncle who the princess wishes to seek help from. You're out on the town exploring by yourself but when you arrive back at her uncle's castle the princess is "missing". You then hear singing from a distance and follow it to the princess. The song reoccurs during the game here and there afterwards. This is my 1st time hearing the version you've reviewed and this ladies voice is just fantastic 2nd Edit: I now remember that you get a brief 3 second taste of the song earlier in the game while resting at an inn kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4nSo5upq9yFbKcsi=nm6oZE_2ld3TIgnZ&t=537

[@IvoryMadness.]

Great comment!

[@Thiago_Alves_Souza]

If you enjoyed this, Nobuo wrote and actual opera called "Maria e Draco". There's a version on YT with the game opera theater with actual opera singers who perform that version live. Cheers from a fellow classical musician.

[@Butterfliesandzebras]

And in the game you have to MEMORISE the entire goddamn opera and perform it yourself masquerading as the lead!

[@olivierdane9255]

In Final Fantasy VI

[@brucey5585]

Thankyou. I didn't know there was a performance version.

[@louiepigar6278]

I played the English version, so the first time I heard it was in English. Here's the lyrics. Melodies of Life by: Emiko Shiratori Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart To weave by picking up the pieces that remain Melodies of life--love's lost refrain Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told? Let them ring out loud till they unfold In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name * A voice from the past, joining yours and mine Adding up the layers of harmony And so it goes, on and on Melodies of life, To the sky beyond the flying birds--forever and beyond So far and away, see the bird as it flies by Gliding through the shadows of the clouds up in the sky I've laid my memories and dreams upon those wings Leave them now and see what tomorrow brings In your dearest memories, do you remember loving me? Was it fate that brought us close and now leaves me behind? * Repeat If I should leave this lonely world behind Your voice will still remember our melody Now I know we'll carry on Melodies of life Come circle round and grow deep in our hearts As long as we remember

[@Senyuno]

You truly show your expertise with picking up on the Celtic influences. If you listened to the entire soundtrack, you would NOT be surprised. Yet for SOME reason I'm surprised because I've never even realized Melodies of Life had strong Celtic themes! Thank you for your insight! I always enjoy when I learn something from an expert (or even better, the author) about something I love.

[@ArctosMajor]

The Celtic influence is very intentional. As part of the research process for composing this soundtrack, Uematsu travelled to Europe and Scotland to tour medieval castles and incorporate their influence.

[@Hesber1984]

Hello from Spain. It's a real pleasure to be able to see your impressions in such an analytical way, thank you very much for that layer of love for music that you transmit. If you ever listen to Mr. Uematsu again, I would recommend "Liberi Fatali". The introductory song for Final Fantasy 8, and with many nuances of classical music that you will surely be able to interpret very well. Personally, I think it's magnificent. Sorry for my bad English.

[@WastedTalent83]

And the latin lyrics, that also give it that "mysticl lost language" feeling XD Latin is only used for studies, and no one actually speak it on daily basis , not even in the vatican.

[@ravoniesravenshir3926]

Eyes on Me is great too.

[@DravenxEyeless]

Nobuo Uematsu is not only a self-trained musical genius... but also a prog-rock nerd. A good "rock" option to listen from him would be "Dancing Mad" or the band he started (Black Mages) to cover songs in rock format from all the Final Fantasy games he worked on (The ultimate chad "Who better to cover my songs than myself" move)

[@SirMoribund]

This

[@CoryJensen-ln2uz]

I wasn't aware he was self taught which is even crazier than I knew of him. His music has been some of my favorites if not my favorite scores.

[@LordBhorak]

Nobuo just rocks... in all the music he composes!

[@acouelfoly]

I have discovered your channel thanks to your One Winged Angel analysis. Don't hesitate to do more videos about Uematsu's work or any other style of music from time to time. A lot of people will discover you, suscribe and be interested in a lot of your content. A message to Supertramp fans : please do something ! We need an analysis of School, Crime the Century or Bloody Well Right (just to see her reaction during the intro^^)

[@goshisanniichi]

All of the vocal pieces that Uematsu has created are really beautiful. This one and Suteki da Ne (Isn't It Wonderful) from Final Fantasy X are my favorites.

[@8-bitromance43]

Oh boy, getting to hear Rikki singing Suteki Da Ne live last year (twice!!) is honestly up there as the most memorable experiences of my life!

[@lappania]

Don't forget Eyes On Me from FF8. Together those are 3 of my favorite songs ever.

[@allytheninja]

"Sparkles!" Really shows that you don't have to be a fan of video games to envision the magic intended. You're a complete joy and I'm so happy you appreciate this kind of music as much as so many of us do! As a harpist I'm sure you are incredibly in tune with music, but it's so wonderful to hear a musician express their thoughts on one of my favorite composers. Thank you for this video!

