The effects of Mr. Sakimoto's music on the emotions...

[Rain Corale]

In an effort to get serious listeners of Hitoshi Sakimoto to state their feelings on his music, I dedicate this thread to all those who wish to explain what they see and hear and feel when they are listening to his amazing compositional ablities.

How does Hitoshi Sakimoto's music affect and inspire you?

[Rain Corale]

I will go ahead and start this one off. I may get a little detailed but I believe its important that we articulate what it is we are feeling and thinking at all times, especially when it involves what makes us happy to exist.

Hitoshi Sakimoto has an incredible grasp of the depth and breadth of knowledge needed to give life to the art which in this case takes on musical form. There exists many composers who are exceptionally well trained, receive the finest education at the most privileged institutions, yet their ability to connect with the hearts of the listeners is somewhat lacking.

Many composers these days prefer to take an intellectual approach to music. Tending to gravitate more towards the mathematical side of music, which is burdened by too much structure and not enough emotion, many musicians these days especially in the classical arena are beginning to lose the ears and the hearts of the listener. Mr. Sakimoto differs from a lot of these artists in that he prefers to keep things away from the mathematical side and keeps his sound "heart" oriented.

It is refreshing to know that there is a composer around who understands the listener's need to become a part of the musical experience in order to truly understand and enjoy it. When we are able to connect with what we are listening to, new states of consciousness are opened, almost like dreams. I wish to recite a quote that best describes the understanding I have for the capabilities inherent in Hitoshi Sakimoto's music.
Mr. Sakimoto's music is similar to:

Dreams that take one far from familiar shores
Strengthening the heart,
Empowering the Soul.

When I listen to Mr. Sakimoto's music, I am substantially elevated to a place where nothing can touch me. Its a place of enhanced clarity and lucidity. Beauty is apparent in this place and my life becomes enriched because of it. Its..... POETRY!!!! and it has the ability to redefine the way that I look and feel about the world around me. That, in my opinion, is true artistic mastery. And regardless of influence, prestigious educational endowments and skill level, that is something that you just CAN'T teach someone.

Its my only wish that there were more composers and artists these days whos intent it was to provide ample food for the human heart.

[tjhv]

I suppose you could say Sakimoto produced effective emotional pieces, although I would be more inclined to describe his skill as composing well to fit the occasion, which is magnified importance with soundtracks.
Either way, glad to see all this enthusiasm here, and for these compositions it is worth the hype!

[Jormungand]

Many composers these days prefer to take an intellectual approach to music. Tending to gravitate more towards the mathematical side of music, which is burdened by too much structure and not enough emotion, many musicians these days especially in the classical arena are beginning to lose the ears and the hearts of the listener. Mr. Sakimoto differs from a lot of these artists in that he prefers to keep things away from the mathematical side and keeps his sound "heart" oriented.
I must partially disagree with this sentiment. I think intellectuality is what makes the best music the best -- that is, how they reinterpret the ideas and themes of life (and/or dreams) into musical language. You are linking intellectuality with the 'mathematical' side of music, which is a mistake. This implies that intellectual music does not strive towards engaging the listerner's heart and spirit but rather focuses on formulaic methodology. Intellectual music, however, is in fact engaging music that uses compositional devices to achieve its goal. In other words, a transcendence of mere "music" via intelligent and thoughtful composition.

This is the defining point of Sakimoto, for me: his music is thoughtful, intellectual, and enormous in its presence (no matter how large or small the ensemble). In Vagrant Story he describes the evolution of people, and that the reflections of reality cannot remain as one single theme, but are actually constantly changing. This fluctuating contour is what puts Sakimoto's music on the highest tier of the VGM world. His music thrives with intelligence, expression, transcendence, and, for lack of a better word, "power".

As for the technical side, he does so much with dynamic expression that not hearing the love he puts into every single piece is near impossible. Dynamic variation is a key element in the composition of music, and he does it constantly. Whether with massive orchestral swells or with the delicate phrases of a single piano, dynamics are everywhere in his music.

Next, fresh orchestral sound. Why settle for standard ensemble arrangements when you have such a huge group of instruments to create and blend tonal colors? Sakimoto is always experimenting with new combinations of sounds and tonal patterns, and while it doesn't quite reach the level of, say, Masashi Hamauzu's timbral brilliance, he still brings a new life into the orchestra. That's not to exclude other genres, however: even his electronica music is vivid and fresh.

Oh, he's also responsible for the deepest musical work that the VGM world will likely ever see: Vagrant Story. Nothing approaches the intellectual depth of this dark, brooding score, and its no surprise that it was conceived by Sakimoto. I didn't think that both reality and dreams could be expressed so perfectly with music until I heard this soundtrack -- now I know it can be done, and who's likely to be able to do it. Granted, everyone's interpretations of 'reality' differ tremendously; it just happens that Vagrant Story speaks of my own perception of reality with stunning accuracy.

