ReMix: Final Fantasy V 'Dragon Wings'

downloadDownload MP3
6,534,959 bytes, 4:29, 192kbps
Stream/preview on YouTubePlay Preview
Streaming preview on YouTube
eStarland.com
Final Fantasy V

Is it me, or does it seem like we're getting fewer orchestral ReMixes lately? Here to help change that is newcomer Archangel, aka Jaka Čibej, w/ some non-album FFV action:

"This is my second submission, let's CELEBRATE! The first one was an arrangement of the Final Fantasy Prelude, which is currently still in the judging process, but I reckon it won't be accepted as it is probably a bit too conservative for the tastes of the OCRemix primarchs. Thus, I decided to make another arrangement for my debut (although I'm participating in the Final Fantasy IX and Seiken Densetsu 3 projects too, so this medley might not turn out to be a debut after all).

As far as the remix is concerned, I chose some of my favorite songs from Final Fantasy V. At the time I was watching HCBailly's playthrough show Let's Play Final Fantasy V on Youtube, and the feeling of nostalgia really pervaded me, so I guess you could say that was a source of inspiration.

I made the arrangement in FL Studio 8, using EWQL Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Choirs, Stormdrum, RA, and some other plugins and soundfonts. I used a lot of exotic instruments (like shakuhachi, erhu, Irish low whistle, Uilleann pipes, duduk and so forth) to make the medley sound more - adventurous, I guess. It just seemed like the right choice. =)"

Holy crap, we just got upgraded to primarchs... thanks, Jaka, and a happy belated 24th birthday! I was just thinking to myself that we used to get more orchestral/classical submissions and that things have started swaying more rock/electronica/chiptune, so this was a nice reminder that there are plenty of folk out there, old blood and new, still putting together some awesome symphonic arrangements. This one manages to avoid medleyitis while covering several FFV themes in a coherent, well-executed piece that intros with solo piano but shortly thereafter brings in beautiful strings and bells. The subsequent introduction of ethnic instrumentation and BIG DRUMS courtesy Ra & Stormdrum keeps things fresh and pushes the mix forward with a dramatic momentum; color me impressed. As the man behind our FFV album series, The Fabled Warriors, hopefully Shariq can convince Archangel to contribute something for a future installment:

"HOLY CRAP HOW AWESOME IS THIS REMIX!!! It's possible I might be biased, but I think that this is a really well put together piece of music. Production and performance is outta sight. Really wonderful interpretation."

Agreed; great debut from Archangel that shows depth & breadth and comes at the perfect time, reminding us of the power of orchestral arrangement, augmented by well-integrated ethnic instrumentation + piano. DEFINITELY looking forward to hearing more!

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Beautiful. Loving the majestic feeling of flying through the skies in this (that's what I feel anyway). It's always cool to hear orchestral music that seems to enhance everything that the originals had in them. Much respect on this one.

- Crulex on May 10, 2012
This song manages to capture the feeling of I'M RIDING ON A MUTHAFRIGGIN' DRAGON quite accurately. I'm glad to see this source get some more love, and this is more than enough love for it. Fantastic piece here, Archangel. Fantastic piece.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I must ride my Hiryuu and listen to this song while doing so.

- Mirby on December 25, 2011
To put it short, this is the track Nabuo Uematsu would have made had it not been for SNES limitations.
A great song if you are flying or riding a long train ride. This is literally on my airplane playlist.

- Nonamer on December 2, 2011
Damn, this mix was posted right after I left for boot camp? How mean :whatevaa: .
This is a killer take on it - I was already familiar with Archangel's work, but I had not heard this until now. It impressed me immediately with its lush soundscape. It is unique in how strong it comes through while not truly pushing itself to a huge climax. It shows a nuance in arranging with a small orchestra. The latter end of the song isn't as wowing as how it starts IMO - I would've liked to see more of that woodland instrument (what was it?).
I still enjoyed this immensely and it makes me excited to hear more :) .