[@MonTonal]

Thank you so much for reacting to yet another amazing song by Uematsu! Hopefully we get to listen to more Uematsu songs together!

[@marcelqueiroz8613]

I like this one. Final Fantasy is part of the life of any nerd like myself. It's very sensitive and beautiful music. I'm going to share this with my son who is also a fan of Final Fantasy. Thank you Amy and Vlad.

[@maxwell4322]

Uematsu is the greatest composer of our time. Especially when one considers he was self taught.

[@Trattato68]

without taking anything away from Nobuo, I think Soken is better. He is a monster that ranges from the lightest pop to metal without missing a beat. He managed to compose a masterpiece like To the edge while he was in the hospital with cancer

[@maxwell4322]

@Trattato68 sokken is perfectly fine. But to think of putting Uematsu on the bench in favor of sokken is wild to say the least. Hes good but nowhere near that good.

[@Trattato68]

@@maxwell4322 It's probably just a matter of taste, only One Winged Angel by Nobuo has remained in my memory, while Soken has almost all

[@aldonieto703]

​@@Trattato68you couldnt be more wrong. Respect for uematsu's legend

[@Tohlemiach]

@@Trattato68 I could not disagree more. Soken has crafted many an earworm, that's for sure, especially in FFXVI, but the vast majority of his work I find to be utterly uninspiring. I've been playing through the FFXIV MSQ very slowly over the last 3 years and I just this year broke into the start of Endwalker, and man the amount of ear-grating cutscene pieces has been overwhelming. The other thing that I really don't like about Soken is his patent refusal to upgrade his sound mixing technology or use any form of orchestra whatsoever. You'd think in a PS5 exclusive AAA mainline FF game like FFXVI (in a grimdark Game of Thrones-esque dark fantasy setting) would be the place to finally use a real orchestra instead of those 2000's era string and horn MIDI files, but nope, even during the most emotional parts of the game's story, you can still hear the flat, screechy slow-start violins with the reverb setting cranked up. I've made my $200 Yamaha keyboard I got when I was 14 sound as good as what they paid millions of dollars to put in that game. The sound quality argument is utterly indefensible, and he has been this way for the entirety of his career. Not a single other composer working with a budget like that has done what he does in his refusal to use better technology, and I can't just let that slide, and neither should you. In general, I think Soken has a lot of crazy ideas and he tends to just run with them, but the end result is that most of his experiments sound rather amateurish. Uematsu, despite also being entirely self-taught, even from the very first FF games had already established his ability to write entirely cohesive and diverse scores and only improved with time. Like, people meme on Lahee, but I'm sorry to say this, that song is just annoying. I think Soken knows this and he knew it when he submitted his final draft version of it for approval. It's a funny idea, but it's not fun to listen to. It's weird, and uncomfortable, which would be fine if it were playing in a creepy or absurd scenario or area, but it's just...a forest? I could list a hundred examples of these experimental tracks that somehow made it into the final project, and the thing is, with that many years of experimenting under your belt, you'd think he'd have been able to figure out a consistent groove by this point. Don't get me wrong, his motif writing for Clive's, Jill's, and Joshua's themes in FFXVI is incredible, and I absolutely love every rendition of each of them, but they are by far the exceptions to his work. In that same soundtrack he also wrote dozens upon dozens of cheesy sounding battle marches or stomach-turning attempts at creating "mystery" and "atmosphere." The inconsistency is really unforgivable. If you put out a lot pieces and most of them are junk, I think it's fair to rate you lower than someone else who mostly puts out bangers. Simply put, Uematsu simply has a higher hit rate, and I think that has to count for something.

[@crispychicken9298]

I love Nobuo's work. You say it's a turn from the rock music. Well, he's even got you covered there 😅 In 2002 he formed a rock band with some fellow game composers, called "The Black Mages". Would be cool if you could check them out as well. Also, if you like another twist on rock music: How about rock mixed with k-pop? I can recommend Scream by Dreamcatcher.

[@maximejehenne485]

I actually sang this song with friends at my best friend's wedding right before the ceremony, not knowing that the bride had chosen the instrumental version as the track when she walked the aisle! So we heard 2 versions of the same song back to back not because it was planned, but because it fitted the couple that well!

[@suiko2fan2]

If you are going to explore more of Nobuo Uematsu and Final Fantasy music then check out: Liberi Fatali & Eyes on Me. They are fantastic!

[@orbynit8614]

I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone suggest Answers by Uematsu, it's one of my favorites my far.

[@ErgortanguperPolice]

Many people have suggested it to her since you left this comment.

