However, "Burmecia Kingdom" is quite a twist from what we have heard so far. It is the fine, detailed focus on the small things within the world that make the soundtrack golden. What I like most about this piece is that it is simple, and portrays a feeling of normality, so we may get a glimpse at the people and society of Lindblum.
If I were to say this piece reminds me of "Silence and Motion" from Final Fantasy VIII, you will understand. "Lindblum" contains interesting and memorable orchestration, as it uses percussion and woodwinds sparingly, while using the meter to make good use of the spatial distance between notes. I also enjoy the electro synth Uematsu uses because it takes a lot of talent to use futuristic sounds with ancient instruments in a medieval setting. Its beat is rather catchy, and lifts of the weight of the danger the player encountered in the past. "One Danger Put Behind Us" does a very good job at depicting a social event, and combines very interesting sounds, using the pan flute and other various orchestrations. Now, while this theme only plays at the pub, its composition is very well done. This melody correctly proves that it is the simple melodies that make the music relaxing and enjoyable, memorable.ĭisc Two presents many more themes to consider, but for the sake of length, there are just a few that particularly shine, along with being ones I think represent daring imaginativeness. These instruments work well together, depicting calmness and tranquility for this tiny, quiet village. The piece starts off with a slow guitar rise, and soon Uemastu introduces nice percussion, simple strings to provide solid background, and a solo woodwind to carry the melody forth. While "Rustling Forest" is slow and melancholic, "Frontier Village Dali" is a perfect example of a soft town theme with instruments from past music. This piece is beautiful because it is creepy, as serves as a great introduction into the wonderful world of Final Fantasy IX. His use of percussive ornamentation also helps create a sense of whimsical magic, as the lovely double bass pizzicato provides depth and enriches the tone of the piece. "Rustling Forest" is an example as the track features the beautiful, yet mysterious harp along with pizzicato strings to create feelings of uneasiness and subtle life in the forest. The music of the environment follows very simple compositions which allow for greater connections with the listener. This gives us an assorted range of atmospheric music that set the stage for the world we travel in. The music is no different, as Uematsu has wonderfully created an assortment of pieces to express the mood and drama of different places on the world map. I remember like it was yesterday Final Fantasy IX was the first Final Fantasy I played, and this earned it special place in my heart. Knowing this is his most prolific soundtrack, I have chosen the following pieces from what I believe represents and explains what Final Fantasy IX is, and why it is close to my heart and soul, as well as others.
While I believe every piece on this soundtrack is beautiful in its own right, there is simply not enough space to go into detail about even half of the soundtrack. My goal is to write a review that helps us appreciate Final Fantasy IX for the work of art it is musically. The soundtrack is unique because of its nostalgic, yet novel flavor, showing us how video game music captivates the soul, immersing us in plot, characters, and world to draw us one step closer to understanding the love of the Final Fantasy legacy. The music demonstrates artistic diversity, continuity, and professionalism at expressing the game's depth while providing and enriching the emotional connection for the listener. While Final Fantasy IX essentially returns to 'its roots', it possesses new qualities and attributes, making it a lasting memory in any fan's heart. Final Fantasy IX symbolizes the end of an old age, and the beginning of a new one, as the music reflects past styles combined with new creative and imaginative compositions. We recognize it as the last Final Fantasy for PlayStation, and know its soundtrack even more for being highly prolific.
Final Fantasy IX is the culmination of what Final Fantasy has achieved since 1987.