Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
So I made a thing ... Here are a few snippets.
An RPG music library with tracks inspired by Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, NieR, Octopath, among others.
If you love RPG music, or want to check out some of my original work, or just want to procrastinate some more ( o/ I'm guilty), please consider giving the tracks a listen:
➤ Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/jshaw-music/sets/rpg-orchestral-essentials-reborn
★ I am open for commissions/collaborations!
jshaw.co.uk/commissions
--------------------
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library, 8Dio, Spitfire LABS, Sampleism
★Tags: RPG Orchestral Essentials, Reborn, Video Game Music, Music Library, RPG, JRPG
#RPGOrchestralEssentials
#Reborn
#Giveaway
So I made a thing ... Here are a few snippets.
An RPG music library with tracks inspired by Golden Sun, Fire Emblem, NieR, Octopath, among others.
If you love RPG music, or want to check out some of my original work, or just want to procrastinate some more ( o/ I'm guilty), please consider giving the tracks a listen:
➤ Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/jshaw-music/sets/rpg-orchestral-essentials-reborn
★ I am open for commissions/collaborations!
jshaw.co.uk/commissions
--------------------
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library, 8Dio, Spitfire LABS, Sampleism
★Tags: RPG Orchestral Essentials, Reborn, Video Game Music, Music Library, RPG, JRPG
#RPGOrchestralEssentials
#Reborn
#Giveaway
![Freezing Kalt | Orchestral Cover
🎵 Sheet Music & Parts ➤ [Removed by Nintendo JP]
💗 MIDI / XML / Sibelius ➤ https://bit.ly/TandABundle
🎹 Commissions ➤ https://www.jshaw.co.uk/commissions
🎮 More Arrangements ➤ https://www.jshaw.co.uk/TandA
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🎵 Apple Music / iTunes ➤ https://bit.ly/TandAApple
An orchestral arrangement Ive made of this lonely, yet chilling little theme from Golden Sun: The Lost Age.
➤ Analysis:
The original audio was particularly empty to symbolize that even the most far-reaching and distant islands are still inhabited, albeit cut off from the world. Thus I tried to keep the orchestration fairly light and cold, with the exception of the climax (of course!) which is quite heavy before trailing off into loneliness once more.
I wasnt too sure on the use of alto flutes at the same time as regular flutes as an orchestra will typically have the flautists doubling the alto flute, and well, here Ive written for both at the same time which is a little unusual!
The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using the brilliant EastWest sample libraries.
★Game: Golden Sun: The Lost Age
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries
★Tags: Golden Sun, Golden, Sun, The Lost Age, Golden Sun The Lost Age, TLA, GS, Golden Sun Orchestra, Golden Sun Cover, Golden Sun Remix, Golden Sun Arrangement, Freezing Kalt, Kalt Freezing, Frozen, Cold
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#TheLostAge Freezing Kalt | Orchestral Cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/blPot6fIUEg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Felixs Battle Theme | Orchestral Cover
🎵 Sheet Music & Parts ➤ [Removed by Nintendo JP]
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Here to bring an end to the year - the epic Felixs Battle Theme from Golden Sun, now for orchestra.
➤ Analysis:
Functioning as the general battle theme for The Lost Age, how does Sakuraba convey intensity, aggression and energy?
Like many of his battle tracks, we get an introduction (0:03). Here, it begins with an intense series of ascending diminished 7th chords (e.g. C-Eb-F#-A), creating an exceptionally crunchy ambiguous sound. The tempo (speed) is also rather fast at 160 beats per minute, and melodically the track is packed with rapid 16th notes. Altogether, they create an instantaneous vivid energy - very suitable for a battle.
After the introduction, we shift into F# Aeolian (F#-G#-A-B-C#-D-E) with a grand string melody outlining a major 7th chord (0:07; D-F#-A-C#) alongside a descending harmony. Here, I have expanded this string material with numerous countermelodies and complementary chromaticism.
As we progress into the 2nd half of the phrase (0:12), we expect another 4-measure phrase. But this is a battle track! Thus, we get a 3-measure phrase instead, interrupting the previously established regular phrasing. The trigger for this interruption (0:15) is an intense clash of ascending and descending diminished 7th arpeggios (D-F-Ab-B).
