Track for this page : Final Fantasy VII | “Aeris Lives”
Whether it be in movies, on the stage, at a concert, or in video game, music plays a pivotal role in how we interpret what we are seeing, and our reaction to it. For centuries composers and musicians have strived to make us feel and understand through sound. And, in many instances, they have done quite well by adding to the value of their selected medium.
Some of us, when we think of great music, we may think of Mozart or Bach. Others will think of Aerosmith or Boston. But those of us from the 1970’s and on, may refer to people like Koji Kondo (Super Mario Bro., Legend of Zelda), Takenobu Mitsuyoshi (Shenmue), David Whittaker (Shadow of the Beast), and Michael Salvatori (Halo series). All great composers who have influenced us as we traversed through dungeons and danger, experienced pride after the battle or the anxiety of facing a seemingly unbeatable foe.
We share those memories, and often when we hear that music, whether we remember which game it came from or not, we think to ourselves, “I know that song.” And those memories, and more importantly, those feelings return. And it is as if we were playing that game again. And, With nostalgia aside, we are often inspired.
One series of games that has utilized music to its great potential is Final Fantasy. As I pick and focus on a few of the great songs from this series, keep in mind I am not an authoritative voice. But just a fan who wants to share some personal thoughts and feelings, and make a connection or two, to how these songs move me.
Light, Dark, and Sacrifice
Art often relies on contrast in it’s composition, as does music. One of the many trademarks of the Final Fantasy series is the strong emotional use of music, and creating great contrast with it. In Final Fantasy VII we are given one of my favorite examples of this.
After an intense battle, and his friends being unable to help him, Cloud falls from the reactor walkway, and plummets to the rooftops below the upper plate of Midgard. As he wakes up from the fall he is greeted by a pleasant voice, which the player obviously doesn’t hear, but instead, we are greeted by an incredibly peaceful song, “Aerith’s Theme”.
When I first played through this as a child, 6 or 7 years old, the hopelessness of Clouds situation, as he loses his grip on the walkway, was intense for my young age. But this song, changed that feeling, almost instantly. Listening to this song since, has brought a sense of peace and the realization that sacrifice is necessary for life. And here’s why.
This song is used in another powerful instance, in direct opposition with the darkness that cloud must eventually face. Cloud, in search of Aerith, finally finds her praying in the City of the Ancients. Sephiroth then appears, descending through the silence, and takes Aerith’s life. Aerith’s theme then plays, in a mourning of Aerith’s death and Cloud’s loss. Strip away the dialogue, and message and the power of these two scenes remains.
The hope that Cloud receives when first seeing Aerith, and the loss of hope when she dies, is beautifully tied together with this theme song. And is used throughout the game, especially the end, as an audible symbol of hope and sacrifice, that still inspires those who listen to it years after playing this game. This is one of the purposes of theme songs, something that Final Fantasy has kept a strong tradition of over the years.
Other Contrasty Songs
“To Zanarkand” and “Otherworld” – FFX
“The Oath” and “Succession of Witches” – FFVIII
“Celes’ Theme” and “Kefka’s Theme” – FFVI