by Crono/Kyp on 6/29/2001
favorite track: 12
 
Final Fantasy is epic, loud, and beautifully composed. Most of this score is performed by strings, choir and a LOT of brass. The main theme, for example, first heard in "The Spirit Within," is this huge, brooding brass and choral music, bookended with solo ethnic flute. This theme is heard throughout the score.

The beautiful London Voices are known for vocalizing a lot of scores, and they don't disappoint when singing Goldenthal's music. While only featured in a few tracks, their powerful voices make this all the more enjoyable to listen too. Their great talent is fully realized on "Zeus Cannon."

One thing I found very pleasing about this music is the use piano. While sparingly used, this instrument is a very beautiful addition to the score. According to Goldenthal (in the liner notes), he mentions the first piano motif we hear is the melody... and what a melody! The best renditions are heard in "The Kiss" and "A Child Recalled."

The orchestra definitely is not as harsh as some of his other scores like Alien 3 or Sphere; I believe Final Fantasy is one of his best works. I can honestly say that Goldenthal has exceeded my expectations and just blew me away with this one. He rose to the challenge and created a masterpiece of a score that will forever be entrenched in the minds of Goldthenal fans and Final Fantasy fans.