Posted 2015-03-19, evaluated by djpretzel


Did someone say "Epic Magnificence"??

No? Well they should have, then... at least, if they'd just listened to this stunning symphonic vocal arrangement of Ocarina of Time & Skyward Sword from Jill & Andrew Aversa, it would have been a completely appropriate thing to say. Jill writes:

"In my two years of touring with Video Games Live thus far, the Legend of Zelda series has always been at the top of the most-requested list! Tommy was looking for a new Zelda segment to add to the show, and asked if Andy and I would be up to the task. Challenge accepted!

We were thrilled to have this piece recorded with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra for VGL's latest album, Video Games Live: Level 4. My biggest challenge with the vocal arrangement was coming up with appropriate lyrics. I considered writing in English, but concluded that fantasy lyrics would be more fitting - so I decided to write in "Hylian." There isn't a real Hylian language, of course, but I did my best to make the lyrics sound authentic based on all the existing Zelda lore out there.

Filming the music video was an absolute blast. As usual, I worked with director Landon Donoho, whose vision and talent speaks for itself! We chose the California Redwoods as our location - and with dear friend & OC ReMixer Geoffrey Taucer cosplaying as Link, we had a ball tromping through the woods in full getup. I can't tell you how many times we got stopped by passers-by for photo ops!"

By the way, Tommy Tallarico notes the best deal for the Level 4 album's at VGL's website, though it's on iTunes and Amazon too. So let's recap:

  1. Brilliant LoZ:OoT & SS symphonic vocal arrangement from Jill & Andy!
  2. Recorded with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra for VGL Level 4!
  3. Awesome music video with Jill as Zelda & Jeremy as Link! (Tauceplay!)

That right there is a three-point plan for awesome, so you shouldn't need too much persuadin'. Accolades and superlatives aside, I love the arrangement itself - specifically, the progression at 0'35" & later 2'45" has some very purdy, perfect chords, the overall structure does a great job of using both themes, and that ending note is an ovation-prompting spine-tingler. Andy writes:

"Though it's relatively common knowledge, the Skyward Sword main theme is actually "Zelda's Lullaby" backwards! So, that was one reason for picking the two of them. I love how this track turned out. Our idea for the orchestral writing was to use counterpoint and altered chords to make the Zelda melodies sound even more beautiful. One of my inspirations for this particular track was Jerry Goldsmith's work on the Star Trek scores. I also want to give a huge thanks to bustatunez (Will Roget, II) who not only helped expand the orchestration into the lush texture you hear now, but also prepared the scores for our Prague recording session on an insanely tight deadline! Anyway, we hope you enjoy this mix and that it evokes the nostalgia, joy, and adventurous spirit of the Legend of Zelda!"

Once again, the harmonic/chord work really sells the whole thing and adds depth; epic adventure & amazing performances were basically foregone conclusions, but I appreciate the thought that went into orchestration & arrangement which elevated the finished work, and Jill's "Hylian" lyrics also add yet another dimension. All in all, a truly epic experience!

djpretzel

Discussion

Latest 8 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
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Chernabogue
on 2015-12-20 15:32:51

This is beautiful. It's an interesting to sing with an unknown language. The orchestration is excellent -- the samples are great. Production is super clean too. The Aversas strike again and it's another hit! Loved it! :D

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Crulex
on 2015-04-03 14:25:13

Hot damn, this is just magical! Jill's beautiful vocals once again show off raw talent and a range that is so much fun to hear, and I'm loving the video along with it. I like the idea of this being sung by Zelda in Hylian, which gives it a sense of life. I'd definitely look forward to seeing this performance live, especially with the orchestral arrangement behind it all making it that much better. Fantastic ReMix all around, loved it.

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Ghetto Lee Lewis
on 2015-04-01 13:27:29

Honestly I've never really been a fan of Zircon/Jill, or even OCR for quite a long time; but I was completely blown away by this stunning and beautiful arrangement. You very nearly brought tears to my eyes with this wonderful performance. I'll definitely have to start coming back to this site again.

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meboeck
on 2015-03-22 00:39:23

WOW. This is everything I would want it to be. Jillian really stretched her range on the vocals, and the result is lovely. And of course the live orchestra just takes everything to the next level. Kindred by Jillian and zircon was the first vocal mix I downloaded from this site, and it seems they've only gotten better with time.

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timaeus222
on 2015-03-19 22:34:06

This is very beautiful. Jill almost sounds like she's singing with a French accent on faux-Japanese lyrics, and I think that does make it sound like a unique language. Great stuff!

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Touchstone
on 2015-03-19 22:25:44

AMAZING!

If I knew a stronger word than that without entering the realm of swearwords, I'd use that. That being said, feel free to modify the word above with any positive adjectives(?). It would still accurately depict how I feel about this ReMix.

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Scaredsim
on 2015-03-19 15:24:41

Wonderful rendering of two great sources, by two great arrangers. Thank you for this ! :nicework:

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Liontamer
on 2015-03-19 12:00:11

What do you think? Post your opinion of this ReMix.

Sources Arranged (2 Songs, 2 Games)


Primary Game:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo , 1998, N64)
Music by Koji Kondo
Songs:
"Zelda's Theme"
Additional Game:
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo , 2011, WII)
Music by Hajime Wakai,Koji Kondo,Mahito Yokota,Shiho Fujii,Takeshi Hama
Songs:
"Ballad of the Goddess"

Tags (8)


Genre:
Symphonic
Mood:
Epic
Instrumentation:
Singing,Vocals: Female
Additional:
Lyrics > Lyrics: Original
Origin > Collaboration
Production > Live Instruments
Time > 4/4 Time Signature

File Information


Name:
Legend_of_Zelda_Ocarina_of_Time_Lullaby_of_the_Sky_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
5,992,907 bytes
MD5:
a1adb9284da2176e978e78ee1bc2a670
Bitrate:
213Kbps
Duration:
3:41

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