This chord is used as a pivot to modulate from F# to A Aeolian (A-B-C-D-E-F-G) - a tertiary shift up a (you guessed it) 3rd. Here, a lyrical oboe takes over the string melodic role while a glockenspiel provides the subtle countermelody from Sakurabas original. As the phrase enters its 2nd half again (0:22), once more the phrasing is cut short - this time to merely 2 measures - as the strings reclaim their melodic role with some additional added-note harmonies (e.g. major 9ths; 0:24; C-E-G-D).
At 0:25, we begin the pre-climax climb - an exciting passage of fleeting string material, newly added syncopated brass, and additional snare drum counter-rhythms as we slowly ascend harmonically from B to C to D to D# diminished 7th (D#-F#-A-C) accompanied by a swift woodwind scale and brass crescendos.
We have reached the climax (0:31), now in E Aeolian (E-F#-G-A-B-C-D). Here, the strings proudly perform an incredible melody involving 2nd and 6th clashes (e.g. E-F#, C-E-A, and B-D#-G). Accompanying this is our good friend the oboe, now returning with a glockenspiel and harp to provide the classic Sakuraba arpeggio movement, all the while the remaining instruments distort the rhythm with syncopation (e.g. 3 against 2).
This is the first time we get our long-promised regular phrasing (a full 8-measure phrase goes undisturbed). And at 0:43, it even manages to loop for another full 8-measures uninterrupted as the trumpets takeover the string melody, and the strings provide a new countermelody in 3rds. As we conclude in B major, we drop down via a plagal cadence (IV - I; B to F#) for our loop.
On the whole, quite a short battle track (akin to Colossos Battle Theme), but nonetheless exciting in so short a time!
The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using sample libraries from EastWest and Vienna Symphonic.
★Game: Golden Sun: The Lost Age
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library
★Tags: Golden, Sun, Golden Sun, The Lost Age, Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Orchestra, Orchestral, Orchestration, Arrangement, Remix, Cover, Felix Battle Theme
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#FelixBattleTheme Felixs Battle Theme | Orchestral Cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bsXhPjaraQQ/mqdefault.jpg)

![Colosso Starts! | Orchestral Cover
🎵 Sheet Music & Parts ➤ [Removed by Nintendo JP]
💗 MIDI / XML / Sibelius ➤ https://bit.ly/TandABundle
🎹 Commissions ➤ https://www.jshaw.co.uk/commissions
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With the excitement around Super Smash Bros., I figured it was time to have a go at orchestrating Sakurabas Colosso themes from Golden Sun, starting with this one!
➤ Analysis:
The piece is highly energetic, with a powerfully driving rhythm (see cellos at the start) and several hemiolas (0:46) which further create the exciting rhythmic pulse.
The original also contained elements of fanfare, with its notable use of trumpets (again with Sakurabas excellent echoing effect, which Ive applied here at 0:46 in the trumpets) and triumphant major key. The additions Ive added (e.g. the woodwind and harp responses of 0:07 and 0:14) further enhance this victorious aesthetic.
Heres to Isaac one day making it into Smash as a playable character!
The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using the brilliant EastWest sample libraries.
★Game: Golden Sun
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries
★Tags: Golden Sun, Golden, Sun, The Lost Age, Golden Sun The Lost Age, TLA, GS, Golden Sun Orchestra, Golden Sun Cover, Golden Sun Remix, Golden Sun Arrangement, Colosso, Golden Sun Colosso, Colosso Starts
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#TheLostAge Colosso Starts! | Orchestral Cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d7XZlKepvHY/mqdefault.jpg)


![An Enemy Appears | Orchestral Cover
🎵 Sheet Music & Parts ➤ [Removed by Nintendo JP]
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A villainous theme from the second Golden Sun, now orchestrated in all its sinister fanfare.
➤ Analysis:
One of the many menacing themes of Golden Sun, appearing during our first encounter with Karst, and before our final battle with the Wise One.
The original opened with a dissonant male choir trudging atop several bass instruments pivoting between a tritone (the Diabolus in Musica / Devil in Music). To expand upon this devilish sound, Ive encompassed a full SATB choir - now with relevant Latin text - as well as a church organ at full throttle to complement the menacing aesthetic.
The track is largely littered with these tritone intervals, which are one of the quickest compositional methods to create evil music (e.g follow the bass instruments throughout).
