The last 15th of November, after Milan, we gather together in Rome to listen to the magnificent concert: The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Before the concert between a quiz and photos with the Triforce and hats we heated up the atmosphere for a wonderful experience, conducted by the amazing Amy Andersson: Conductor charismatic, phenomenal and absolutely a nice person. A heart-felted Thanks for everything you made us feel Amy and for your time for this interview.
Per una serata, in occasione del concerto Symphony of the Goddesses, siamo stati tutti eroi! Tag libero 😀
Posted by NintendOn on Lunedì 16 novembre 2015
1) What was your thought about videogame music before Symphony of the Goddesses?
I conducted another video game show called Replay Symphony of Heroes in 2014. It contained music from Final Fantasy, Halo,and Elder Scrolls, among others. I really fell in love with the music from that show and realized that there is terrific video game music out there. It really spiked my interest!
2) How music and arrangement have been chosen?
The producer of our show hired composers and orchestrators to score Zelda, and they worked closely with Nintendo. Koji Kondo himself approved the orchestrations. I was not involved in that process.
3) How much are you satisfied with Symphony of the Goddesses’ arrangements?
The arrangements and orchestrations of Zelda are beautiful, fresh and full of imagination! Every time I conduct the score I enjoy it very much. And I have done more than 40 shows now!
4) Is there a different approach conducting videogames’ music?
Yes, there is a different approach to conducting video game music, and it is similiar to that of film music. We need to stay in perfect syncronization with the visuals on the screen, so some of the musicians and I wear a click track in our earpiece. We hear the correct tempo and must be very vigilant to follow that click or risk coming out of sync with the video game on the screen.
5) Talking about gender stereotypes how is the world of conductors?
The world of classical conducting is still very conservative, unfortunately. There are women who are making very impressive careers, but it is still a struggle. I must add though, that women conductors in video game concerts have had tremendous successes and opportunities. I think it is because video game concerts are a new genre and none of the old rules really apply in any way.
6) What do you think about musical videogames such as Wii Music, Guitar Hero?
My kids play Wii and Guitar Hero. I think they are great fun and wonderful games!
7) Have you ever tried playing an ocarina?
I have not yet tried to play the Ocarina, but I would like to buy one in the near future and learn. It is a beautiful instrument!
8) Given the opportunity will you go back on other Nintendo franchises like, for example, Metroid or Mario?
I would like to conduct as many other video game shows as possible. It is exciting and challanging work. As long as I feel the music has quality, I am very interested in other shows.
9) Beside the orchestral arrangement, which kind would you consider ideal for Zelda’s music?
The music of Zelda can be played wonderfully in all sorts of arrangements. It can be done in small ensembles, with unusual insturments, and in ways that we might have never heard. That is the true musical value of Zelda. I would love to hear Zelda songs played on the bagpipe!
10) What are your future plans?
My immediate plans are to finish the tour and go back to the States and get some rest! We planning a full Zelda schedule for 2016, but I will be starting to sing jazz, compose and arrange during that time as well. 2016 will be a busy year!
11) What is your answer to who see videogames music like second class music?
That is an old attitude that has no place in the real, modern world anymore. Beautiful music is beautiful music. Period. Whether it is a song by the Beatles, Ravi Shankar playing the sitar, Ella Fitzgerald singing jazz, Mozart or video game music, if it has value, it belongs here. Music that touches your heart, brings you to tears or inspires you, will always have a place on earth. And great video game music does all of that. Thank you so much for your time. It is always a pleasure to reach out to our Zelda fans!
P.S. Thanks also to Demetrio “Demetorio” Sposato for the technical advices for a couple of questions.