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Cid Pollendina: Oh, shut up and help me remodel the Music of Final Fantasy page!
Please expand this article into a full one. The following tasks need to be completed:
  • Adding descriptions in the sections for:
    • Each OST
    • The many arrangements
    • The Black Mages
  • Adding a section for external appearances.

This request can be discussed on the associated discussion page. Remove this notice upon completion.

The Music of Final Fantasy has been, since the release of the initial game in the Final Fantasy series, an integral part of the experience. Most of the games' original soundtracks have garnered critical praise ranging from video game magazines to professional music reviewers. Alongside the original soundtracks, many compilations and arranged albums have been produced over the years, to similar acclaim.

Until the release of Final Fantasy XII, the chief music composer of the main series was Nobuo Uematsu, who was the sole creative force from the original Final Fantasy up to Final Fantasy IX. Uematsu worked with Masashi Hamauzu and Junya Nakano in Final Fantasy X and with Naoshi Mizuta and Kumi Tanioka in Final Fantasy XI. His collaborations in Final Fantasy XII were limited to the game's theme song, "Kiss Me Good-Bye". Nobuo Uematsu returned to create the soundtrack for Final Fantasy XIV, though later on Masayoshi Soken became the chief composer.

The music of the entries of the Ivalice Alliance, as well as the music of Vagrant Story, was handled mostly by Hitoshi Sakimoto. The music of the Crystal Chronicles series was composed by Kumi Tanioka.

Recurring themes[]

Within the body of musical works, there are certain themes that have made an appearance more than once associated with a character or a situation.

These themes have appeared in most of the original soundtracks of the main series under different lengths, arrangements and even variations.

The Prelude[]

The "Prelude" is the opening theme of the original Final Fantasy. Since then, it has become one of the most prominent musical pieces in the series, playing at many different stages throughout the games.

The main theme[]

The "Main Theme of Final Fantasy" (originally titled "Opening Theme" in Final Fantasy) has appeared in most of the main series, usually played during the opening sequence or during the ending. Not to be confused with the "Prelude," since, despite its title, the "Opening Theme" was in reality not the opening track of the game.

The victory fanfare[]

The "Victory Fanfare" plays in every instance of the main series when a battle encounter ends with victory. Although variations of the Fanfare have been used in some of games, the opening bars have remained unchanged since the original Final Fantasy until Final Fantasy XIII.

The chocobo theme[]

The "Chocobo Theme" plays when the party travels across the land by means of riding a chocobo, or when they enter a Chocobo forest or any place related to them. Since each entry of the main series includes at least one particular version of the "Chocobo Theme," numerous arrangements of this track exist.

Albums[]


Final Fantasy & Final Fantasy II[]

The original soundtrack of Final Fantasy introduced three of the musical themes that became a staple of the series, as well as some lasting fan favorites, such as "Matoya's Cave".

The music of the original Final Fantasy and that of Final Fantasy II was first released as a single compilation album, All Sounds of Final Fantasy I & II in 1989, to moderate critical acclaim. Following this release, the arranged album Symphonic Suite Final Fantasy. In 2002, for the release of Final Fantasy Origins, the soundtrack was rearranged by Uematsu and Tsuyoshi Sekito.


Final Fantasy III[]

The complete soundtrack of the original NES version was actually not the first compilation album of the game, having arrived to the music stores a year after the arranged album Final Fantasy III: Eternal Legend of the Wind was released.

The NES version of Final Fantasy III never made it to western shores, and therefore it was not until the DS version that the soundtrack was widely distributed in America and the rest of the world.


Final Fantasy IV[]

Final Fantasy IV was the first Final Fantasy to have a Piano Collections album, a practice that continued in the series afterwards. Another arranged album, Final Fantasy IV: Celtic Moon, was released as well, performed by Máire Breatnach in the style of Celtic music.

Uematsu noted that the production of the soundtrack was an arduous task, involving much trial and error. The reason stemmed from the then-recent transition phase between the Famicom and the Super Famicom hardwares.


Final Fantasy V[]

Final Fantasy V was originally designed to include more than a hundred themes. Nobuo Uematsu felt the number would make the album unpurchasable for the children in the audience, as it would require a two-disc release, and cut down the track list to 50 tunes. The soundtrack was nevertheless released as a two-disc set.

