[Album] Final Fantasy XII Main Theme ~ Symphonic Poem ''Hope'' [HUCD-10014]

Symphonic Poem "Hope" (Final Fantasy XII Main Theme)
Catalogue Number HUCD-10014
Publisher Hats Unlimited Inc.
Composition Taro Hakase, Yuji Toriyama
First Printing March 01, 2006
Price ¥1,680

Download Source:

• Final Fantasy Dream
• RyuFAN's Sendspace Links

- Playing Time 8:45
01 1st mov. Overture 0:59
02 2nd mov. March of a Wise man 1:04
03 3rd mov. Road of Hope 3:07
04 4th mov. Romance 1:41
05 5th mov. Road of Hope ~ Refrain 1:54

I'm sure not much people familiar with Taro Hakase name. But I'm sure you familiar with the Final Fantasy XII Symphonic Album ~Hope~. Yes this album was part of Final Fantasy XII soundtrack, containing the main theme of Final Fantasy XII performed in symphonic style. This album is collaboration of Taro Hakase, a renowned Japanese violinist and also the Kenny G of violin and Yuji Toriyama, he's best known on Card Captor Sakura the Movie II arrangement. He is well-known for releasing album that blends classical and various type music.

Symphonic Poem itself could be defined as piece of music which carries extra musical programme intended to make illustrative element in the music. This piece of music usually composed by the late 19th & early 20th century composer such as Frans Liszt, Claude Debussy, Richard Strauss and Modest Mussogrsky.

This album contains the music played in the Hope trailer and the ending theme of Final Fantasy XII. This album is good. Very good, despite it only contains 5 tracks. The overture is piece of melancholic theme with violin solo in the lead. The 2nd track, march of wiseman gives me illustration of military march theme of Final Fantasy XII theme. The 3rd track is probably the best in this album, and all we waiting for to listen. The spiritful main theme of Final Fantasy XII. The theme is very beautiful, the violin lead enters after 55 seconds introduction of the orchestra.
The 4th track Romance is a slow-paced track, a romantic, sweet melody combined with guitar and violin. The track entitled is really suitable, you could listen the melancholy given in the track though the game itself lacks of romance.

In the last track we listen a repeat of Hope. I dont recall much difference compared to the 3rd track.

My score in this album is 4/5, I dont give it a perfect score since the album colored by the combination of band as well. I think this album could be better if it's performed only in pure orchestra or small string ensamble. Even much better if the composer put more tracks! I'm not sure if I want to spend 15 dollar to a 8:45 album. They should include more in the first place.
If you love violin music and looking fine arrangement of Final Fantasy XII main theme, I suggest you to listen this album.

4/5

Jam it back in, in the dark.

My only problem is that maybe it should be one track all together, instead of spliting it up into five

Though the entire thing is a work of genius - I especially loved '03 - Hope' and '02 - March of the Wise Man,' full of energy and heavilly uplifting (and especially when you watch the trailers, you help but get excited by it!)

This was the second thing I had heard with Hakase, and I must say I adore his work - I used to play the violin, and I tell you it needs talent to be played well, and Hakase plays it well - I love string instruments!

There is a thread here with more of Hakase's stuff, though when I get a bit more money I am going to invest into some of his albums
http://www.gamingforce.com/forums/au...ro-hakase.html

As for Toriyama, I would like to hear more of his work, as I loved the Genso Suikoden V Opening Theme.

4/5 for Symphonic Poem "Hope"

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I was not impressed sadly, it just seemed like one maybe two main tracks and the rest kind of floated passed me. I agree that it works better as one seemless track though. Maybe it'll grow on me over time but its just not stayed in my mind to keep me coming back.

Si

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

IMO, I still think it would be best to be included in main FFXII ost instead.

I got the limited edition whick have extra FFXII DVD trailer with "Hope" in background & FFXII sale poster, but it still doesn't do much justice 4 it. But overall, "Hope" itself was great.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?