[@cshape2205]

You are so informative and explanatory that I really appreciate it. Seeing people react to these songs that mean so much to those of who played these games is a very cool experience. I'd love your take on this thought I've had that's always been so fascinating to me about soundtracks as opposed to classical music - These songs, for those who experienced the medium (watched the movie, played the game) have a built in "memory" associated. I remember that moment of the game when I hear this song and it makes me feel some of that emotion. As someone who frequently plays video games but also attends symphonies, I've always found this fascinating. This idea that a second experience is inherently tied to the song from a movie or game. I am a very emotional classical listener so this idea resonates heavily with me. It's so different than when I hear something like Night on Bald Mountain which I also love, which is its own self-contained song with no external addition

[@APsaull]

Uematsu is a legend to be sure. He is also a big fan of rock and many versions of of his songs have a rock reimagining to them. I believe his rock band is called “The Black Mages”

[@Lolino]

This is one of my favourites from all of Final Fantasy, along with the piano version of To Zanarkand which brought me to tears when I first heard it at the Distant Worlds concert. I know lots of people will probably recommend Dancing Mad, which is fantastic on a technical level and very impressive, but To Zanarkand is so gentle and sad, and it will always be my love. Possibly because Final Fantasy 10 was the first of the Final Fantasy games I ever played.... Then there's the opera Maria and Draco from Final Fantasy 6, which honestly always makes me giggle a bit because it's sooo melodramatic to me.

[@jeremy.geronimo]

To Zanarkand is my favorite also. Sometimes I play it on repeat while I sleep. So relaxing.

[@knightabraxas]

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THIS SONG!!!!! AHHHH! It's one of my most favorite ever. I love the Japanese version, but I think the English version of this track might have had more of an affect on watchers who don't know this track/franchise.

[@jamesaditya5254]

16:12 it's also the main theme of the original Final Fantasy, which has been recalled to many times across the series and honestly? I personally never get tired of it

[@seajaytea9340]

Thank you for reviewing this piece. While I am a gamer, I have not played the FF series. I do like this composer (what little I've heard) and I hope that you continue to explore his oeuvre.

[@rezahydra]

Never a bad time to hop into FF. While there certainly has been an elitist movement in the fanbase telling people what versions and games they should and shouldn’t play or what to play first, as well as an inverse “FF has always been bad and overrated” movement at the same time which… especially with how people are feeling about FF14 Dawntrail atm makes it a biiit suffocating… people will always have their differing tastes and opinions. Whether you’re looking for something more joking yet well rounded as a game ala FF5, or maybe go down the FF’s 4, 6, 7, 9 or X rabbit holes and choose one of the more fan favorite entries, to even the modern entries from the MMO’s of 11 and 14, to even the more action focuses of 12, 13, 16 and… in spite of my own opinions, people do end up loving 15 too so even it could work as a wonderful start point! Or you could be one of the people wanting the original, classic Famicom experience of the OG FF1. All it takes is for ya to choose what sounds like you’d like and go from there. Sorry if this sounds forceful at all also. Definitely can’t force ya to do anything and wasn’t my intention. Merely a friendly reminder the door’s open at all times ^~^

[@vili-pekkavaltonen5943]

What i like about ff series is that every one have their own story and character.. so its really good for player who starting the serie.

[@PrinceTahra]

By the way, there is this japanese composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, who worked a little bit with Nobuo Uematsu long time ago, who mixes jazz, rock, celtic/folk and orchestral music! You could check out arrangement of "Dreams of the Past (...)" and "A Vow of Wind and Dreams" for the new editon of Chrono Cross, featuring vocals by Aisling Mcglynn. They are beautiful. If not for the channel then for yourself 😁

[@Doctor1297]

Enthusiastically seconded! 🙏 Those new songs for the remaster have the power to move mountains.

[@Decepticreep47]

Thirded very happily.

[@ishamarii5309]

So nice to see you discovering a new piece of music that resonates with you. There are so many extraordinary pieces of music in video games that don't always get appreciated by people outside the hobby. I would love to see you explore more game music--if only to find even more things to expand your playlist with! If you are looking for something that is a lot more rock and roll, but still with some classical roots you might consider checking out X-Japan. They are a rock band led by Yoshiki who is a drummer, a classically trained pianist, and composer. Endless Rain, Kurenai, Say Anything, Week End, Rusty Nail . . . there are a lot of excellent songs to choose from.

[@iabugueno]

Thanking you to begin with, it's always a delight to see Classical Music and Gaming interact. I agree that voice is wonderful in this, as the voices chosen for what's considered the best vocal themes of Final Fantasy tend to be very accurate choices, and it's difficult to think in other voices for those songs instead. As many fans would say, I recommend you listen to some other top tier Final Fantasy vocal songs. The ones that come to my mind: - Eyes on Me (as in FFVIII's "Ending Theme") - Suteki da Ne Orchestra Version - 1000 Words Orchestra Version - To You/Kimi e - Kiss Me Good-bye (Voices Concert Version) - Kimi ga Irukara - Flow (Orchestral Version) - Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Orchestral Version) - No Promises to Keep Melodies of Life also has an official orchestral arrangement 🤭✨ (I recommend the one from the "More Friends" Concert)

[@RedPanda97_]

My favourite Nubuo piece is 'Answers' from Final Fantasy 14. It's a perfect mix of sad and epic... and when that guitar comes in - wow!