To reiterate my most important point, as I said earlier, intellectual music is not solely about the mathematical dimensions of art. In fact, intellectual placing of form, structure, and harmony enhances emotion -- that is, if the composer does it right. It's true that a lot of American game scores suffer for the fact that they only touch on compositional principles and dry theory and lack any sort of unique vision and voice. But even though Sakimoto knows how to use it right, he's not the only one...but that's another story.

Sakimoto's music seems to breath with a sentient life of its own. He has been my favorite composer for quite some time now, and I know he will continue to produce only the best scores. As an aside, for me it all started with Final Fantasy Tactics. Then I went on to hear more and more...the Ogre series, Vagrant Story, Breath of Fire V, Legaia Duel Saga, etc. etc. etc. Hmm, from a quick count on his discography, there are still about 21 soundtracks of his composition (not to mention a number of indie label albums) that I have not heard! That's way too many. I plan to minimize that number at every cost...hopefully he starts re-releasing more of his older work. But anyway...

In conclusion, Sakimoto rocks. :D

[Rain Corale]

I must partially disagree with this sentiment. I think intellectuality is what makes the best music the best -- that is, how they reinterpret the ideas and themes of life (and/or dreams) into musical language. You are linking intellectuality with the 'mathematical' side of music, which is a mistake. This implies that intellectual music does not strive towards engaging the listerner's heart and spirit but rather focuses on formulaic methodology. Intellectual music, however, is in fact engaging music that uses compositional devices to achieve its goal. In other words, a transcendence of mere "music" via intelligent and thoughtful composition.

Thoughtful music doesn't always have to be intellectual. Have you heard any contemporary classical music? In this day and age it is all too common for a musician to pre occupy themselves with the intellectual substance of music rather than the effect it has on the listeners ear. Not to mistake intellectual with thoughtful or dynamic propensities, with which Sakimoto's music shines with radiance, I was merely stating that many of the modern composer's these days strive to achieve a mathematical formulaic method when engaging the compositional element.
Mr. Sakimoto cares more about engaging the ear and the heart than the mind. Does that make a little more sense? I think things got lost in translation. I see what you are saying though. It just depends on what the definition of intellectual is. I think of intellectual song writing as highly progressive as a general rule of thumb. I think Mr. Sakimotos song writing is a result of many different genres which definitely includes modernism. Though even more so than that, I believe Sakimotos music contains ample qualities of the Romantic and the Impressionistic eras. For instance, harmonically he uses special chord patterns that first began being used during the Impressionistic era. He uses 7ths 11ths, 13ths and so on. That was a trait that began with Debussy and Ravel during the Impressionistic phase. A loose translation of what Romantic and Impressionistic indicate; heart. While modernism indicates a strong case for the mind and the intellectual side of music. See where I am coming from? Hope that cleared a little up and yes
SAKIMOTO KICKS MUCH ASS. The man is a stud.
I appreciate the discussion. Please feel free to disect what I say.

[Rain Corale]

"Oh, he's also responsible for the deepest musical work that the VGM world will likely ever see: Vagrant Story. Nothing approaches the intellectual depth of this dark, brooding score, and its no surprise that it was conceived by Sakimoto. I didn't think that both reality and dreams could be expressed so perfectly with music until I heard this soundtrack -- now I know it can be done, and who's likely to be able to do it. Granted, everyone's interpretations of 'reality' differ tremendously; it just happens that Vagrant Story speaks of my own perception of reality with stunning accuracy. "

Sorry I meant to quote the above part of the message above.

He is deep for video game music and he uses the leitmotif very efficiently to bring about things at the RIGHT TIMES! if you know what I mean.
I think he is a master at correlating whats going on onscreen with the 'note'.
There is media writing and then there is music that must rely on itself in order to paint a picture. I dont know if you have heard much classical music, but Dmitri Shostakovich was a Russian composer who told stories through his music. He had no medium to synthesize the notes with save for an orchestra. He told the atrocities of Stalin and the communist agenda and displayed the suffering of its people through his music. This is music that is deep and turbulent. Definitely check out Symphony No. 11 if you wish to hear what I am talking about. It is labeled 1905, a day when peaceful protest turned into imminent bloodshed, Shostakovich utilizes the orchestra so well and takes one idea and develops it. I think that in order to truly be deep, music has to follow a recurring cell and allow that to take the piece in more amazing places. Sakimoto does this, but in a different way. I would really be interested to hear what he could do if he were to write a Symphonic piece, Sakimoto are you listening ;)

