Takenobu Mitsuyoshi Interview: Guest Arranger of Symphonic Shades (August 2008)
Across the next few weeks, we will publish a series of English translations of interviews with those involved with Symphonic Shades - Huelsbeck in Concert. The German versions of the interviews can be read at the official website for the concert.
Takenobu Mitsuyoshi is Sega composer well-known for his work on the Shenmue, Virtua Fighter, and Daytona series. For Symphonic Shades, he has arranged the Apidya II suite.
Interview Content
Q: Mr Mitsuyoshi, your music has been performed last year at the Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig. Can you tell us more?
A: Yes, and it was fantastic! They performed a suite of music from World Club Champion Football, a game series that it quite popular in Japan. In Germany, the title might be not as well-known as it is in my country, but it was always my goal to compose music that also works out of the game context and entertains people.
Q: What is the difference between German and Japanese video game music concerts?
A: Seriously, I think both concerts have their own unique style. Maybe it is possible to say that the concerts in Leipzig are a bit more classical, not only because of the ambience of the Gewandhaus concert hall in Leipzig. In Tokyo, I was performing in a rock band, which was a part of a major 2007 event.
Q: For Symphonic Shades, you arranged music from Apidya II. What can we expect?
A: When I listened to the music for the first time, I thought: Actually I do not have to arrange anything, the style is already quite orchestral! I analysed the original music carefully. Of course I gave the arrangement my own style, but I tried to stay close to the original as much as possible. By the way, I especially like the track in the soundtrack that plays at the end, once you defeated the last enemy.
Q: The choir is going to sing in Japanese language. Is that right?
A: That is correct! I had that idea when listening to the original music. I thought it was already very fitting for the use of lyrics. Fans should try to catch the word "Ai". This means "Love" in Japanese. My lyrics are following the original story of the game. Love is the motivation of the main hero to set out for his dangerous adventure.
Q: You have been to Germany quite often. What are you looking forward to the most?
A: I love Germany. I am looking forward meeting my friends. I am eager to enjoy the German food and, of course, the beer!
