Blown Away by Play!
Ever since I heard about Play! A Videogame Symphony last year, I've spent countless hours anticipating it. Last night, it got me so excited, I hardly slept.
Today, it blew me away.
Truly one of the best orchestral performances ever, they opened with powerful pieces from Super Mario Bros. and filled the Esplanade Theatre with wonderful renditions from Lost Odessey, Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger, Legend of Zelda, World of Warcraft and Halo, to name a few.
And then they played Vampire Killer, Wicked Child and A Toccata into Bloodsoaked Darkness from CastleVania. That was it, I burst a vein or two in sheer happiness. Granted that even though the majority of the orchestra never actually played the scenes the music appeared in, they did an awesome job with it. (Except for well, the man/woman on the church organ. She messed up Toccata quite a bit sadly. I think her fingers hit the wrong set of keys but in the right sequence for two bars. That bit was tricky though. Perhaps she should've committed it to memory instead of relying on the sheets.)
The choir was drop dead gorgeous. Yes, they were a little raw and rough around the edges but when they sang One Winged Angel, I died happily! They were a good mix of The Vocal Consort and the NUS Choir and I think together they make an awesome team.
The composer of Sonic and Daytona USA is a real power generator! Really, that guy's engine (no pun intended) seemed to have run on sheer hyper. He came in all revved up and played the piano so passionately I don't think I'll ever see a more "into it" performance.
Dancing Mad was definitely right near the top of my favourites list. Unfortunately, they totally removed my favourite part of the song towards the end where the little crazed E B C A tune comes in.
Nonetheless everything was just brilliant and well worth th $60 I paid. A big thank you to Kheldar for helping us get the tickets. I just found out that the tickets for the show I attended were sold out within a day.
At the end of everything, we managed to speak to the legendary producer who brought Play! to Singapore. He told us he's trying to bring The Black Mages on tour after I mentioned how happy I was that the More Friends merchandise was on sale. If they ever come to Singapore, I'd... I'd... Heck, I'd be so ridiculously happy! XD
Alas, it's almost 2:00am now and my brain seems to have abandoned me. I'm so glad Isu talked me into getting an LJ. It's times like this when I need it most to pour stuff out that makes me grateful the outlet is already there. ^^
Today, it blew me away.
Truly one of the best orchestral performances ever, they opened with powerful pieces from Super Mario Bros. and filled the Esplanade Theatre with wonderful renditions from Lost Odessey, Chrono Cross and Chrono Trigger, Legend of Zelda, World of Warcraft and Halo, to name a few.
And then they played Vampire Killer, Wicked Child and A Toccata into Bloodsoaked Darkness from CastleVania. That was it, I burst a vein or two in sheer happiness. Granted that even though the majority of the orchestra never actually played the scenes the music appeared in, they did an awesome job with it. (Except for well, the man/woman on the church organ. She messed up Toccata quite a bit sadly. I think her fingers hit the wrong set of keys but in the right sequence for two bars. That bit was tricky though. Perhaps she should've committed it to memory instead of relying on the sheets.)
The choir was drop dead gorgeous. Yes, they were a little raw and rough around the edges but when they sang One Winged Angel, I died happily! They were a good mix of The Vocal Consort and the NUS Choir and I think together they make an awesome team.
The composer of Sonic and Daytona USA is a real power generator! Really, that guy's engine (no pun intended) seemed to have run on sheer hyper. He came in all revved up and played the piano so passionately I don't think I'll ever see a more "into it" performance.
Dancing Mad was definitely right near the top of my favourites list. Unfortunately, they totally removed my favourite part of the song towards the end where the little crazed E B C A tune comes in.
Nonetheless everything was just brilliant and well worth th $60 I paid. A big thank you to Kheldar for helping us get the tickets. I just found out that the tickets for the show I attended were sold out within a day.
At the end of everything, we managed to speak to the legendary producer who brought Play! to Singapore. He told us he's trying to bring The Black Mages on tour after I mentioned how happy I was that the More Friends merchandise was on sale. If they ever come to Singapore, I'd... I'd... Heck, I'd be so ridiculously happy! XD
Alas, it's almost 2:00am now and my brain seems to have abandoned me. I'm so glad Isu talked me into getting an LJ. It's times like this when I need it most to pour stuff out that makes me grateful the outlet is already there. ^^