[@arisuaozora]

I think masayoshi soken composed that song

[@Miksutin]

@@arisuaozora Nobuo Uematsu composed Answers. Answers - Reprise is arranged by Masayoshi Soken. Soken wasn't main composer in 1.0, he was sound director, he became main composer in ARR. Nobuo still composed main themes up to Stormblood. Shadowbringers main theme was first one which wasn't composed by Nobuo. Most of the 1.0 OST was composed by Nobuo.

[@jasonwinterboer5232]

Loving you music reactions! Thanks for sharing them with me!! A composer by the name of Masayoshi Soken is currently the lead composer for the Final Fantasy game series and is a sort of spiritual successor to Uematsu. I would find it interesting to see you react to some of his songs - specifically the recently released "Give It All" from Final Fantasy XIV. It's a rock / metal inspired anthem about chasing after a false dream and the realization of that falsehood, sung by the talented rock vocalist Chrissy Costanza. It is, by my standard, a masterpiece! 😎😎

[@ZiriO]

This is one of my absolute favorites of Uematsu's pieces, the lyrics are as beautiful as the music, and left such a huge impact on me when I was young. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, his works have meant so much to me as I grew up.

[@douggrayson1002]

I loved your take on this piece! This is easily one of my top five Final Fantasy pieces. I hope you take a chance to listen to the English lyrics. I know you mentioned it as a wedding piece, but I feel I should point out the English version of this song is on my list for my funeral. :)

[@armandomarin371]

Please more of this 👏👏

[@Postumeartist]

Melodies of Life is quite honestly one of my favourites of his. The melody flows so well. And although you wait a bit for it to resolve in some places, it doesn’t drag on while you’re waiting for it. There’s a gentle anticipation for it. My favourite pieces of his: Dancing mad One winged angel Melodies of life- especially the piano version. It’s just beautiful “The place I’ll return to someday” (a short piece that showcases his ability to make excellent harmonies and his ability to use small “white spaces” and rests to create interest. And… “gold saucer” the original version. It truly sounds like you’re walking through the frantic sounds and lights of a fairground with competing music coming from different tents but to keep it from becoming too overwhelming, he has all the competing sounds come together occasionally. I describe his music as brilliant but not flashy. Like the best home cook you know. They have leftovers from other meals but they don’t want to do the same thing the next day for dinner. Buuuut they also can’t spend 8 hours making it. They whip something up so you know it’s the chicken from last night, but it tastes both familiar and like something delicious you’ve never eaten before. He works very hard of course, but makes it look effortless. You’re not wrong about Elvis! It does have a bit of that melody :)

[@1lamafarmer]

From the video description - "I love his instinct for beautiful melody." Well, you've got to the real point of it here. A big part of the reason Uematsu's music is so iconic is because his melodies are SO memorable, and that is perfect for the genre. Think about the experience of playing a video game - you are concentrating on what is happening on screen, what your hands are doing and what your brain is doing. It is rare you get a moment to turn your full concentration to the score, but when the melodies are this memorable you end up remembering every single theme off by heart by the time you've finished the game. Not only that, but many themes are designed to be associated with certain characters or events in the game, so they can really enforce the emotional connections a player forges with those parts of the game.

[@starryk79]

Video game music like this is the form of orchestral music that I enjoy. These pieces bring back memories of my teenage years. Uematsu has done a lot to make this kind of music popular. His Distant world tour has gone around the world multiple times now. There is so much good stuff there. Uematsu even write a part of an opera for Final Fantasy VI. As i don't trust using links in youtube comments because they are often deleted just search for this: Final Fantasy VI - Aria Di Mezzo Carattere (Live with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra : SCORE)

[@Wyrdwad]

I'm certain others have suggested it, but I would highly recommend listening to "Dancing Mad" from Final Fantasy VI for your next Nobuo Uematsu experience -- and not an orchestral arrangement, but the original soundtrack version from the game, as part of what makes Dancing Mad such a masterpiece is the fact that Uematsu made full use of the Super Nintendo's limited sound hardware to produce a multi-tiered symphony purely out of synthesized samples, and made it sound full and lively despite that. Hearing someone create legitimate classical-grade masterwork within such restrictive framework is stunning, and I think you would greatly appreciate what he was able to accomplish. It's a testament to the power of music that no matter what you're working with, the right hands can truly make it beautiful.

[@knightabraxas]

At a point in the 90s, Celtic music had a very large audience in Japan. It was very popular, and I think this final fabtasy release came at the tail end of that fascination in Japan. So this whole soundtrack was like a nice little ribbon on top of the end of that trend there - so it's fitting how much you enjoy this tune and celtic music because I guess that means that they were really getting it right.

