Xenogears Orchestral Album -Myth-
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Album Title: | Xenogears Orchestral Album -Myth- |
| Record Label: | Square Enix | |
| Catalog No.: | SQEX-10230 | |
| Release Date: | February 23, 2011 | |
| Purchase: | Buy at CDJapan |
Commentary
Yasunori Mitsuda – Composer
I may only be able to say this now because more than ten years have passed, but I was only 24~26 years old when I worked on Xenogears, a work with overwhelming thematic richness, and during production I wondered, is my ability insufficient for this project? But I also had a sense of anticipation, thinking game systems are in a period of transition, and music playback capability is increasing, so isn’t this a chance to create something new, something that hasn’t yet been done in game music? From these thoughts, the composition of Xenogears‘s music proceeded, under the overarching themes of “my current insufficiencies” and “a new expression in game music.”
The approximately two years spent in prodction were much more difficult than I had imagined, a constant fight with the pains of birth. With the joy of creating with musicians from around the world as my only encouragement, I was able to advance a lone step forward. My overseas recording — collecting the traditional instruments of Ireland, recording Joanne Hogg’s vocals, recording the Bulgarian Voices — was an important experience for me, and it goes without saying that it was an asset in the future. Thinking about it now, it was an extremely reckless thing to attempt, and it may have been beyond the level of what should be entrusted to a single composer, but it seems that I created something that could have impact, that could remain in the memory.
And even though almost thirteen years have passed since the day Xenogears was released without my realizing it, to my delight, it remains loved by fans to this day. In that period, I have grown considerably, and have gained a wider perspecive on music than I had previously been capable of. So I wondered, if I were to produce a Xenogears album now, thirteen years later, what discoveries would I make? How would the fans feel? While pondering these questions, the desire to repay my fans simmered within me, and before I knew it, I was creating this album. As one who continues to love Xenogears as well, I only hope that all of you, listening to this album, can be filled with good memories and of the work’s world. And wanting it to be a work about which people can form their own myths, I chose the title.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Youki Yamamoto, who in addition to his wonderful arrangements, pushed the musicians to give their all as conductor, my top-class engineer, Mr. Matt Howe, with whom I was able to work again for the first time in ten years, Mr. Tom Kilworth, who was a joy to work with, supporting us on various small details. And to Mr. Soshi Yoshida and Mr. Yasuhiro Takamatsu of Square Enix, who approved wholeheartedly of this project and provided a great deal of support, and to producer Tomonobu Kikuchi — who heard my selfish requests and provided strength in the midst of an absurdly demanding schedule — I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. That this album was completed and released out into the world is due to the cooperation of so many people, but more than anybody, it is thanks to the fans that have continued to love Xenogears‘ music to this day. I would like once again to extend my deepest gratitude. Thank you very much.
Translated by Ben Schweitzer. Edited by Ben Schweitzer and Chris Greening. Please do not republish without written permission.
Posted on February 23, 2011 by Ben Schweitzer. Last modified on March 9, 2014.
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