Final Fantasy VI (Arranged Version)

The music of FFVI is always emotional: sometimes brooding, sometimes hopeful, sometimes exciting. This arrangement showcases Uematsu's versatility as a composer and his cognizance of classical instruments. There are no synthesizers on this CD: only real performances with real instruments. The arrangement of the Aria is the best that has ever been done, and this CD is worth having just for that track. No track disappoints, and all should bring the nostalgic gamer back to the fun days of Super Nintendo gaming.

Not all video game lovers will appreciate this; even true Final Fantasy fans may be turned off by the soft style and lack of exciting battle themes. However, the music is well arranged, well performed, and breaks down the lines between game music and neoclassical composition. People who do not like the synthesized game sounds may appreciate Grande Finale for its imagination and simple charm. While this CD is not a must-buy for everyone, I recommend it to anyone who loved FFVI and anyone who appreciates good symphonic music.

Track Listing:

Opening Theme: This is beyond words. Very similar to the OSV version, only now the song has that rich texture that only a live orchestra can provide.

Cefca: Good. I do agree that some of the darker tone the OSV version had has been removed, but this arrangement is still enjoyable.

The Mystic Forest: Hauntingly beautiful with a very surreal, mysterious tone.

Gau: Excellently orchestrated, nice use of cello.

Milan de Chocobo: Personally being a fan of the fast-paced, jovial qualities of the Chocobo themes from the games, I was initially put off by this track, but as I have heard it more and more I have come to appreciate the tonal qualities; very modern.

Troops March On: Very rousing piece; you can see the soldiers marching in formation. Really the only rousing peace on the whole album, in terms of style.

Kids Run Through The City Corner: I agree that the introduction to this track is a little bland and long, but once the piece enters the original theme, all is forgiven. Excellent use of strings.

Blackjack: Very pastoral. While listening you can see the hills and mountains moving by as though you were on the Blackjack itself. Doesn't quite have the pulse of the OSV version though.

Relm: Very well done. This is one of the better pieces on the album. The bagpipes are obtrusive but the rest of the arrangement more than makes up for it. If you liked it on the OSV then you'll like it here.

Mistery Train: This piece received the most "surgery" of any of these on the disc. Whereas the OSV version suggested the use of a full orchestra with brass, this version is merely a piano and violin. It is still very enjoyable and the arrangement gives it even more of a "blues" feel.

Aria Di Mezzo Carattere: What can I say? This track is wonderful as well. While not my favorite--I'm not an opera fan, so sue me--I still find this enjoyable. The melody of Celes's Theme is amazing no matter how it is performed. And unlike the simple notes of the OSV version, this arranged adaptation of the aria has lyrics in Italian.

All in all, this is an excellent CD. None of the tracks are bad if you have a sophisticated enough taste in music. If you like any of Final Fantasy VI's music--or any of Nobuo Uematsu's, for that matter--no matter what form, you will probably like this album.

Some of the other choices are weak. The Veldt should have been included, and in my opinion, that oversight is too huge to make this CD worth buying.