As this opening choir & organ section concludes, we shift into a more orchestral segment (0:25). Here, the brass are all equipped with mutes (con sord. / with mute), while the strings all play with the technique sul ponticello / on the bridge for a scratchier timbre. Together, these techniques create an unsettlingly harsher sound than if they were played normally - fitting for a villainous theme!
Note how the melody here descends chromatically (0:25). Chromaticism is another excellent technique for achieving dissonance and gives you the possibility to modulate anywhere with complete freedom (more or less). As this phrase ends (0:35), we get another tritone clash in the choir and organ, suggesting elements of the Lydian mode (F-G-A-B-C-D-E).
Moving into the next section (0:37), the choir goes off on a seemingly random chromatic phrase (now doubled in a muted trombone), while the bass instruments repeat the tritone pivot found in the opening. To complement this dread, I inserted a reference to a dissonant melody from another sinister Golden Sun track (bonus brownie points to anyone that can figure it out), as well as quivering muted horns growing and fading.
As this section continues its 2nd half (0:50), we jump up a minor 3rd to G. The melody becomes doubled in violin harmonics for an additional eerie aesthetic, while the sul ponticello strings make an early return. It is also worth mentioning the extreme dissonances Sakuraba employs here (note the minor 9th - C# & D - in the bass and choir; 0:57), and numerous false relation clashes (see 0:52; the G-natural in the bass clashing against the G# in the choir).
As this section closes (1:00), we get a nearly identical repeat of early material (0:25), now with additional choir and organ dissonance spelling out an insane chord that I cant even name in this harmonic context (C#-D-G over a C#, so some sort of sus-4 minor 9th). Really heavy stuff! :O
The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using sample libraries from EastWest and Vienna Symphonic.
★Game: Golden Sun
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library
★Tags: Golden, Sun, Golden Sun, The Lost Age, Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Orchestra, Orchestral, Orchestration, Arrangement, Remix, Cover, An Enemy Appears, Agatio and Karst
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#AnEnemyAppears An Enemy Appears | Orchestral Cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ecfg2vJvx28/mqdefault.jpg)
![Tolbi | Orchestral Cover
🎵 Sheet Music & Parts ➤ [Removed by Nintendo JP]
💗 MIDI / XML / Sibelius ➤ https://bit.ly/TandABundle
🎹 Commissions ➤ https://www.jshaw.co.uk/commissions
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Heres a cheerful little arrangement of Tolbi from Golden Sun - dont forget to bring your lucky medals! I hope it brightens up your 2020 just a little bit! :)
➤ Analysis:
A rather simple, little tune, but nevertheless just as memorable as any other. This track starts in E major (E-G#-B; 0:03), shifting in the 2nd measure to the subdominant over a 2nd inversion tonic pedal (A major; A-C#-E over an E), then to the dominant by the 3rd measure (B major; B-D#-F#) and finally resolving via a perfect cadence back to the tonic of E major (0:05).
In this remarkably short little phrase, we effectively have a I-IV-V-I progression - one of the most common Western progressions ever used - and the entire track swims solely between these 3 chords.
The next 4-bar phrase is similar (0:06-0:09) - I-IV-V-V - concluding with an imperfect cadence in the dominant (V; B major; 0:09), which is resolved as expected to the tonic (I). Together, this 8-bar phrase is repeated (0:09 - 0:15).
Then we modulate to the subdominant (IV; A major; 0:15), with the oboe taking the lead as we alternate between IV and V (A major and B major) - already preparing us for the eventual return to the tonic via a perfect cadence (0:29).
Here, the opening 8 measures are repeated (0:29 - 0:42). So that it is not an exact repeat, I have added a decorated piccolo doubling the panpipe melody an octave above, as well as additional attack from the marimbas doubling the celesta.
We reach the final section at 0:42. Here, the celesta takes the melody in Sakurabas original, which I have doubled with the piccolo (and later, glockenspiel) here. Harmonically, there is a functional dissonance created as a result of pitting a tonic pedal (E; see upright bass) against a dominant chord (B-D#-F#; 0:44). This creates a semitonal clash of D#-E, but it is a soft dissonance since the D# is resolved up to the E as our ears would expect it to.
