COLORS - Code Geass OP [piano]

So COLORS....

= = = = = About the Piece = = = = =
First off, the difficulty is off the charts for me. I don't know why Animenz's original didn't land in his top 10 but this "culmination" version, is very difficult for me. To me, It's harder than Animenz's Unravel. This is because of the generally fast tempo, the jumps, arpeggios, scales, thirds, sixths, Godowsky, and other crazy things.

It bears many similarities to Animenz's and my original sheets so I consider it a joint effort; in other words, a conglomeration of our ideas. He provided the structure and texture that I needed, and I further processed them while adding some jazzy twists and insane runs.

I changed elements around, to make the musical patterns more coherent ---- you'll know if you scrutinize and understand the sheets.

The middle section, also has more thirds and probably the same amount of sixths (just relocated to the end).

Towards the end, I've done something unique. I used ideas similar to a Godowsky etude (based off Chopin's original studies) in the left hand while maintaining the melody in the right. So you could say the difficulty momentarily surpassed that of a Chopin-Godowsky etude. (CAN ANYONE NAME THE GODOWSKY ETUDE?)
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

I experimented with the ending by making the original segue into a "fading run" which ends abruptly.

I had a lot of ideas and they came to fruition here. I'm sure it's the same for Animenz. Together, we were able to discover new sounds in the process. This is why I value collaboration or even "teamwork" for larger collabs. You get to explore different ideas and arguably, you have a better chance at crafting your vision into reality, just as you would in reaching the Everest summit in a team.

= = = == History = = = = =
This piece has a relatively long history. I recall that being excited for Animenz's version in 2013 but things happened and I decided to arrange it myself in 2015 spring. Back then, I had no recording equipment so I asked Animenz to try my despairingly difficult sheets. In the end, he took the essence of my sheets and created his own impression of COLORS.

Well a year passed...he also did the same with Sayonara Memories, except since it was even harder, he had no choice but to nerf everything (things sound great in theory/midi, but in practice, it's not that neat) and ultimately, he also arranged his own version.

I thought it would be a waste if I didn't a least upload one of the two ---- but this time, arranged as I envisioned. COLORS was the lesser of the two evils so I decided to nerf it, using the essences of both Animenz's and my original sheets.

Nerfing it lowered the difficulty to a purgatory between advanced and insane. I kept practicing for a day but my left hand started to hurt in 2 ways: 1) dull pain emerged in my palm since I made many attempts at recording (which naturally means, I had to play the black key glissando a lot), 2) my left index fingernail chipped away leaving less protection.

In the end, though the take probably isn't the extent of my potential, this was the best I could manage with the pain before I had to call it a day. No matter what, I had to move on ---- from both perfection and the past.

= = = = = About the Recording = = = = =
How's the sound?
How's the video? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

I switched the camera angle since 1) I didn't want to take off the sheet rack and 2) the plastic wrap looks a little odd.

= = = = =Final Words = = = = =
Thank you, Animenz for being a pianist bro. It's hard to believe 2.5 years have passed since we met at Steinway Gallery in California. Time flies, and "life goes on." The community and I will miss your covers and tweets as you go offline the coming year.

Thank you, Godowsky and Chopin, for creating enduring works that inspire us.
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Sheet Music: coming soon
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COLORS
Code Geass OP (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ OP)
Piano rearrangement by Chris Luan (阮克理)
Based off arrangements by Animenz and Chris Luan (阮克理)
Original Artist: FLOW
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Update (10.9.16): Sheets updated (Bar 45)

[JamesChouAnimePiano]

Animenz's original sheet is exactly very very difficult (harder than unravel to some extent..in my opinion). And your arrangement is even harder, haha. That is just, more than amazing. And also congrats on your back!

[FonziMGM]

Amazing, it looks and sounds even harder (and personally better) than Animenz's version!

[abdullahhassan]

You know it is good when animenz cover get inspired from it.

[DareruPiano]

Seriously.... You are one of the most inspiring arrangers out there. To arrange and execute a song this well is just astonishing, everything is just on point <3 I especially like the little jazzy details, it fit so well with everything.

Looking forward to your next arrangement/performance !

[angelayee]

Just finished watching code geass, and drastically became a fan and now Im your fan. Just wow. You’re arrangement is even better with the original one (animenz) in standards of accuracy and dexterity. Kudos!

[ErikCPianoman]

Damn sounds great. It's interesting to hear the backstory of making this arrangement. Awesome job m8. Also the sound is great.

[zengarang]

JIBUNNN
The technicality of this arrangement is off the charts. Every run is fantastically interwoven and the jazzy flares are absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed reading about how you and Animenz inspired each other's versions of this piece, because in my opinion that is one of the most important sources of creativity when it comes to writing music. I can't wait to hear what you have in store next! :D

[CSMPiano]

Real comment this time
This is truly an inspiring masterpiece. Overwhelming technique, brilliant chord choices and musical direction, to cut it short, simply unparalleled.
I truly love the right hand during the middle section, truly creative, unique, and awe-struck.
I truly love the power and energy in this nuclear plant of a piece, everything is brilliant placed together.
I truly love the unique chords that gives the song a unique, yet intriguing feeling.

thank you so much once again for inspiring me, this masterpiece is totally worth the wait. I've been trying my best to create a meaningful pieces ever since I discovered your Reverie (a piece which I still listen to everyday in my mp3, you could say that it is now become some sort of sentimental value to me) your story and musicianship always motivate to reach the higher height.

I can't wait to see how your Ninelie will affect us once again, Truly an amazing work !

PS. I'm sorry for acting like a total fanboy, but that's because I think of you as my idol, the musician who I aspire to be (Sorry for being creepy xD)

[nathanielthomas]

I’m really late to the show but I just wanted to say this was amazing. So glad I decided to check out the arrangement that inspired animenz. You now have a new subscriber 😄

[LouisR]

Yes, finally you're back! :D
Awesome job, it sounds great !

[ThePianoDevil]

Wow this is super virtuosic. I was fascinated by your left hand and the jazzy ornaments. The breaks you took between the phrases were some interesting ideas. The etude techniques were used in a great way in my opinion. Awesome job man.

[evolve]

Another amazing cover, looking forward to your subsequent uploads!

[CSMPiano]

One more thing, I think the sound quality is even better than before now, it sounds much more "juicy" and smooth, and there is no clips now. Simply love it :3
As for the camera angle, I personally prefer the old angle, since it allows me (and other anime pianist) to be able to observe and analyze how you arranges your song, and consequently learn a thing or two about arranging (at least that's how I get better at arranging, by observing ideas and try to implement them in my arrangements)

[ChronicalV]

dayum, didn't know you guys collabed! and wow I love how jazzy this is, I'm glad Animenz is also recently starting to do add more jazz to his pieces (I have been waiting for a while to hear how he uses the style)

[daveyisvibing]

How does not have more views lol, this was an awesome piano cover

[vietdamien]

Wooah I saw the synthesia version of your work but I was wondering where the real version was. Finally I get it ! 😍

[kylin]

Yea I'll get back into piano just for this. Thanks for the piano sheet!

[PrettyPatterns]

This arrangement is really awesome, you did your job there ! I hope your hands are fine now

[wdelwyn]

all i wanna said, i fking love it :D
so much techniques used in here, one of my biggest regrets is that i didnt explore much classical music and the other periods.
i rmb how last time im unable to play animenz/ishter piece etc., but now its slightly easier for me to play their pieces. thx for uploading dis man, i kind of get some ideas on how to arranging my songs now by learning from u :)

[screamingpiano]

Omg you are insane and amazing!!! I love the original arrangement but I now think I love your arrangement more!