- Bahamut on October 28, 2011
Definitely a great piece of music from a great musician! Keep it up my friend,
-Sam :grin:

- Sam Dillard on May 23, 2011
At first, I thought "This sounds like some JRPG from the 90s".
Then, "Mhm, definitely 16bit/early 32bit era".
Finally, I remembered which game the source is from, and went "Durrrrrrrrr".
Awesome, awesome remix. Love the instrumention, especially everything between 1:00 and 2:00. The choir is friggin' sweet, too.
Looking forward to hearing more from you.

- Martin Penwald on May 23, 2011
I am no expert in orchestration, but I enjoy classical music as much as anyone who rotates their Beethoven and Händel CDs once in a while. So I am very proud and happy to say that your remix gave me major goosebumps. And finally at 1:29 I had a tear in my eye. I might be a sensitive wuss in this regard, but I honestly have to say this thing is exceptionally beautiful. Thank you very much for sharing this great piece of music with us, good sir. I hope we will see much more from you in the future.

- luhny on March 31, 2011
Then let's be sure to have more of these to come, I like

- NegimaSonic on March 30, 2011
Oh my god...
I'm really feeling this song!
Everything is just perfect. Absolutely everything.
I'm a sucker for Orchestral arrangements, but this takes the cake as best song I've heard in the passed year. You Sir, are amazing, and I hope to see a lot more of you and your remixes in the near future.
You really bring out the color of this melody.
The chords you had play trigger many a memory.
At the end I wish there was even more,
but perhaps I'll just have to wait and see what you have in store.

- Vandril on March 29, 2011
Downloaded this when you first posted it on the WIP forums about a year ago and you commented on my WIP. Really glad to see it finally posted.

- ShrackAttack on March 24, 2011
Very impressive indeed! This arrangment excites me when I listen to it which says a lot about the production quality as I'm a stickler on that. I love the pallette of instruments you used in this piece and how you integrated them, mixed them, etc. I also liked the use of EWQL Symphonic Choir in regards to the childrens chorus at the end. There were a couple moments when I could tell the strings weren't real but they're not, it's a sample library. I'm sure if you listen to my work you'd say the same thing. Again very impressive work, I look forward to your future contributions to OCREMIX and/or in general.

-Derek Oren-

- derako on March 23, 2011
Fast-track this guy's works when they come up for judging. Win thoughout; well blended, well versed and a good tempo for the whole tune

- Transmogrificational Tune on March 23, 2011
Once again Archangel is found guilty in a court of "awe". Amazing orchestration, the writing and transitions are expertly done. A lot of people are mentioning your work on DKC3 (which somehow i haven't heard) but your work for the upcoming FF9 project is simply amazing. And yes, your Prelude was pretty sweet if a little conservative. Much love bro

- Brandon Strader on March 23, 2011
Totally epic arrangement, and excellent use of a variety of exotic samples. The sequenced piano sounds more techno-y than orchestral, but that's a small complaint. Definitely in my library as of NOW. Excellent debut. :-)

- docnano on March 23, 2011
This is absolutely fantastic. This is brimming with creativity and never feels like the kind of "stale" orchestral mix that's admittedly turned me off from the genre as a whole lately. The inclusion of some unique instruments as well as some unique passages (the break at 1:55 and then the ridiculous piano section that follows come to mind) really set this apart for me, on top of the fantastic production and samples. Then the choir section hits at 3:50 and it's just superlative. I've got nothing but good things to say about this!! :-D
Plus, great choices of source themes here. The genre adaptation is perfect.
Jaka's definitely going to be making a name for himself in the community soon, he's got a song on the DK3 project that's gonna blow you all away (albeit in a totally different way from this one ;-) ) and I'm sure the same can be said for his contributions to other projects ;-)
tl;dr: YAAAAAYYYYYY GET THIS REMIX!

- Emunator on March 23, 2011