Zanarkand (theme)

August 1, 2010

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Listen to my story. This may be our last chance.

Opening words by Tidus

Zanarkand (ザナルカンドにて, Zanarukando nite?, lit. In Zanarkand or At Zanarkand) or To Zanarkand is the main theme of Final Fantasy X, composed by Nobuo Uematsu.

Development

Artwork by Yoshitaka Amano depicting the party right before they begin their final journey to Zanarkand.

Uematsu got the idea of the tune for the opening theme from a flautist he consulted for help. He requested the tune to be used in Final Fantasy X and coaxed the team in using it for certain event scenes, but they weren't convinced.

In the end, they decided to try using it on the opening screen, and Uematsu was surprised that it was just perfect for it. In the end, the theme, together with "Suteki da ne," became the game's main theme, something Uematsu still finds hard to believe to this day.

Game Appearances

Final Fantasy X

Template:Sideicon Template:Listen The theme is first played during the game's opening, which shows Tidus and the others at the ruins of Zanarkand as they prepare for the final leg of their pilgrimage.

This theme shares the greatest importance in the soundtrack, along with "Suteki da ne", being played at various significant plot events, typically rearranged and under different titles, such as "Movement in Green", "The Truth Revealed" and a large part of Final Fantasy X's "Ending Theme".

"Movement in Green" was completely redone for the HD Remaster version with addition of Erhu.

Dissidia Final Fantasy

Template:Sideicon An arrangement of "Zanarkand" known as "Movement in Green" in the English release appears in Dissidia Final Fantasy, playing in the Destiny Odyssey X storyline stage boards.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

Template:Sideicon This arrangement is reused in Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy as Tidus's world map theme.

Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

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Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call

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Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable

The original version of "To Zanarkand" is included in this crossover between Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest for the PlayStation Portable.

Arrangement Album appearances

Piano Collections: Final Fantasy X

A piano arrangement of Zanarkand named "At Zanarkand" was featured on the Final Fantasy X piano collections album.

The Black Mages II: The Skies Above

Template:Listen "The Skies Above" is a rearranged version of "Zanarkand" featured as the title track of The Black Mages' second album The Black Mages II: The Skies Above. This version's entrance includes the original "Zanarkand" and is succeeded by a dynamic entry of a heavy metal arrangement of the original song, with lyrics by Alexander O. Smith and performed by Japanese tenor Tomoaki Watanabe credited as "Mr. Goo".

Lyrics

Sparks from the fire rise up to the sky

Higher and higher oh I want to fly

Out of the story this time I'll be free

Wake up for a moment from this dream of me

Just a legend cold words on a page

Lift up my eyes and I'm soaring away

On silver wings spread out to the sun

I'm leaving this city for the skies above.

O'er the ruins an ancient light

Never lost, never failing

Follow me on my path to the heights

Before the shadows fade into night

Running back but I'm out of time.

I could tell everything

Hear the words that fill my mind

How can I say she was mine?

Guitar Solo Final Fantasy Official Best Collection

This album features a classic guitar arrangement of "Zanarkand".

Final Fantasy Remix

A remix by DJ duo Ante is included on this album.

Final Fantasy Orchestra Album

"To Zanarkand" appears on this Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary arrangement album.

Final Fantasy Tribute ~Thanks~

A techno arrangement of "Zanarkand" by AVTechNO! was included on this tribute to the Final Fantasy series music as the fourth track of its second disc.

Live performances

20020220 music from Final Fantasy

An orchestral arrangement of "Zanarkand" was performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra at the Tokyo International Forum on February 20th, 2002. This arrangement was later included at the concert series "Tour De Japon" in 2004.

More Friends - Music from Final Fantasy

"Zanarkand" was performed by The World Festival Symphony Orchestra at the More Friends - Music from Final Fantasy concert, which took place at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California on May 16th, 2005.

Distant Worlds II: More Music from Final Fantasy

"Zanarkand" was performed and included in the sequel to Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy and was performed by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. This version of the theme introduces previously unheard variations into the, otherwise simple, central melody.

Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy Returning Home

"Zanarkand" is included on this live recording of an orchestral concert, performed by the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Arnie Roth held in Tokyo, in November 2010.

A New World: intimate music from Final Fantasy

A live recording of "Zanarkand" from at the London premiere of the concert of the same name on February 15, 2014, conducted by Arnie Roth, is included on this album.

Orlando Nerd Fest 2014

Nobuo Uematsu and The Earthbound Papas performed "Zarnakand" in the event.

Non-Square Enix appearances

EXIT TRANCE PRESENTS FamiTrance EX

"Zanarkand" appears as the eleventh track in this album. It is a techno dance arrangement composed by Nobuo Uematsu.

Sheet Music

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References

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