Final Fantasy VI - Born with the Gift of Magic

The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra performs music from Nobuo Uematsu's Final Fantasy VI - and orchestrated as a symphonic poem called Born With The Gift of Magic.

Arr Roger Wanamo, conductor Andreas Hanson.

Recording of June 18, in 2014. From Stockholm.

(Reuploaded in 2021 because of old video with low framerate.)

I was there! :D

[GrapevineBranch]

When I see these orchestras performing FF music, I always hope the musicians understand just how beloved this music is, and just how much we appreciate them.

[tuneablestar]

I love how Kefka's motif is just everywhere in this arrangement. Interrupts the Empire theme, interrupts the Esper World theme, just tainting everything. How music alone can articulate what an incredible villain he is.

[joshelstro]

More arrangements of video game music should be this thoughtfully crafted. You can tell the arranger had a deep understanding of the games narrative. You can feel the beats and tension of the timeline of the game in the shifts in dynamic, tempo, and orchestration of each piece... we're marching into Narshe under the oppression of an imperial regime, oh, now we're meeting Kefka as he tries to burn down Figaro, now the empire is invading the Esper world, the team is failing to stop Kefka from releasing chaos, Celes and the team are rising from the ashes of the ruined world to fight back and win!!! What a ride! Close your eyes and its just like playing the game from beginning to end. Absolute master work by the arranger.

[marcosgazamanes]

i can’t believe I can watch this for free.

[tuneablestar]

13:05 this transition from Terra's somber theme to the uplifting crescendo is just what FF6 is all about to me. The idea it evokes, that Terra doesn't have to do it alone anymore, that there are people who have all suffered like her who have her back now, I think is really inspiring.

[sean]

That sudden stop brought tears to my eyes. If you've played FFVI, you know exactly what plot point that symbolizes and it's so very sad. And then a bombastic version of Terra's theme after. Beautiful.

[mitchmueller]

I cried. This is just so well arranged. You can tell the arranger really understood the themes of the music and how they related to the drama and themes of the story. It reminds me of the huge influence playing this game had on my childhood and young adulthood. Wish they would have had found ways to put in more of the individual character themes - but really to do justice to all of the characters and themes of the game, you would need at least a full hour of music - possibly even a 4 hour wagnerian epic.

[Guitarraeficaztutorialesytabs]

I want a FF6 remake with these guys playing all the music. This is absolutely strunning. The arranger sure knows his Final Fantasy 6, all these musicians might not even care about the music or the game itself unfortunately, but they did a damn good job!.Remarkable, beyond amazing.

[budakbaongsiah]

11:45 The Unforgiven sounds SOO GOOD here. You really can feel Cyan's rage.

[eliminoh_p]

Not much more can be said that hasn’t already. Except it seems like no one has noticed at 4:13 the orchestra starts to imitate Kefka’s laugh. They do it a few times. An amazing touch. This piece brought has brought tears to my eyes more than once. Just to hear the closest real life rendition Uematsu of this quality is amazing. This composer should do one from every final fantasy. I’d definitely be here for it.

[Teddybomber]

In 100 years this will be played as classic music

[WakkasLove]

I'm a simple girl. I see "Nobuo Uematsu", I click "Like". This was beautifully done.

[kingplaya]

Still the best orchestra performance that I've ever heard, hands down. I've revisited some of my old favorite concerts after hearing this and they paled in comparison.

[kathrynjaneway]

How greatly recorded this is. Thank you to the sound engineers

[eachtimelaw]

曲のアレンジから垣間見える作品の解釈がとても好きです。
FF6特有の荘厳さが最大限に表現されていると思いました。

[pablor]

This arrangement is stellar, clearly made by someone who loves the game and understands the humor, sadness and tension of each scene. The pacing is perfectly done. Some arrangements from others to rushed or played without soul. Many directors don’t understand its not about delivering a piece without flaw, it’s about the emotion you cause on people who listen to it. This team definitely gets it.

[Kupoinfo]

Is it just me or did this bring back vivid images of the gameplay back in your mind. Very talented musicians for being able to bring out the emotion of this song.

[kylehales]

To them just music on a sheet...to me its my entire childhood encapsulated absolutely made me cry!

[MrScud]

Finally, the best quality version of this video. Kudos uploader.

[ChairmanMeow]

When these games were current it wasnt really 'cool' to play video games. There was no internet, meeting other people that played them and knew about them was pretty rare. 20 years later Im watching a professional orchestra perform tracks from the series. I never ever would have believed this as a kid. So cool!!

3:10 12:05 13:03 <3 <3 <3