Reception for the soundtrack was lukewarm, with some critics stating the album did not live up to the Original soundtracks of Final Fantasy IV. However, some of its themes became popular among the Final Fantasy community, such as "Clash on the Big Bridge" and "Dear Friends".


Final Fantasy VI[]

The last of the soundtracks to be issued for the 16-bit generation of consoles, the soundtrack was the longest recorded for said generation of games. For Uematsu, the music marked the end of a stage in his career, which was well-grounded by then in the video game music industry.

Uematsu stated that this particular soundtrack was the most challenging Final Fantasy soundtrack he had worked on. Final Fantasy VI: Original Sound Version received raving reviews, some hailing it as one of the best soundtracks composed for a video game. The game was the first in the series to feature a leitmotif for every one of its main playable characters.

Preeminent among these are "Terra's Theme" and the Aria di Mezzo Carattere, which featured a synthesized voice in the original game, but was rerecorded with a full orchestra and singer. Another famous piece from this soundtrack is "Dancing Mad", a complex 14 minute piece which accompanies the final boss.


Final Fantasy VII series[]

Final Fantasy VII[]

Called by Uematsu his "greatest harvest" in terms of creativity, the soundtrack, despite its length, was composed in a period of less than a year, as opposed to the bi-annual period of producing that had become the standard regarding the previous original soundtracks.

The soundtrack was the first in the series to include a track with digitized vocals, "One-Winged Angel", which has been described as Uematsu's "most recognizable contribution" to the music of the Final Fantasy series. Another one of Uematsu's best known compositions is "Aerith's Theme".


Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children[]


Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII- & Last Order -Final Fantasy VII-[]


Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-[]

The game's music is a mix of the rock and orchestral genres. It is one of Takeharu Ishimoto's notable works and includes various versions of famous Final Fantasy VII songs composed by Nobuo Uematsu. It also includes a few tracks provided by Kazuhiko Toyama.

One of the notable themes is "The Price of Freedom", which plays when Sephiroth reminisces his days with Angeal and Genesis, as well as during Zack's final stand against the Shinra Army.


Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-[]


Final Fantasy VII Remake[]


Final Fantasy VIII[]

Related singles


Final Fantasy IX[]


Final Fantasy X[]


Final Fantasy X-2[]

Related


Final Fantasy XI[]


Final Fantasy XII[]


Lightning Saga[]

Final Fantasy XIII[]

Related singles


Final Fantasy XIII-2[]

Related singles


Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII[]


Final Fantasy XIV[]

Version 1.0[]

A Realm Reborn[]


Final Fantasy XV[]

A King's Tale: Final Fantasy XV[]


Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV[]



Final Fantasy Brave Exvius[]


War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius[]


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles[]

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates[]


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King / Darklord[]


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time[]

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers[]


Final Fantasy Dimensions[]


Dissidia Final Fantasy[]

Dissidia Final Fantasy (2008)[]

The soundtrack was composed by Takeharu Ishimoto, who also composed the soundtrack of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. It features remixes of different famous themes of the series, some original tracks composed by Ishimoto himself, some tracks sung by Your Favorite Enemies, and a bonus track—"The Messenger" by Your Favorite Enemies.

Some tracks that featured in the game weren't featured in the soundtrack, which were the original versions of some famous songs like the "Dancing Mad", and the "Mambo de Chocobo" and Final Fantasy V Victory Fanfare which was featured in the Data install feature.


Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy[]

The soundtrack was composed/arranged by Takeharu Ishimoto, responsible for the music from the first Dissidia. Like the first Dissidia, it features arrangements of the music from the series as well as some original versions.

The soundtrack's regular edition sports a white cover on the front with the Warriors of Cosmos, and a black cover on the back with the Warriors of Chaos.

The limited first run edition featured an album jacket box with the Cosmos side artwork on the front and Chaos side at the back. It also included a DVD featuring the game's trailers and promotional videos.


Dissidia Final Fantasy -Arcade-[]


Dissidia Final Fantasy NT[]


Final Fantasy Explorers[]


Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light[]


Mobius Final Fantasy[]


Final Fantasy Record Keeper[]


Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin[]


Final Fantasy Tactics[]


Final Fantasy Tactics Advance[]

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift[]


Theatrhythm Final Fantasy[]


Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call[]

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy All-Star Carnival[]


Final Fantasy Type-0[]

The limited edition includes a DVD featuring a teaser movie, the game's trailers, two cinematics from the game, and a booklet.

