Eminence to be Featured on Soul Calibur IV Soundtrack

Yeah... Specialism doesn't require exclusivity. The FILMHarmonic orchestra immediately comes to mind for a very accomplished orchestra that specialises in video game recordings. However, I'm glad that composers that wouldn't usually be able to afford to hire orchestras are now able to do so.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I think it is great that Eminence is one of the main orchestras for performing concerts, but I still think it has a long way to go until it becomes a leading force in game soundtrack recordings. As far as I know, your game soundtrack recordings are 15 minutes of Soul Calibur IV, a 30 second title theme for Deltora Quest (I don't know if this actually got used in the game), and an undefined amount of music for Senjou no Valkyria (any idea how much?). Though I think you did a great job with these and I was pleased with your achievements in Romeo X Juliet, there are many other orchestras that have recorded actual full game scores. Given it is probably more profitable than concerts, I assume that Eminence will be involved in more game recordings in future. The scope of its work definitely seems to be increasing in that regard and I'm very pleased composers like Hitoshi Sakimoto and Junichi Nakatsuru have been able to use a proper orchestra to record their works. Good luck in the future!

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Yeah, there aren't many fully orchestral scores in Eastern game music mostly for economic and technical reasons. However, there are still lots of orchestral recordings for opening themes, ending themes, etc. and lots of streamed solo instrument recordings. As for the East, orchestral recordings seem to be pretty commonplace along with convincing sequencing. My basic point is that many orchestras are experienced in game recording and, by recording less than an hour of music for a selection of games, Eminence is hardly the leading force of the industry. I'm excited by their potential though!

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Arcubalis

Well, even I'd argue that. They've recorded parts for Opoona, Soul Calibur IV, Valkyria Chronicles, and some other stuff I'm sure. They really are a leading force in my mind because they're dedicated to performing this type of music for both recording and performance. Other recording orchestras record game music because they are paid to do so, and I haven't heard of any other orchestra that actively seeks out game projects. Regarding performances, tours like VGL and PLAY! don't use a dedicated orchestra whereas every Eminence performance features the Eminence Symphony Orchestra. The annual concerts are events associated with this specific orchestra, which is different from anything else out there. I think that goes a long way towards building a brand that is associated with the game industry.

The problem with haven't a specific orchestra associated with these events is that it restricts their location. Plane tickets are so expensive and it is simply not possible for PLAY! and VGL to fly entire orchestras around. It would be financially disastrous. I still cannot fathom how or if Eminence were able to finance their performance at Singapore, although they seemingly used small ensemble in their States performance. I think the Sydney location also restricts their involvement in game music recordings since most composers are located in Japan, Europe, or the States. This isn't such a big problem though.

I forgot about Opoona. The rip doesn't have many orchestral performances, though, from my superficial listen.

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