[@seaperson5704]

YES!! More Final Fantasy music! Nobuo's compositions are so rich, and he really set the standard for the series. The games taught me so much when I was a child.

[@marcosdheleno]

not just Nobuo, Yasunori Matsuda and Yoko Shimamura also deserve respect. both Chrono games as well as kingdom hearts and legend of mana, have amazing music as well.

[@seaperson5704]

@@marcosdheleno True, there's a lot of names to really dig into and digest. We need to get a full list together!

[@alejandroguerra7561]

thank you so much for reviewing this piece, i loved it

[@atheist101]

The ending of this game killed me. Not for the reason you'd expect but because you know Vivi died. Knowing he would only live a couple years and that he passed just broke me. RIP Vivi

[@lamortensia3691]

Merci, c’est mon Opus préféré, je m’endors avec l’album des musiques calme tous les soirs ou presque. Mélodie of life a guidé ma vie de nombreuses années, j’en pleure de joie 😭Le jour de mon enterrement, c’est ma seule requête comme musique d’adieu. Vu les paroles c’est parfaitement approprié 🥰

[@InstitutoItalianodeCulturaMéxi]

Virgin rock I just bumped into your video and I was really touched. It's something amazing watching at you during the music, it is evident that u can feel the notes, the accords that are under the music, u have a higher level comprehension of music. Good job AD MAIORA Mario from Italy

[@godspeedhero3671]

Great video as always. And yeah! Final Fantasy IX was the jam back in the day! Best FF game with an amazing soundtrack to boot. Honestly, Final Fanatasy and Megaman Legends as well as .hack// multimedia series is what got me into classical music. Presentation matters very much. You're right!

[@gabrieldecarvalho363]

13:10 You're describing Alexandria's environment, the Kindgom where Garnet, the one who's "singing" this song, is now a queen. It's amazing that the song itself could give you this feeling! Just for some context, she's singing about her story with Zidane, the main character. This song is part of a tune that she used to sing when she was sad, but she never knew where did this tune come from. And this tune is the chorus melody itself, and it's been repeated over and over during the gameplay... sometimes, explicitly... sometimes, not that much... but it's a melody that becomes very familiar to the player. And then, when the whole story ends, this song plays, showing all the core moments of the game - mostly, the ones that include Garnet and Zidane. For full context, I think you should, at least, know the english lyrics. And, THANK YOU for your video!

[@natbatlightwood5288]

No idea how i got here, but i am loving the appreciation for the music. I haven't even played the game (yet) but i know the song it's so gorgeous.

[@SkipTricks]

I just saw Nobuo Uematsu perform for the first time on Friday night and it was so good. He has been a huge inspiration to me growing up, learning to play piano and part of the inspiration for my career into video games. He is a brilliant musician and composer. He played with his band, he did some of his Final Fantasy music, along with some more experimental stuff he and his band are working on which is music composed to stories one of the band members has written and voice acts while animations play on a screen. The singer in his band is incredible and they played Melodies of Life as part of the show, I definitely have to see the orchestra next time they play Final Fantasy music. There are a lot of fantastic pieces he's written so I definitely encourage you to check out more. Suteki Da Ne is a favourite too. I was most happy to hear him play 'To Zanarkand' live though :)

[@IsadellaEstelPolanco]

My favorite is Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy 6. It's quite a ride to hear. I love it so much.

[@jaimecardona92]

Beautiful song!

[@MakooWallinen]

I am glad that you dive into the songs other people have not reacted to. But that does not mean I am not gonna ask if you could react to any version really, of the Dancing mad song. The one from the game, the remade ones, the classical full versions etc :) (Spoiler for why the song would fit here: It is classical and prog rock inspired, in Fact Nobue Uematsus own progrock band "THe Black mages" has covered the Dancing mad song)

[@markl.9974]

Nobuo Uematsu - Liberi Fatali Loving all your reactions thank you so much!

[@DustinHarms]

Keep going!!!! I just noticed you haven't dived back into his music in a while. I'd love to see more! :)

[@ravelincase]

If you want to get a full picture of Uematsu's career, You should check out "Symphonic Odysseys", a tribute concert dedicated to his music. As far as non-game composition, he has done a few Anime, but I am most excited for his newest compositions written specifically for orchestral concert "Heart Of Ice" which is part of the excellent Merregnon orchestral series.

[@excessivedetailgaming]

I remember playing these games as a teen and I can honestly say Nobuo Uematsu has genuinely brought me to tears with the beauty in his music. 'Eyes On Me' from Final Fantasy VIII is a love balad about perseverance that had 15 year old me captivated. But it's so much more than that. Video games have been a huge escape for me, and the music put in these games are often works of pure joy and beauty. I will never forget the beauty of 'Stickerbrush Symphony' from Donkey Kong Country 2, and the fact that such beautiful music could be made on a 16-bit chiptune audio chip is amazing. I would love to hear what you think of that one, and I'd say; while Orchestral versions do exist, listen to the game audio version, because appreciating how beautiful this is within the limitations of early 90s computer tech adds a lot to it I feel.