Also. Vagrant Story is heavily influence by Bela Bartok who was an amazing classical composer. His traces upon Sakimoto are evident in VS.
Take a listen to Bartoks Symphony for 2 orchestras and his Concerto for Orchestra. Harmonically and maybe coincidentally they are doing a lot of the same things, such as intentionally utilizing perfect fifths in a chorale piece or being totally dissonant in the most insane ways. The fact that he is on par with Bartok in many respects is mind boggling. Bela Bartok was one of modern musics master orchestrators. I think its awesome you can relate so well to Sakimoto and VS I feel the same about FFT. I wonder what this guy is really going to be capable of. The sky is the limit.

[Gemeines]

Great Discussion guys! Mr Sakimoto Is my favorite composer hands down.





He is deep for video game music and he uses the leitmotif very efficiently to bring about things at the RIGHT TIMES! if you know what I mean.
I think he is a master at correlating whats going on onscreen with the 'note'.


personally I think that is the magic of his music.
I can easily visualize and be displaced right back
into the story by just using headphones. Not many
talents can do this let alone the fact that we have not
even heard him at his full potential, just game soundtrack!


I cant help but recognize his ability to take the listener there.



The slightest pluck of a harps string at the right
moment can almost subconsciously evoke a
plethora of emotion.- excitement, joy, sadness, even fear!
(if imagination permits :D )




I began to love this guy when he made tracks that
ranged from the heroic to what sounded almost Macabre.
like an eerie dank dungeon type sound---But pretty!!! It is
possible because he did it. :shock:



he has the ability to thrill one with pounding
percussion and clashing symbols and rapid string!



or just pull at the ol' heartstrings just by using a
sincere sounding set of strings!!!



The man is like a god.


There is media writing and then there is music that must rely on itself in order to paint a picture. I dont know if you have heard much classical music, but Dmitri Shostakovich was a Russian composer who told stories through his music. He had no medium to synthesize the notes with save for an orchestra. He told the atrocities of Stalin and the communist agenda and displayed the suffering of its people through his music. This is music that is deep and turbulent.


I am just a plain guy lacking knowlege of
musical composition or instruments,
so I maybe cannot delve as intellectually
into structures of music as you two can,
I'm just a deep thinker and fan. I have an ear
that detects even the slightest of sound found
deep into musical layers therefore I notice
"the little things" and love any composer
that does take heart of this.

I may have to find this Dmitri Shostakovich.
sounds promising.



Maybe you both are on the track to knowing
what his formula for making beautiful
articulate music. To me its like an amazing
unbreakable code that only he knows.
I can only stand back and revel in awe.



I would really be interested to hear what he could do if he were to write a Symphonic piece, Sakimoto are you listening ;)
I wonder what this guy is really going to be capable of. The sky is the limit.


Total agreement.

I felt this way after playing vagrant story.
It was my first game soundtrack ever.

If Hitoshi Sakimoto releases a fully orchestrated album
that would mean god does listen!!!. :D


Maybe it is silly to some that we are this
passionate about music we hear in a game,
but I feel it goes far beyond games, dont you think?


good thread.

[Gemeines]

In Vagrant Story he describes the evolution of people, and that the reflections of reality cannot remain as one single theme, but are actually constantly changing. This fluctuating contour is what puts Sakimoto's music on the highest tier of the VGM world. His music thrives with intelligence, expression, transcendence, and, for lack of a better word, "power".

well spake!

I wish I had those words but my literary skills do not permit. but yes- much of his compositions exude Power simply put! yet he has also created beautiful gentle sounds and seamlessly alternates betwwen the two. (yet even these have power)

I guess I have no point :) just comment.



Next, fresh orchestral sound. Why settle for standard ensemble arrangements when you have such a huge group of instruments to create and blend tonal colors? Sakimoto is always experimenting with new combinations of sounds and tonal patterns, and while it doesn't quite reach the level of, say, Masashi Hamauzu's timbral brilliance, he still brings a new life into the orchestra. That's not to exclude other genres, however: even his electronica music is vivid and fresh.


YES!! he also incorperates sounds that are unheared of, i dont know. Like the steel golem track on V.S. for instance. It has an almost iron feel with a feroicity. he actualy adds a texture to sound!! Does this make any sense? How did he do it? maybe these sounds cannot translate into real orchestra? in any event I just love it. :D

[Anonymous]

Gameines said"

"Maybe it is silly to some that we are this
passionate about music we hear in a game,
but I feel it goes far beyond games, dont you think?"

