Uploaded February 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Pokémon: A DPops Evolution by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, and GAME FREAK
Arranged by Chenyu Ma, SY'19
Conducted by Michael Wang, JE'17
Performed at 'DPops Catches 'Em All' in Battell Chapel on December 16, 2016
––––––––––––
As many of you know, 2016 is a big year for the Pokémon franchise. Celebrating its 20-year anniversary, the release of Pokémon GO was finally able to bring millions of players worldwide to their feet, exploring places they’ve never been to (even though most just end up running in endless circles around the block). However, Pokémon has a long history. On February 27, 1996, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for Game Boy first launched in Japan. A year later, the TV animated series premiered, and in 1998, Pikachu and Ash finally arrived in the US.
Since then, the franchise has grown immensely. With the recent release of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, the original 151 Pokémon in 1996 has grown to a whopping 802, and more than 940 TV episodes have been shown. Just like the Pokémon themselves, the franchise is constantly evolving, and so is the music.
Indeed, the music of Pokémon often goes unnoticed. The composers Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, and others from the game developer GAME FREAK are extremely careful when it comes to creating the games’ soundtracks. From using 8-bit sounds two decades ago to a full orchestra today, every theme in every game sounds unique, with genres ranging from classical to jazz to traditional Japanese. From the grand opening to the snowy cities and intense battles, the music of Pokémon truly reinforces the essence of the franchise: exploration. As you surf over the oceans, walk across the lava and climb atop the sacred tower to encounter Ho-Oh, you are constantly reminded about the beauty of both nature and culture from Japan (Kanto, Jhoto, Sinnoh) to New York (Unova), France (Kalos) and Hawaii (Alola). As such, through my arrangement, I hope to take you on a journey through the magical world of Pokémon, and to relive some of the best moments from the games over the years. Train On.
Program notes by Chenyu Ma
Pokémon: A DPops Evolution by Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, and GAME FREAK
Arranged by Chenyu Ma, SY'19
Conducted by Michael Wang, JE'17
Performed at 'DPops Catches 'Em All' in Battell Chapel on December 16, 2016
––––––––––––
As many of you know, 2016 is a big year for the Pokémon franchise. Celebrating its 20-year anniversary, the release of Pokémon GO was finally able to bring millions of players worldwide to their feet, exploring places they’ve never been to (even though most just end up running in endless circles around the block). However, Pokémon has a long history. On February 27, 1996, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for Game Boy first launched in Japan. A year later, the TV animated series premiered, and in 1998, Pikachu and Ash finally arrived in the US.
Since then, the franchise has grown immensely. With the recent release of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, the original 151 Pokémon in 1996 has grown to a whopping 802, and more than 940 TV episodes have been shown. Just like the Pokémon themselves, the franchise is constantly evolving, and so is the music.
Indeed, the music of Pokémon often goes unnoticed. The composers Junichi Masuda, Go Ichinose, and others from the game developer GAME FREAK are extremely careful when it comes to creating the games’ soundtracks. From using 8-bit sounds two decades ago to a full orchestra today, every theme in every game sounds unique, with genres ranging from classical to jazz to traditional Japanese. From the grand opening to the snowy cities and intense battles, the music of Pokémon truly reinforces the essence of the franchise: exploration. As you surf over the oceans, walk across the lava and climb atop the sacred tower to encounter Ho-Oh, you are constantly reminded about the beauty of both nature and culture from Japan (Kanto, Jhoto, Sinnoh) to New York (Unova), France (Kalos) and Hawaii (Alola). As such, through my arrangement, I hope to take you on a journey through the magical world of Pokémon, and to relive some of the best moments from the games over the years. Train On.
Program notes by Chenyu Ma