[@Haplo164]

Uematsu mentioned in an interview that he always wanted to write more rhythmic music, but made his name with his melodies. He is probably my favorite living composer with some great pieces. Also I'll add that after this I'm immediately listening to Dancing Mad, also by Uematsu and i think would fit in to your rock journey.

[@eric7085]

Great to see a professional opinion on Uematsu's songs. Video Game music always seems to be overlooked. There are so many Final Fantasy songs that spring to mind you could listen to. Suteki Da Ne, Eyes On Me and Answers would be great to see.

[@Nukaria]

thank you for this upload!

[@Luminous_Star_21]

Melodies of life in general gives me very nostalgic vibes, on a love long gone. It’s hard to explain but my heart aches whenever I hear Melodies of life. It’s genuinely one of my favorite songs that I can listen yo with or without Final Fantasy 9 attached to it. The game it came from, Final Fantasy 9 means a lot to me as well. It was the final fantasy game that got me hooked on the series. The cast of characters, Vivi, Garnet, Zidon, and everyone else. They hold a special place in my heart.

[@ErinTheFennec]

One of the beautiful things about games is that it allows so many types of music to remain not only alive, but popular because those types of music have been recontextualised in a way that may hold our attention more than where you would traditionally see them. Not only that, but we can be introduced to types of music through games that encourage us to experience that type of music outside of games. Melodies of Life is one of my favourite songs of all time, so happy this video got recommended to me.

[@tiagovalentin3363]

final fantasy 9 was my first jrpg, i was just a 10 years old boy, i'll carry this moments of my life forever, never could have asked to be presented to something more than magical than Final Fantasy, and final fantasy 9 has a very beautiful back history for each character along with the whole game history, im 33 years old now and still crying with melodies of life...

[@puti.puripi]

This is one of my favorite FF songs (besides Aerith's Theme, One Winged Angel, and Liberi Fatali). It's good to see a music professional review it, because I do really like the melody. I'm going to search and listen Celtic folk songs as what you said

[@beastpete8441]

The instrumental version of Melodies of Life was playing during my wedding. As an FF fan, this was a no-brainer choice!

[@WastedTalent83]

For me, from the old games, Uematsu and Mitsuda (yasunori Mitsuda) Did the best of the best sound track and songs. You listent to june mermaid, balto, small two pieces, Radical dreamer. They are all absurdly good pieces.

[@Monocromatico]

Video game music is still very stigmatized and niched, though way more popular now than 20-30 years ago, the quality going par to any major cinematic soundtracks an evidence of it. This song could have easily gone up into the billboards back in the day (when radio was still a major vehicle) if it wasn't so obscure for the median music listener. If it was released as part of a movie soundtrack or something it could have hit a much broader audience.

[@favarowleone1439]

You can hear the melody in many Music themes when you play the game, this version with vocal is the one you hear when you have the end of the game credits So it hits very hard in your heart!

[@ougazu32]

My first thought as well. It reminds me of "Can't help falling in love" when I listened to it for the first time

[@twocityfoodies8476]

I will never not feel tingles throughout my body whenever this melody comes on...Nobuo Uematsu's magnum opus of a melody that was used in so many arrangements throughout the game but felt new each time.

[@cardejah]

Please liaten to Cloud Smiles!! The leitmotifs of the Final Fantasy 7 all come to a crescendo of absolute aural pleasure!!

[@NeluOnofrei]

You are amazing! Your laught is giving hope in the beauty of life! I love you!

[@AlEcyler]

This is the music I grew up with and I love that you're enjoying it.

[@jimclarke1108]

Excellent voice

[@VinPetrol420]

The music of Final Fantasy XIV is also outstanding. Answers Heavensward Dragonsong Flow Unbending Steel Too many to list.

[@beerdedphantom3925]

I have not played FFIX in... a crazy amount of years I don't really want to think about at the moment... but this song still pops into my head sometimes and I can't help but hum the chorus melody to myself all day. It's gorgeous and so moving - even more so in the context of the game. What a treat for it to be featured on this channel.

[@sweatygoblin2335]

This is my favorite song of any Final Fantasy game, and has been since 1999. You didn't listen to the English version, but between the melody and the lyrics this song is just reminiscience defined. A little sad, a little nostalgic, but looked back upon fondly. It makes me think of better times, and look forward to more. It also makes me want to cry, but not in a sad way or a happy way. I dunno how to explain it better than that. It's just a very emotionally charged song, at least to me.

[@carlosenetto]

Uematsu ia amazing! I’m really happy you’re enjoying his music as well.

