Dancing Mad (theme)

"Dancing Mad" is the theme that plays during the final battle of Final Fantasy VI. It was composed by Nobuo Uematsu and features a synthesized pipe organ as the leading instrument. The theme is divided into four separate "movements", which play during the four separate tiers, or battles, against Kefka Palazzo. Interwoven with "Dancing Mad" are the game's opening theme, during the first and last movements, Kefka's theme, during the third and last movements, and Kefka's unmistakable laugh, after the closing section of the last movement before it repeats itself. At nearly eighteen minutes in length in its original version (with each movement played through twice), "Dancing Mad" is the longest track recorded as a boss theme in the series. It has been, since its first release, a fan favorite within the community.

The Black Mages
A rearranged version was recorded for the Black Mages's first, eponymous album, featuring an extended guitar solo by lead guitarist Tsuyoshi Sekito.

Chocobo Racing
The dramatic opening to the final movement is used at the beginning of Chapter 10 of Chocobo Racing, though the rest of song is absent.

Dissidia Final Fantasy
The last tier of this track has been included as a bonus BGM in Dissidia Final Fantasy. To acquire it, Chaos must be defeated in the storyline and the player must purchase the track for 500 PP. "Dancing Mad" can be heard in fights against Final Fantasy VI characters on Inward Chaos or be the default choice for fights against Kefka, Terra, or in any battle match. This is also the name of his ultimate weapon in Dissidia.

Structure
The second movement features an organ cadenza, and has a baroque feel due to the fugal nature, which fits in with both the visual ideas in the three tiers in the Final Boss, but also the various allusions to renaissance and gothic art throughout the game. It draws on a distinct similarity to Bach's "Preludes and Fugues" and more prominently Handel's "Messiah", which is prominent due to Kefka's ascent to godhood, becoming a deity figure himself.

Fan Remixes
Notable remixes in two parts, by Jeremy Robson & Derek Oren and waxingeloquent, of the theme were made available at OverClocked ReMix. "Cantata for Dancing" features a vocal arrangement with Latin lyrics.
 * "Cantata for Dancing: I. Mors ego sum mortis", Jeremy Robson & Derek Oren, OC ReMix
 * "Cantata for Dancing: II. Fuga Kefka", Jeremy Robson & Derek Oren, OC ReMix
 * "Dancing Madly (First Form)", waxingeloquent, OC ReMix
 * "Dancing Madly (Second Form)", waxingeloquent, OC ReMix