Above The Clouds (inspired by Final Fantasy "To Zanarkand")

Hi to my fellow musicophiles!

Here is my latest work, which was heavily influenced by Nobuo Uematsu's "To Zanarkand" from "Final Fantasy X" (after I came across it by chance on You Tube). 
The main thing I was aiming for, was to write something I could easily play myself, as a very rusty pianist.

Though it's largely my work, I am still quoting some of the original material. (Hopefully not enough to be sued!)

Happy to hear all your comments, even if you hate the idea of rewriting Uematsu! 

N.B. I've never played "Final Fantasy": so have no idea what the original music represents. 
It sounds quite floaty and ethereal: so hence my title.

Edited June 6, 2025Jun 6 by Alex Weidmann

Just thought I'd post an earlier version of this piece, performed by me on my electric piano.

Sorry the sound quality's so awful! You can hear the piano keys clattering throughout.

Think the rubato is better though?

This version is mostly Uematsu's original, with some of my own added material.

Edited June 6, 2025Jun 6 by Alex Weidmann

Hey @Alex Weidmann!

On 5/8/2025 at 7:38 AM, Alex Weidmann said:

Sorry the sound quality's so awful! You can hear the piano keys clattering throughout.

It’s in no way awful, at least my recording of the 3rd Sonata is Worte with all those tears lol! Besides your playing is nice.

On 5/8/2025 at 7:38 AM, Alex Weidmann said:

Think the rubato is better though?

Yup I like your rubato!

On 5/4/2025 at 4:27 AM, Alex Weidmann said:

N.B. I've never played "Final Fantasy": so have no idea what the original music represents. 

Me neither lol! Maybe we need FF expert @PeterthePapercomPoser or @Thatguy v2.0 or @ferrum.wav here to explain LoL. Nonetheless I enjoy your playing your own work, it really matches your more modal style but here it’s quite like Joe Hisaishi since I watched a lot Miyazaki Animations recently. Those high register and ethereal mood and harmony really makes the music “Above the Clouds”! The ending on C sharp major is quite surprising to me but I enjoy it, making it resemble Japanese anime music more! Thx for sharing your music and your playing!

Henry

Thanks Henry,

I love Hisaishi's music: so that's a great compliment!

Watched a You Tube video the other day, about how to write Ghibli style chord progressions. 

I may decide to perform this in public at an upcoming concert, since it's very nice to play.

Hi again @Alex Weidmann!

I decided to find this work after your review of my FFVI work.  I would review it if I could listen to it again but there doesn't seem to be any sound file or link to YT video?  Where is the music?

Hi Peter,

I took it down because the piece had some direct quotation, and I was worried about copyright issues.

I'm actually still working on it, to try and eliminate any recognisable quotation from the original work.

Think I'm almost there.
If I manage it, will repost.

I've also made an orchestration of this work, that I can hopefully post with it.