Final Fantasy Type-0 Music Collection - First Campaign was released before the game and the soundtrack, as a preview. It contains five tracks.

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD[]


World of Final Fantasy[]



Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within[]



Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals[]

Gallery[]


Final Fantasy: Unlimited[]



Other[]


Chocobo Albums[]


Single Title Arrangements[]

Albums focusing on one game title. Music styles can vary by album (and on some, by song), but are often orchestral arrangements.


Final Fantasy XIV[]


Misc[]


Compilation Arrangements[]

Albums containing arrangements from multiple titles. Music styles can vary by album (and on some, by song).


Themed Arrangements[]

Bands[]

Band albums consist of arrangements by bands formed by members of Square Enix's music team members.

The Black Mages


The Nanaa Mihgo's


The Star Onions


The Primals


Brass[]

Albums consist of arrangements made for wind-instruments. Known as the BRA★BRA series.


Chips[]

Albums consist of arrangements in the style of old 8-bit video game chiptunes.


Guitar[]

Sheet music companion albums of arrangements for solo guitar.

Jazz[]

Albums consist of arrangements in the style of jazz music.


Piano[]

Albums consist of arrangements for solo piano. Most have an accompanying sheet music book.

Piano Collections series[]


Piano Opera series[]


Ukulele[]

Sheet music companion albums of arrangements for solo ukulele.

Vocal[]

Vocal albums consist of arrangements with with lyrics added to songs.

Image songs[]

Tie-in albums with image songs for characters. Includes arrangements and original songs.


Compilations[]

Compilations are collections of tracks compiled from other album releases, from soundtracks to arrangements.

Square Enix has many album collections that include music from the Final Fantasy series along with their other titles. These include samplers, arrangement compilations, and various symphony recordings.

Square Enix/Square Enix Music Presents[]

Square Vocal Collection[]

  • Catalog: SSCX-10052
  • Label: DigiCube
  • Release: Jun 20, 2001

A compilation album of vocal songs from various titles.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Square Enix Battle Tracks[]

Square Enix Music Compilation[]

Square Enix Music Powered[]

Music Powered were promo compilation CDs included in the first five volumes of the Square Enix published, Gangan Powered magazine.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Vol.1
Vol.2
Vol.3
Vol.4
Vol.5
Vol.1
  • Catalog: C6F05-4
  • Release: Jun 22, 2006
Vol.2
  • Catalog: POWERDN02-HUROKU
  • Release: Aug 22, 2006
Vol.3
  • Catalog: C6J06-2
  • Release: Oct 21, 2006
Vol.4
  • Catalog: C6L08-3
  • Release: Dec 22, 2006
Vol.5
  • Catalog: PW-NO5
  • Release: Feb 22, 2007

X'mas Collections music from SQUARE ENIX[]

Square Enix Music Presents Life Style[]

Square Enix Music 15th Anniversary Arrangement Selection 2004-2019[]

  • Catalog: SQEX-10713
  • Release: Apr 28, 2019

A promo compilation of tracks from various arrangement albums. It was released as a reward for purchases at the BRA☆BRA Final Fantasy 2019 concert.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Square Enix Music Chips Selection CD[]

Square Enix Acoustic Arrangements[]

  • Catalog: SQEX-10730
  • Release: Oct 02, 2019

An arrangement album of songs from various titles, arranged for acoustic instruments, mainly strings, winds, and piano.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Square Enix Chill Out Arrangement Tracks – Around 80's Mix[]

SQ series[]

Symphonic Albums[]

Symphonic Fantasies[]

  • Catalog: SQEX-10202 (JP), 476 404-2 (EU)
  • Label: Square Enix (JP), Decca (EU)
  • Release: Sep 15, 2010 (JP), Sep 17, 2010 (EU)

A live concert recording performed on September 12, 2009 at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall (Kölner Philharmonie) in Cologne, Germany. Performed by the WDR Rundfunkorchester Köln and the WDR Rundfunkchor Köln conducted by Arnie Roth. Includes orchestral arrangements of songs from Kingdom Hearts, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, and Chrono Cross.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Symphonic Fantasies Tokyo[]