Due to the simplicity of the overall harmony, and the soft instruments of Sakurabas original, I deduced this little track to be a festive one that represented a bustling market town of festivities (e.g. Colosso and all the good old gambling minigames). As such, my orchestration ties into this rustic, unperturbed aesthetic, using almost entirely woodwinds and percussion as if the villagers themselves were colloquially performing the track.
I did experiment with retaining the beefy bass guitar from Sakurabas original, but it didnt quite complement this aesthetic and was too out of place - at least for this arrangement!
The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using sample libraries from EastWest, Vienna Symphonic and Sampleism (Panpipes).
★Game: Golden Sun
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library, Sampleism
★Tags: Golden, Sun, Golden Sun, The Lost Age, Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Orchestra, Orchestral, Orchestration, Arrangement, Remix, Cover, Tolbi, Town, Village,
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#Tolbi Tolbi | Orchestral Cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ehlGyBiU1pI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Trouble is Brewing | Orchestral Cover
🎵 Sheet Music & Parts ➤ [Removed by Nintendo JP]
💗 MIDI / XML / Sibelius ➤ https://bit.ly/TandABundle
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Enjoy this (totally appropriate) theme to start off the new year lmao
➤ Analysis:
As one of the few tracks used to signify danger, how does Sakuraba achieve this emotion through music?
From the first bar, we are thrust into dissonance. The starting note in the violin scrapes fiendishly against the other instruments (E against E♭ - a semitonal dissonance). The violins continue swirling through various chromatic progressions (E-F-E, followed by A-G♯, and then E-F again), which is exacerbated by the entry of a countermelody in the 2nd violin (0:08) that is given similarly chromatic material.
All the while, the bass instruments bellowing underneath follow their own chromatic descent (E♭-D-C♯). And to cement everything together, a drum kit plays a surprisingly simple beat, whilst low drums maintain momentary booms of doom deep below.
Trying to pinpoint a tonal center here would be a moot point, although there does seem to be some focus on E (particularly E Hijaz; E-F-G♯-A-B-C-D-E) if we looked solely at the violins. But the bass material combined with the abundance of chromatic notes would instead suggest atonality (music without any particular tonal stresses).
This chromaticisms continues for some time and reaches a climax at 0:17. Here, Sakuraba employs a devilishly chromatic chord: G♯-A-B♭-E♭-F. And even after taking out the worst chromatic offender (A), the remaining chord still lacks any proper tonal attachment (A♭-B♭-E♭-F), further creating the sound of instability.
From 0:24, we repeat the opening material with a new countermelody in the brass. This commences on E (again suggesting some focus on E) and is similarly chromatic (E-D♯-G-E-F-F♯-G-F♯ etc.). This is joined by another drum kit, this time consisting of various improvisatory drum fills as if the meter has started to collapse. I also added some semitonal woodwind trills to complement this.
By 0:39, the collapse is pushed further with additional chromatic falling, and at 0:45 I decided to extend the track by an additional 8 bars, taking the material up a 5th (to B). This enhances the sense of oncoming terror by making the music sound as if it is getting closer, and the sense of collapse is further complemented by the free falling of brass at the end of their phrase (1:00). All the while, a new chromatic ostinato in the flutes and violins scratches the ceiling of this palette.
To finish, I wrote a short ending (1:59) that slowly creeps into view, eventually forming an unstable diminished 7th chord (D♯-F♯-A-C) that rises chromatically before finishing with one final bare 5th chord in the low instruments.
In general, it is through the extensive use of chromaticisms, lack of tonal center and increasingly semitonal harmonies that contribute to the tracks success in conveying danger.
The score was created in Sibelius 7.5, and the audio was created in Cubase using sample libraries from EastWest and Vienna Symphonic.
★Game: Golden Sun
★Developer: Camelot Software Planning
★Publisher: Nintendo
★Composer(s): Motoi Sakuraba
★Software: Sibelius 7.5, Cubase Elements 7, Cubase 10, Adobe Premiere Elements 15, EastWest Sample Libraries, Vienna Symphonic Library, AmpleSound
★Tags: Golden, Sun, Golden Sun, The Lost Age, Golden Sun: The Lost Age, Orchestra, Orchestral, Orchestration, Arrangement, Remix, Cover, Trouble is Brewing
#GoldenSun
#Orchestra
#2023 Trouble is Brewing | Orchestral Cover](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fQPXO0CoDQM/mqdefault.jpg)

