Romeo X Juliet

[Jormungand]

I'm actually pretty excited for this. It'll be an entirely new avenue for Sakimoto (being a whole score), and perhaps one he'll stick with. I also anticipate the possibility of live orchestration, which Sakimoto seems to try his best to avoid in most cases...

Anyway, with fragments of Tchaikovsky's tone poem being used in the trailer, I wonder if Sakimoto might implement some of that work's motives into his score? That'd certainly be interesting.

[Lierre]

Am I only the one who prefers Prokofev's to Chaikovski's? :/ It's more memorable and seems easier to make variations... Hearing "Super Back to The Future 2" (SNES), it's less improbable Sakimoto will rely on an existing score (motive) too much. I expect Sakimoto to score more classical stuff than Perfect Prince where he was inspired by Hendel.

[Jormungand]

I'd say that Prokofiev is the better composer, but Tchaikovksy's Romeo et Juliet is one of his most enduring works. Some very beautiful orchestration and colors, and that opening motive is touchingly sincere. You're probably right about the likelihood of its reference, though. It'd just be kind of cool to see Sakimoto adapt an extra-thematic presence.

[Lierre]

Well, the first episode just aired. By courtesy of my friend, I could watch the first episode today, being supposed to watch it 9 days later. Before leaving my house, if I leave my initial thought on this (as much as I know Fatigue or someone will elaborate it), I'd say it was pretty damn good. Frankly, I didn't look forward to RxJ that much, as I personally don't like anime/film music for being subject to footages more than VGM is, but I think it's going to be the most emotional Sakimoto's score available. Maybe not the most memorable soundtrack, yet that makes us wonder how much without digitalized synthesizers, his previous works could be emotional and colourful as this. Plus, the solo uses of piano and violin are something unpredictable. Unfortunately, I already found one thing that can flaw RxJ. The ending theme song. A craptastic J-Rock. Ugggggh. Even worse than the opening song.

After all, it pains me to say, goo.ne.jp will only offer two episodes. So, I recommend you're going to find fansubed f.. *cough*

[Jormungand]

But those J-Rock tunes aren't Sakimoto, right?

Either way I want to watch this, but I'd rather just have a CD. :p

[Ovelia]

I got the chance to view this today *coughcough*.

I also prefer Prokofiev's Romeo & Juliet to the Tchaikovsky's. The use of Prokofiev's music (just a little fragment) in the first episode is just perfect imo. As to the other's... if without the live orchestra it may be a little *standard*, but now... I'm thrilled... The CD is a must buy. >_>

[Fatigue]

I saw it yesterday, and I'm incredibly impressed with the not only the music, but how the music is used. Concerning the music only, it's probably my third favorite Sakimoto score (so far, let's not be closed minded ;)) behind Breath of Fire V and Legaia: Duel Saga. Live orchestra makes all the difference. Will buy the CD when released.

[Lierre]

They (http://www.12012.jp/) are who songs (and maybe composed) that terrible ending song.
As to the other's... if without the live orchestra it may be a little *standard*Really? Although I'm not sure whether I should give credit for that to Sakimoto himself or the so-called 'arrangers', I feel it's more of Sakimoto's classical effort than just upgraded songs with live performances such as "Staff Roll" from VS and the two FMV themes from FFXII (I do like these pieces, but that's beside the point). It might not be anything special if it were not for the live orchestral performance, but I'd still think of RxJ score as something unpredictable. However, I know it's too early to say such.

My concern is, if the soundtrack is published, it can be just a one-CD release. I'm not hot on anime music, but Yoko Kanno's songs are, when composed on the sythesizers, pretty much not released (while I really like the clarinet rendition of "Cloe"). The same can be the case for RxJ: the soundtrack has not more than 28 tracks, which were recorded in Australia.

[Lierre]

A soundtrack release is officially announced, with details to be revealed soon (GONZO suggest it'll be only 1 disc, though).

I hope it works outside of the anime. My main concern is to what extent Basiscape and other staffs were involved. Although it doesn’t detract from quality of the soundtrack per se, I doubt it's Sakimoto's solo work, even composition wise. Besides Noriyuki Kamikura who was once regarded as a mere arranger or orchestator, Kimihiro Abe, Mitsuhiro Kaneda and Shihoko Matsumoto (if she wasn't just a business staff) were also listed on the credit, and it's unlikely that any of them didn't compose/arrange music at all. Once they just borrowed one of Sakimoto's motives, they can no longer be labeled as composers.

Anyways, a good news.

[Jormungand]

Very good news. Thanks Lierre, this made my day. :)

[Lierre]

20th Feb
Columbia Music Entertainment
COCX-34784
2940 Yen.

Given the price, it will be a 2-CD release.

[petev21]

It's only one disc:

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=COCX-34784

[Lierre]

Damn.

Other website says it contains only 20 tracks, and one is the opening theme song. Considering there were 39 tracks, and 28 of them were orchestrated, this quantity is very disappointing.

[RinoaDestiny]

Eeee, this is good! It's possibly one of the greatest soundtracks from Sakimoto and one of my favorite anime OSTs in general. I really want to buy it but payments of necessity are more important at the moment. The live orchestra goes a long way in establishing his compositions and for any detractors who say the man's work lacks melody or emotion, I hereby steer them to this soundtrack.

"Recapture" to me, sounds the most Sakimoto-esque out of the entire list. Just the start with the strings, the later buildup of the brass and the rhythms bring to mind the brutal battle themes of earlier soundtracks. One of my favorites and seriously intense. "Darkness" follows, reminding me at times of FFT's military and conspiracy themes.

As for beautiful pieces, "Twin Trees of Escalus" is gorgeous and touching. I haven't seen the anime yet, so I have no idea how well Sakimoto's music fits to the actions in RxJ. "Red Whirlwind" is a great action piece, full of heroics and triumphant. "Neo Verona" has the theme that sets everything up and is full of character, reminding me of the lightheartedness of FFXII at times and the main theme with the alternating strings is amazing.

Overall, a very successful anime soundtrack debut. I give full two thumbs up!

[Jormungand]

I'm pleased to say this is really awesome. Cut out those ridiculous pop tracks and this is an A+ album. Sakimoto's orchestral work is refined and elegant.

Some brief info: 33 tracks, only three are not Sakimoto's composition. Also note that not all tracks are live (but most are).

What really surprised me is the arrangement credits. There are about 6 people listed under "Orchestration". The surprise? The first one listed is Sakimoto. That pretty well answers the long pondered question of whether or not Sakimoto can orchestrate. Of course, there's no way to tell how much the various arrangers had in terms of the orchestral score. However, there are some specific arrangement credits listed:

Piano: Noriyuki Kamikura (6,14), Kenichi Koyano(22)
Strings: Kimihiro Abe (14)
String quartet: Noriyuki Kamikura (17)
Guitar: Daisuke Miyazaki (19)
Chorus & voice: Eri Kawai (27)

Overall, best Sakimoto work of 2007 for me. Highly recommended.