[@PilouMow]

merci pour ce partage c'est vraiment magnifique

[@konstantinplotnikov8910]

It would be great if you will listen Wagakki band: Sabaku no Komoriuta, Nadeshiko Sakura, Fuirin no Utaitai or other great songs. This band mixs traditional Japanese instruments with western guitars and drums. Yuko vocalist has very unique voice, she uses traditional Japanese singing technique called Shigin. Also Joe Hisaishi or Ryuichi Sakamoto composers are modern geniuses.

[@oraweetaphianthong877]

My eyes literally tear up when I listened to this song. I haven't listened to it for a long time now. I used to listen to it a lot when I'm feeling down to cheer myself up. I know the English lyrics by heart too. It is a beautiful song and I think it would resonate with a lot of people. After all, it is called Melodies of Life 😭

[@MiguelHernandez-mp2bw]

I must say that this song is even better with the context of the game, the game is beautiful and this song is the last cherry on top of it and seeing the last cinematic with this song make them feel whole. You should check it out.

[@IvoryMadness.]

That was a great video to watch!

[@superwebsitehero7261]

FFIX Is The Best FF Game EVAR! And this Track Encapsulates the Journey we go on with such Beauty, Grace, Love, and Divine!

[@AGRUPACIONFENIX]

Gracias por tu Video y por reaccionar ante la verdadera musica, que lamentablemente hoy se ha perdido; Una verdadera Joya musical, que si eres fan de Final Fantasy todavia la elevas un peldaño mas. Tienes ahora otro suscriptor . Y te invito a que explores las bandas sonoras de esta saga , que son verdaderamente bellas.

[@aWEAPONofFATE1]

Just found this channel today so I'm 3 weeks late, but since you mention your love for Celtic style music, there is another Japanese composer I'm a huge fan of I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts about. Yasunori Mitsuda composed music for a game called Xenogears. I feel there was a lot of Celtic influence in many of those pieces that you may like. That being said, I agree with what everyone is saying in the comments. Nobuo Uematsu is in a class all by himself. Absolutely LOVE his music. Final Fantasy VII was my first venture into the RPG genre so it holds a very special place in my heart. One Winged Angel almost made me wish the final battle would've been longer. LOL

[@liquidl5380]

The FF7 version of the prologue might be my favorite. It's so sweet and simple and I knew the moment I booted up the game that I was in for something really special. (It's also much more heavy on the harp than this one 😉) Really interesting to hear about the Celtic influences! I don't think I've ever heard that pointed out to me about this one.

[@konstantinplotnikov8910]

Wow, I'm a fan of Japanese modern and traditional music, but never heared this composer. Great reaction, amazing music. I will add it to my playlist! Joe Hisaishi, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yoko Kanno are modern Japanese composers and geniuses. You will like them definitely. For rock and pop genre - Wagakki Band, Ai Otsuka(love ballads) are absolutely unique!

[@GeezMuhKnees]

Please don't overlook Yasunori Mitsuda, the other titan composer of Japanese videogame music. His Xenosaga Episode I OST has several songs recorded with the London Philharmonic Orchestra!

[@Nekoala]

@@GeezMuhKnees Sakimoto, Shimomura, Kondo, Sugiyama, Sakuraba, Yonao, Tanaka, Koshiro, Yamane... Titan composers of japanese video game music are actually countless.

[@ErgortanguperPolice]

I’m just going to add Yugo Kanno. While he’s probably primarily known for his JoJo stuff, he’s also composed music for a few video games. (Maybe mostly if not entirely obscure Japanese only ones though.)

[@marcosdheleno]

There's a reason why when it comes to video game music, Square is the undisputed king. Nobuo Uematsu, Yasunori Mitsuda, and Yoko Shimamura. if you want a few more amazing music from them. here's a small list. Nobuo Uematsu: Prelude/Crystal Theme/Final Fantasy Theme(Final Fantasy 7 Remake)|To Zanarkand(Final Fantasy X) Yasunori Mitsuda: Main Theme(Chrono Trigger)|Another World(Chrono Cross). Yoko Shimamura: Dearly Beloved(Kingdom Hearts)|A dream of Distant Days/Seilehn's Song(Legend of Mana)

[@tommyking626]

Not today. Maybe 90-2000 ,try playing trails game

[@marcosdheleno]

@@tommyking626 i dont disagree the trails games have some amazing music. but you can just look at ff7 rebirth to understand that yes, square enix is still king when it comes to video game music.

[@jelyse14]

7:03 Interesting that you bring that up. Squaresoft's first game to feature a ballad vocal theme only two years prior to FF9, Xenogears, featured an English song sung by an Irish folk singer, Joanne Hogg, titled Small Two of Pieces. She had the exact voice that the composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, was looking for as he heavily leaned into irish and celtic sounds for that game's soundtrack and its arrangement albums. Then Uematsu followed suit, giving FF8 & FF9 vocal ballad themes of their own and it continued for years afterward. The pop ballad became an iconic JRPG staple, typically used in the credits and most often was the only lyrical track in a game's OST.

