Tails by the Foxfire

Final Fantasy: a New World at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium: Tails by the Foxfire’s Orchestra Perspective, Ranking & Review

If you’re a big fan of Final Fantasy music like me, then you’ve probably also heard of (and longed to go to) one of the huge orchestral concerts that tours the globe each year, whether that’s the Eorzean Symphony, the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth World Tour, or the granddaddy of them all: Distant Worlds, which has been touring since 2007. One concert that escaped my notice in pining after these revolutionary shows, though, was Intimate Music From Final Fantasy: A New World, which premiered in London back in 2014. Honestly, I’m shocked and amazed that this one escaped my radar, as I was living in the UK back then and consider myself pretty informed when it comes to all things Final Fantasy! However, when the A New World orchestra announced a date in Halifax, NS, I jumped on it and I’m glad I did, because what followed was a magically nostalgic night led by the energetic conducting flair of Eric Roth (son of legendary conductor and co-creator Arnie Roth) filled with old and new favourite songs from across the Final Fantasy series that’s been such a big part of my life for the last 20+ years.

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What is Intimate Music From Final Fantasy: A New World?

Helmed by conductor Eric Roth, Intimate Music From Final Fantasy: A New World is the smaller, softer (but no less powerful) cousin of the famous Distant Worlds concerts led by his father, Arnie Roth. Though both concerts bring Final Fantasy’s stunning music to the stage, A New World opts for a more stripped back experience without video game footage or flashy merch (aside from vinyl records and a tote bag). Instead, Final Fantasy: A New World makes Eric Roth and its chamber orchestra the stars of the show by putting their individually honed skills and spirited musical expression on full display. What results is a wholly enchanting night that creates a quieter, more intimate connection between the artists and the attendees, and which Eric Roth leads with charismatic wit and flair that makes the whole show an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike.

FaeEyedFox’s Top 5 Tracks From Final Fantasy: A New World

1. Valse Di Fantastica (Final Fantasy XV) – Strangely, I didn’t think Final Fantasy XV was high on my list of favourites across the games, but boy, was I wrong! Valse Di Fantastica actually managed to bring me to tears because it was so nostalgic and masterfully performed, even on so few instruments when compared to bigger shows like Distant Worlds!)
2. Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X) – Another tearjerker. Final Fantasy X is a very emotionally meaningful game to me, as Yuna’s courage on her journey saw me through some of the trickier times in my life as well. Unsurprisingly, Zanarkand shone in orchestral format and the chamber orchestra configuration injected the authentically vulnerable feel that made made me fall in love with Final Fantasy X all those years ago.
3. Besaid (Final Fantasy X)
4. Close in the Distance (Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker) – The third one to make me weepy. My husband and I have been playing Final Fantasy XIV together on and off for the last 12 years or so, and Close in the Distance is a track full of the perfectly bittersweet nostalgia that compels you to look back over your life and remember the good times. We’ve had plenty of those in Eorzea, and in the wake of the concert and the announcement for Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold, we have decided to grab our friends and take one last walk back through Eorzea… right from the beginning, this time without an ocean between us.
5. Insatiable (Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers)

Mr. Fox’s Top 5 Tracks From Final Fantasy: A New World

1. One Winged Angel (Final Fantasy VII)
2. Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X)
3. Valse Di Fantastica (Final Fantasy XV)
4. Crimson Sunrise (Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood) – This one really was beautiful and I somehow forgot about it when building my list, so I’m so glad Mr. Fox thought to add it to his!
5. Land of the Dwarves (Final Fantasy IV)

Another track Mr. Fox and I both agreed almost made this list was A Place to Call home from Final Fantasy IX, as we both love the game dearly. Unfortunately, despite being the only song from Final Fantasy IX in attendance, A Place to Call Home was cut woefully short by Insatiable from Final Fantasy XIV. Had it been allowed to linger a little longer, it no doubt would’ve been another unforgettable feature of the night.

Verdict: Should You Go See Future Final Fantasy: A New World Shows?

Yes! Honestly, if you get the opportunity to attend Intimate Music from Final Fantasy: A New World, then I wholeheartedly recommend you do! Eric Roth is a marvellous host and craftsman who takes conducting to a new level with energy and humour. Very few fans will find themselves disappointed, and older titles are given their flowers with space made for even Final Fantasy I in the show we saw. Choices range from bittersweet character themes to thrilling boss battles and beyond, and you may be surprised by some of the tracks in attendance! Rather than Eyes on Me and Melodies of Life as I expected, A New World shone a light on some less high-profile themes alongside popular favourites like Zanarkand, One Winged Angel, and Tifa & Aerith’s Themes. Mr. Fox had initially been afraid that he’d feel a bit out of his depth going in, but despite not having played every single game, he still had a wonderful night, and one we’ll remember for many years to come. My only regret is that I didn’t see if I could get one of my vinyl records signed!

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