  • Catalog: MSP-9612~3 (EU), SQEX-10331~2 (JP), MSP-9612~3d (digital)
  • Label: MAZ Sound Tools (EU), Square Enix (JP), X5 Music Group (digital)
  • Release: June 11, 2012 (EU), Sep 20, 2012 (JP), Dec 01, 2014 (digital)

A two-disc CD set featuring the music from the January 2012 Tokyo orchestral concert "Symphonic Fantasies Tokyo - music from SQUARE ENIX", performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, conducted by Eckehard Stier.[1] Includes orchestral arrangements of songs from Kingdom Hearts, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, and Chrono Cross. The Japanese release was sold exclusively at Tokyo Game Show 2012.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Square Enix Music Concert Selection[]

  • Catalog: SQEX-10664
  • Release: Apr 2018

A small promo compilation album rewarded to those who purchased goods at the BRA★BRA Final Fantasy concert.

Final Fantasy songs included:

Symphonic Memories Concert[]

  • Catalog: SQEX-10809~10
  • Label: Square Enix Music
  • Release: Sep 24, 2020

A two-disc CD set featuring the music from the December 2019 orchestral concert "Symphonic Memories -music from SQUARE ENIX" held at Culttz Kawasaki, performed by the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra with guest violinist Lina Matsuda, conducted by Eckehard Stier.[2] Includes orchestral arrangements of songs from Octopath Traveler, and Xenogears. It was sold exclusively at Tokyo Game Show 2020 Online.

Final Fantasy songs included:


Square Enix Music Samplers[]

Square Enix Music Sampler CDs (スクウェア・エニックス MUSIC サンプラーCD?) are promo compilation albums featuring tracks from various games and album releases. They are usually released during the Tokyo Games Show events as bonuses for purchases at the Square Enix Music CD Shop.

Final Fantasy tracks included:

Vol.1 (Free promo at Square Enix Party 2007)
Vol.2 (Tokyo Game Show 2007)
Vol.3 (Tokyo Game Show 2008)
Vol.4 (Tokyo Game Show 2009)
Vol.5 (Tokyo Game Show 2010)
Vol.6 (Tokyo Game Show 2011)
Vol.7 (Tokyo Game Show 2012)
Vol.8 (Tokyo Game Show 2013)
Vol.9 (Tokyo Game Show 2014)
Vol.10 (Tokyo Game Show 2015)
Vol.11 (Tokyo Game Show 2016)
Vol.12 (Tokyo Game Show 2017)
Vol.13 (Tokyo Game Show 2018)
Vol.14 (Tokyo Game Show 2019)
Vol.15 (Tokyo Game Show 2020 Online)
Vol.16 (Tokyo Game Show 2021 Online)

CD info

Vol.1
  • Catalog: SQEX-2007P
  • Release: May 12, 2007
Vol.4
  • Catalog: SQEX-2009P
  • Release: Sep 26, 2009
Vol.7
  • Catalog: SQEX-2012P
  • Release: Sep 20, 2012
Vol.10
  • Catalog: SQEX-2015P
  • Release: Sep 17, 2015
Vol.13
  • Catalog: SQEX-10696
  • Release: Sep 20, 2018
Vol.16
  • Catalog: SQEX-10900
  • Release: Sep 30, 2021
Vol.2
  • Catalog: SQEX-2007T
  • Release: Sep 20, 2007
Vol.5
  • Catalog: SQEX-2010P
  • Release: Sep 16, 2010
Vol.8
  • Catalog: SQEX-2013P
  • Release: Sep 21, 2013
Vol.11
  • Catalog: SQEX-2016P
  • Release: Sep 15, 2016
Vol.14
  • Catalog: SQEX-10741
  • Release: Sep 12, 2019
Vol.3
  • Catalog: SQEX-2008P
  • Release: Oct 11, 2008
Vol.6
  • Catalog: SQEX-2011P
  • Release: Sep 15, 2011
Vol.9
  • Catalog: SQEX-2014P
  • Release: Sep 20, 2014
Vol.12
  • Catalog: SQEX-10627
  • Release: Sep 21, 2017
Vol.15
  • Catalog: SQEX-10818
  • Release: Sep 24, 2020

External links[]

References[]

External links[]

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