I dont think its silly at all. Good music is good music and stands alone. Its not fair for people to make an unfair and biased opinion placing video game music say below film music in terms of relevance and quality. Its just as relevant sometimes even more so because the gaming experience requires more interaction from the person taking part and has the potential in my life to be more profound.

I would really be excited if Hitoshi was able to bust into Hollywood and start doing some badass film scoring!!

You dont need to be able to pinpoint what he is doing structurally to understand the intent behind the chord. The note speaks for itself.

It goes way way beyond games man! Hell yea.

Right on man Right on.

[Rain Corale]

Great Discussion guys! Mr Sakimoto Is my favorite composer hands down.

:)

I cant help but recognize his ability to take the listener there.

I know!! Its so rare to find someone who is so apt to handle so great a challenge


The slightest pluck of a harps string at the right
moment can almost subconsciously evoke a
plethora of emotion.- excitement, joy, sadness, even fear!
(if imagination permits :D )

VERY WELL SAID

I may have to find this Dmitri Shostakovich.
sounds promising.

If you are going to start listening to Shostakovich, I must recommend his 11th Symphony. The second movement is reflective of January 5th 1905, a very troubling day for the history of Russia. Its a massacre and
it is brilliantly reflected in the tone of the work. An overwhelming majority of people during that time not in positions of great power, were peasants and farmers. It was a very sad time where families didn't have the monetary means to provide food and nourishment to their families, largely because of the restrictive political regime of a certain man named Lenin. Tariffs and taxes were outrageous and if something didn't happen, many would starve. It was a very horrible winter. Many of these peasants held a peaceful protest. They went through the city streets towards Lenin's quarters to show their sadness and despair with the current condition of things, with no violent intent in their hearts. Not that that ended up mattering a great deal. A majority of these protestors were rounded up by members of the Russian police per instruction under Lenin and with no explanation, they were gunned down like dogs. LISTEN TO THE SECOND MOVEMENT!!! It is an amazingly catastrophic and terrifying journey. It takes you there.

Maybe you both are on the track to knowing
what his formula for making beautiful
articulate music. To me its like an amazing
unbreakable code that only he knows.
I can only stand back and revel in awe.

One can only hope to try and understand what makes greatness, great.
Its much more difficult to pull off!


If Hitoshi Sakimoto releases a fully orchestrated album
that would mean god does listen!!!. :D


Maybe it is silly to some that we are this
passionate about music we hear in a game,
but I feel it goes far beyond games, dont you think?

You bet your ass! Good music is good music. Period

good thread.

Indeed :D

[Gemeines]

I cant wait to hear more of Mr. Sakimotos works with Final Fantasy XII.

[Gemeines]

It was everything I expected. right now, I love the theme of the empire.

[gamemusicfreak]

Breath of Fire V has some excellent music, as well as Stella Deus. Mr. Sakimoto's battle music is my favorite alongside Mr. Kenji Ito. All I can say is that whenever I listen to his music, I know the thirst in my soul will be quenched. Whenever I have a chance to buy a new CD with work by Mr. Sakimoto, I always go for it. You know you're not going to be let down. There's something in his work for every mood you might be in.

[Gemeines]

Breath of Fire V has some excellent music, as well as Stella Deus. Mr. Sakimoto's battle music is my favorite alongside Mr. Kenji Ito. All I can say is that whenever I listen to his music, I know the thirst in my soul will be quenched. Whenever I have a chance to buy a new CD with work by Mr. Sakimoto, I always go for it. You know you're not going to be let down. There's something in his work for every mood you might be in.

Agreed,

"thirst in my soul will be quenched" is a great way to put it.
Man, there is something in Mr. Sakimotos music... it really is amazing. Your right, There is something there for every mood.

I am Aching to hear more from Romeo X Juliet. Or anything new by him for that matter.

His battle music from FF12 was soo epic! Even more so than the game itself.
imho.

I listened to the entire soundtrack before I played- beat the game then collected the espers...

I must say The music seemed almost too good for a mere game.
I could feel a little John Williams in it too. I dont know why.

in The 70+ hours I put into the game I was Deluged with Hitoshi Sakimotos music and still not even a little tired of it.

[SakiMojo]

Sakimoto's works have a VERY strong inpact on my emotions, they really stir up my emotions. In particular, the better tracks from Radiant Silvergun, Vagrant Story, and FFT. I don't like his newer works as much, they have more of a minimalist feel - I gravitate towards his more "epic" works as in the soundtracks i just mentioned. I certainly can't think of any song from any soundtrack that makes me shiver more than the Greylands Incident Climax, towards the end of the track when the dragon crashes through the sky light. My favorite tracks from his new works that have the power of his older soundtracks are "Boss Battle" from FFXII and the main combat track from Kuusen 2.