Halo 4: To Galaxy and Arrival - Orchestral

A huge thanks to Gugga Leunnam for edit the backround clips:

Original piano arrangement of To Galaxy and Arrival from Halo 4. Around a month ago, I reached an amazing goal of 5 000 subscribers. I wanted to thank you guys for the amazing support and helping me getting were I am today. So I started thinking of how, and I didn't want to do a giveaway or anything similar. Something that only a few will get something for. I wanted to create something that gives something to all of you. I eventually decided to create an instrumental medley and since I'm a huge Halo fan (obviously), I wanted to do a medley including my favorite Halo 4 tracks.
I decided to only arrange Halo 4 tracks, since I knew arranging a soundtrack from previous Halo games would be to advanced to orchestral for me. Because Marty O'Donnell use more advanced arrangements for the instruments. I think it's better to work on something easier that you know you can handle and create something great from, rather than something hard that you can't.
The composing style is inspired by alot of composers, I've tried to listen to different tracks and take note on what's make them great and unique. You might hear some references from the following composers and companies:

Hans Zimmer
Audiomachine
Two Steps From Hell
Jo Blankenburg
Zack Hemsey
Marty O'Donnell
Position Music

What I have been taking most inspiration from though, is of course Neil Davidge. I don't know what it is about his music that make it so unique, it might be his instrument of choice, or his composing style. It makes his soundtracks really great and unique in my opinion. I do personally prefer Marty O'Donnell's work, but I prefer Neil Davidge work before the Halo CE soundtracks (Marty O'Donnell's first Halo OST) to be fair.

Well, enough of me talking about my thoughts of the tracks. Here's some information and the story behind it:
It started a couple of months back, when Halo5Informer asked me if I could compose a intro track for him. He wanted me to arrange "Arrival" from Halo 4, I said of course yes. And I was really happy with the results. When I later listened to the short intro track I've composed (maybe a month after I composed it) I asked Halo5Informer if I could extend the track to an arrangement for my 5 000 subscriber special video. He allowed me to extend it, and the 7 second short intro track was the ground for this arrangement.
I later tried alot of different styles, different instruments, and even different Halo tracks to see what would fit the arrangement. I eventually decided to arrange To Galaxy as well, which "Arrival" build up to.
I used alot of different VST's, I'll list them below:
0:01
Spitfire: Albion (Strings)
Native Instruments: Damage (Drums)
East West: Symphonic Choirs (Sopranos and Basses)
0:08
Spitfire: Albion (Brass)
Native Instruments Damage (Drums) with more "boost" effects.
0:19
Spitfire: Albion (Staccato Strings)
Native Instruments: Damage (Drums)
0:34
Native Instruments: The Giant (Grand)
Albion (High Strings)
0:51
8Dio: Dobro
Spitfire: Albion (Strings)
Spitfire: Albion (Brass)
Spitfire: Albion (Percussions)
1:07
Native Instruments: Alicia's Keys (Grand)
Spitfire: Albion (Staccato Strings)
Everything was recorded and arranged from scratch.

Arrival:
From what I can remember, Arrival plays on the third mission "Forerunner" when you're escaping with the ghost. It also plays on the last section of Midnight and the Composer.
It's composed by Neil Davidge and is one of the most appreciated Halo 4 tracks (besides 117 from my understanding).
The full track is around 5 minutes, I decided to arrange the main more epic part and the intro.

To Galaxy:
To Galaxy is the main Halo 4 theme, I'm not sure if the track is played in the campaign. I have only heard it on the Infinity menu and the Spartan Ops trailer.
The full track is 5 minutes, and I arranged the main part (the theme melody).

Once again, I can't thank you enough for the amazing support!
You have helped me reach so many goals, meeting so many amazing people, and you have helped me improve as a person. Thank you. Thank you so much!
I've started composing, getting a huge interest in epic music and gaming / movies soundtracks. I have started arranging and playing by ear, making the tracks my own. Nothing of this would be possible without the people I've met within the community. Nothing of this would be possible without the support from you guys.
-Akmigone

Still reading?

If you wan't to see more Halo content, you should check out Azpekts new Halo 5 fan made trailer:

Thanks!

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[akmigone]

5k subscribers special video!

I can't thank you guys enough! You have inspired me to reach so many goals and meet so many amazing people. Thanks to you, I have been starting composing and arranging tracks. I have an amazing community, I can't ask for more. Thank you!

[LightFire]

I really need a longer version of this! And more amazing orchestrations!

[Eboness]

I've found myself coming back to this video ever since it's upload because of how epic it is. It reminds me exactly how badass Halo is!

[iNeedaWeapon]

I cant stop watching, its too awesome, a combination of my favorite halo songs

[craiggray]

I am a hardcore halo fan and to hear this was outstanding, kudos for playing probably the best song in halo 4, keep going and keep playing :)

[IAH]

Excellent work,  Congrats on 5, 000 subscribers!!

[RYansAdams]

Akmigone I'm so blessed to have found your channel. I love listening to your songs. Never go away please your to talented to stop. I cannot wait for future videos.

[jojogab]

One of the best musical pieces i have EVER heard! Keep up the great work!! :)

[JigglingPandasPkm]

You are amazing omg!! Keep up the good work

[Merackon]

I am so pleased that people are beginning to recognise the quality of music that you are putting out, especially considering that most of the time they are adaptions the actual pieces, but still work really well, as always, I continue to watch all of your videos, please continue!!! :-)

[SwSnpezz]

I love the whole look of the video. Fantastic music with some cool visual effects :) keep it up

[romantheflash]

This was so awesome loved the epic feel of it.

[thegraywolftracks]

wwwooooaaaauu¡¡¡ no hay palabras para describir esto, muy buen trabajo :)

[starvideoXx]

Your work still every time incredible ! Great job

[AsharyAsh]

Bravo your highness bravo! Music to my ears! How thy music caresst my ears!

[Nickrixo]

I don't understand why some people don't appreciate the sod track for Halo 4. It sounds absolutely amazing! And so does this video. I love the effort you put in playing Arrival. I love Halo and I've played some songs on the piano too, but this was outstanding! Ooh makes me feel that supreme passion I have for Halo and the music Lol XD. Great job! :D

[MsHarukin]

This is beyond amazing! Great job on it & I can see so many more great things coming from you.

I can't wait for your next video. This arrangement was amazing and it was so cool to see you playing different instruments as well.

Stay cool, Akmigone <3 :D

[jacacent]

Your work is always fantastic, been following you for a while, I'm really glad to see that your channel is growing more people needs to listen your stuff keep it up!

[TheHighPhilosopher]

Sick job! Congrats on the subscribers!

[TazbowGMV]

Amazing arrangement, and the video in the background was inspiring as well. Fantastic work Akmigone, and my regards to the editor!