VGMdb
Go Back   VGMdb Forums > Discussion > Video Game Music Discussion
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old Oct 24, 2008, 11:35 PM
BahamutZ's Avatar
BahamutZ BahamutZ is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 184
Thumbs up Album Favorites (performed by an Orchestra)?

What are your personal favorite orchestral albums produced to date? Make sure these albums are at least over 75% orchestrated. They dont have to be all 100%

This is for myself in the future tracking them down to listen to and for you. To expand yourself to other great performances.

Although my listening experience is not extensive, the following I highly recommend for you to listen to if for some reason you have not already:

Shenmue Orchestra Version
Resident Evil Orchestra Album
Onimusha 2 Orchestra Album ~Taro Iwasiro Selection~
HALO 2 Original Soundtrack and New Music Vol. 1
HALO 2 Original Soundtrack Vol. 2
Kameo: Elements of Power Original Soundtrack

In no particular order.

Last edited by BahamutZ; Oct 24, 2008 at 11:38 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old Oct 25, 2008, 12:37 AM
Blitz Lunar's Avatar
Blitz Lunar Blitz Lunar is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 778
Default

I like Chocobo No Fushigina Dungeon - Coi Vanni Gialli. I listen to very few fully orchestral scores/arranged releases though, and many of the ones I do have are synthesised or not entirely orchestral, etc.

Mm, would definitely be interested in listening to the Shenmue one at some point.
__________________
iridescentaudio.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old Oct 25, 2008, 05:31 AM
isdapi isdapi is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Spain
Posts: 279
Default

I'm quite the orchestral vgm fan, so I know a little bit about the subject.

Not quite long ago, I discovered this rare gem. IMHO, it's the most refined and professional orchestral vgm album. A key part of the merit is due to the great talent of the arranger, Yasuhide Ito (a contemporary Japanese composer). I can't recommend it enough, but good luck at finding it!

Other albums which I love too are Symphony Sorcerian and Symphony Ys. Classic Falcom music arranged by maestro Kentaro Haneda, what more can I say, two masterpieces.

And I have many other recommendations:
- Nobunaga's Ambition series: You can always trust in Kano's musical expertise
- Game Music Concert series: Five albums and a plethora of great music. Although, the recording and performance quality isn't always the best
- Shenmue Orchestra Version: Top-notch performance and a very solid listen
- Dark Wizard Symphony: An album with a few really good tracks
- The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time: Hyrule Symphony: It's more a string-oriented arranged album. There are some inspired tracks in it
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old Oct 25, 2008, 12:37 PM
Knoccafella Knoccafella is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Posts: 8
Default

Possibly my favorite orchestrated soundtrack at the moment, Wander and the Colossus ~Roar of the Earth~ Original Soundtrack immediately comes to mind. I highly recommend it.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old Oct 25, 2008, 12:47 PM
Carl's Avatar
Carl Carl is offline
VGMdb Advisor
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,043
Default

I'll reinforce the vote for KOEI's majestic orchestra arranges by Kano, as well as nominate KOEI an "Overall Best Acoustic Recording Quality" award for their entire arrange lineup, featuring excellent musicians.

True Legend of Nobunaga 2
Blue Wolf White Doe
etc..

Symphony Ys is another favorite orchestral classic through the years.

Last edited by Carl; Oct 25, 2008 at 12:57 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old Nov 10, 2008, 06:22 AM
Jodo Kast Jodo Kast is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 336
Default

In terms of orchestral arrangements, the most salient series of soundtracks that comes to mind is Dragon Quest. My particular favorite is Dragon Quest IV, although all are very good.

Some others that I like (browsing my files):

Ogre Battle ~ Grand Repeat
Orchestral Game Concerts (all 5)
Wizardry (big series; some not easy to find)
Gradius III Symphonic Poetry
Gradius in Classic I & II
Onimusha 2 Orchestra Album
Sorcerian Symphony
Ys Symphony
Legend of Heroes IV Electric Orchestra
Twinbee Paradise Sound Fantasia
Shining Force I & II Symphonic Suites
Last Blade Arrange Sound Trax (not a typical SNK album)
The King of Fighters Symphonic Sound Trax
Samurai Spirits Symphonic Sound Trax
Romancing SaGa 2 Eternal Romance
Romancing SaGa 3 Windy Tale
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old Nov 10, 2008, 09:07 AM
Teioh's Avatar
Teioh Teioh is offline
Trusted Editor
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Germany
Posts: 435
Default

I'll have to add an album that I only found out about recently:
Hanakisou Orchestra Arrange Album "Hanakisou Symphony" which was performed by the Moscow International Symphonic Orchestra under Konstantin D. Krimets

I know the game has quite a following and Akiko Shikata composing so much music (like 4 discs) for a game is also quite special, but the orchestra arrange album is where that music really shines. This is one of the few times I actually prefer an orchestral album to the original soundtrack.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old Nov 11, 2008, 07:29 AM
tebian's Avatar
tebian tebian is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 13
Default

I have to say my favorite is the Distant Worlds from FFXI. I wanted to go to the concert so bad after hearing this CD.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old Nov 20, 2008, 07:17 PM
BahamutZ's Avatar
BahamutZ BahamutZ is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 184
Default

Oh yeah I wanted to ask if anyone knew of any websites or links to game orchestra performances. For instance is there any places to watch Mitsuda conducting an orchestra from like Xenogears, or the Chrono series? Or just any performances of the above listed orchestra albums online?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old Nov 22, 2008, 11:08 AM
mrnutz's Avatar
mrnutz mrnutz is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posts: 98
Default

Just another shout out for the Game Music Concert CDs. I have listened to these many, may times. Daikoukai Jidai II "Visting the Harbors of the World ~ Close to Home" from the 4th release is superb.

As an aside, I was fortunate enough to attend Uematsu's Dear Friends and More Friends concerts. It was truly moving to see VGM celebrated on such a grand scale.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Red Orchestra Album Secret Squirrel Album Discussions 2 Oct 8, 2011 02:06 PM
FROZEN FIRE: Remixes of Favorites Secret Squirrel Album Discussions 1 Oct 3, 2011 07:19 AM
MCM-10105-2: Resident Evil: Orchestra Album Gigablah Album Discussions 6 Jan 31, 2011 07:15 AM
War Music Favorites (Games, Movies) BahamutZ Miscellaneous Discussion 4 Nov 14, 2010 05:55 AM
CPCA-10178: Gyakuten Saiban Orchestra Album ~GYAKUTEN MEETS ORCHESTRA~ Revoc Album Discussions 7 Nov 11, 2009 09:02 AM