You’re about to hear the most popular game music from Germany. At least I imagine this is true given Chris Hülsbeck’s massive celebrity status in his homeland. While the Symphonic Shades concert took place back in August, we told you back in July that a live recorded album was on its way, and finally we have a solid release date.
Set to ship on December 11, 2008, Symphonic Shades will feature 14 of Chris Hülsbeck’s most memorable pieces of music arranged by an amazing team including demoscene legend Jonne Valtonen and even Yuzo Koshiro and Takenobu Mitsuyoshi. We’re greatly looking forward to this release, and will likely be hosting a review and giveaway in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Read the official press release for Symphonic Shades after the jump.
Chris Hülsbeck‘s latest CD “Symphonic Shades” to be released next month
The time has come. The concert album “Symphonic Shades” featuring the music of video game music legend Chris Hülsbeck will be released on December 11, 2008. The CD contains all of the compositions that were presented live in concert on August 23, 2008 in Cologne, Germany.
“At last, fans will be able to listen to the music of the concerts in the highest quality even if they were unable to attend in person due to the overwhelming demand for tickets from all over the world.” says Thomas Böcker, Executive Producer of the concerts and the CD album.
The CD, with a running time of about 70 minutes, is available for 22,00 EUR (MSRP) and can be ordered at the MAZ Sound Tools GmbH.
An inspirational concert
“It was a grand evening. First, the incredible music, and second the highly dedicated orchestra, all combined with an unmatched audience. It was an enchanting celebration of sounds.” raves Winfried Fechner, the orchestra manager of the WDR Radio Orchestra.
“Symphonic Shades – Hülsbeck in Concert” has been one of the most successful concerts the orchestra has ever performed. Due to the speed of ticket sales, another concert was scheduled for the same evening. The second concert also sold out in no time. Many of the younger attendees who were experiencing their very first symphonic concert were also given the unique privilege of taking part in a very special premiere: for the first time, a video game music concert was broadcast live on radio.
Conducted by Arnold Roth, the WDR Radio Orchestra Cologne and the FILMharmonic Choir Prague performed 14 titles composed by sound magician Chris Hülsbeck and exclusively arranged by Jonne Valtonen for the concert. The Japanese video game music veterans Yuzo Koshiro and Takenobu Mitsuyoshi also joined in as guest arrangers. The eventual mixing and mastering of the album was done in close cooperation with Chris Hülsbeck himself.
“This concert surpasses everything I ever desired musically. Additionally the WDR was very dedicated during the whole production time. We all wanted to offer the best possible concert experience to the listeners. And I think this is what we accomplished.” says a beaming Chris Hülsbeck.
A limited edition of 1,000 copies
The concert album with its sophisticated design and the extensive booklet is limited to 1,000 copies. Fans who are interested in this collector‘s item should hurry, as it is to be expected to sell out quickly, similar to the concert tickets.
CD-TITLE: Symphonic Shades
CATALOGUE NUMBER: HCD10
PRICE: 22,00 EUR (MSRP)
RUNNING TIME: about 70 min. (15 tracks)
RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2008
LABEL: synSONIQ Records
CONDUCTOR: Arnold Roth
COMPOSER: Chris Hülsbeck
PERFORMERS: WDR Radio Orchestra Cologne
FILMharmonic Choir Prague
SOLOISTS: Rony Barrak, Benyamin Nuss, Jari Salmela
FEATURED TRACKS:
“Apidya II”
“Gem’X”
“Grand Monster Slam”
“Jim Power in Mutant Planet”
“Karawane der Elefanten”
“Licht am Ende des Tunnels”
“R-Type”
“Symphonic Shades”
“The Great Giana Sisters”
“Tower of Babel”
“Tunnel B1”
“Turrican 3 – Payment Day”
“Turrican II – The Final Fight”
“X-Out”
ARRANGERS: Jonne Valtonen, Yuzo Koshiro, Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, Adam Klemens
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Thomas Böcker
PURCHASE ORDERS: www.maz-sound.com/Symphonic-Shades
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.symphonicshades.com
This album is simply awesome. Most sophisticated and enjoyable game music orchestral arranged album ever in my opinion. Really nicely presented and mixed too.
Wait, is this out yet? The release says December 11 but you talk as if you have heard it already, Chris. Or did you go to the concert?
The concert was great. If you like Chris Hülsbeck’s music go and get a CD!
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