[@Alternity666]

I love Nobuo Uematsu's music as a long time Final Fantasy player. The more recent Final Fantasy like Final Fantasy XIV have another composer, Masayoshi Soken, who makes an incredible range of musical style depending on the current setting of the game. Would be interesting to see you react to some of the more iconic ones.

[@washysama]

Alongside Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono trigger, Chrono cross and other sagas) and Michiru Yamane Castlevania symphony of the night) Nobou Uematsu completes for me the top 3 videogame music composers of all time

[@martymcmackin8183]

I'd add Keiichi Okabe to that. The work done on the nier series is legendary.

[@MladaOfHamelin]

I'm glad you've gone back to Nobuo Uematsu! Many others have given some good recommendations to showcase his range, and i want to throw a REALLY left-field selection that's VERY rock themed..."Otherworld" from Final Fantasy X. I'd love to see your take on that one after hearing the eerie and bold "One-Winged Angel" or the pretty "Melodies of Life." That, or any Final Fantasy "battle" themes...

[@belhihihi]

Thank you for reacting to my favorite piece of his. I HIGHLY recommend you to listen to dancing mad, its an incredible rock piece.

[@FunWithKinect1]

I just wanna note that Doug has reacted to Dancing Mad a few month ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ3JZmmggphopsk) . So maybe not the best piece for a reaction video.

[@IonDragonSlayer]

@@FunWithKinect1 Counter point though... The algorithm would push viewers from one video to the other. Saying this as someone who absolutely loved Doug's Dancing Mad reaction video, that was one of my favorite of all time.

[@Satarack]

Uematsu actually plays a neat trick on the player with this song, because this is playing during the ending of cutscene of the game while you see the female lead, Princess Garnet, remembering events from the story. Melodies of Life combines two different melodies you hear earlier in the game. The first melody being used as Garnet's leitmotif, heard in here theme song and in the first world map theme at the beginning of the game (song title Crossing Those Hills). The second melody is the Song of Memories, a song Garnet remembers but doesn't know why (it's eventually revealed she isn't royalty and was adopted, and her birth mother sang this song to her). So by the end of the game the player is familiar with both of these melodies, and they serve as a musical callback to the events of the story as the player watches Garnet remember her journey with the protagonist Zidane.

[@Altitudes]

Well said. As much as music speaks for itself, I think Uematsu is masterful for the way his pieces fit with the progression of a story. This song is itself a recap of the story and also the hope for the future that Garnet has. Leading the player back through the themes of the game, as you rightly showed.

[@jacobleyshon1399]

Final fantasy 9 is not only my favourite game but also my favourite fictional story, so much so i named my daughter after my favourite character Freya, so i have to recommend Freya's theme/gizmalukes grotto

[@jelyse14]

The English version's lyrics always ends up making me break down in tears, its so beautiful

[@Bobbias]

Oh, I wasnt expecting that you'd react to Melodies of Life. That song doesnt get the recognition I feel it deserves, purely because there are so many excellent pieces of his that it tends to just get lost in the discussion. At the very least this one doesnt get much coverage in terms of reactions. But its a great choice to showcase Uematsu's wide range when placed next to One Winged Angel. Personally I feel like Melodies of Life is one of the most beautiful melodies he's ever written. This is a great showcase of his melodic writing. While much of his work is influenced by prog rock, jazz, and classical, one of his biggest strengths has been in his melody writing. I think a lot of that comes from having begun composing when game music was much more limited. On consoles like the NES and SNES you only had a few sounds you could play at once, and you were limited in the kind of timbres you could get out of them too. This meant you often had no room to actually write proper harmonies. This placed an emphasis on the melodic content of the music, whether it was an iconic opening or closing theme, or the music you heard throughout a game which needed to loop over and over and not become offensive over that time. It also meant that you had to rely on techniques like implied harmony, voice leading, and smart rhythmic writing within your melodies to really convey musical ideas that you couldnt fully articulate within those limitations.

[@usuariofuturista]

That thing about the Celitc music is so spot on. In the game, the girl that sings this song even if living in a more "medieval european" continent, actually learned the song in a far away place in the north that is now in ruins. So it actually fits a lot.

[@NeoVejiita]

There is an album for Final Fantasy 4 called "Final Fantasy IV Celtic Moon" that is made up of a bunch of songs from FF4 but arranged and performed in the style of Irish Celtic music.

[@reso-o5t]

oh yes! this album is absolutely incredible with its arrangements. It never fails to transport my imagination to all kinds of fantastical settings and adventures

[@tbonesays]

I remember that. Does anyone know why the Japanese composer wanted to create a Celtic version of his video game for Americans?