Support my collaborators! Here's everyone who helped and links to hear more of them! Stefano Vittori kzfaq.info David “Cookie” Koch kzfaq.info Jordan Moore kzfaq.info Austin Colden twitch.tv/backlogboys dabr.bandcamp.com Alejandro Espinosa kzfaq.info Daniel Ponce kzfaq.info Psamanthes kzfaq.info Bonnie Bogovich blackcatbonifide.com/ Marina Garanin kzfaq.info May Claire La Plante www.mayclaire.com/ Irene Regini kzfaq.info Liz Rishel lizrishel.com Amanda Wyand www.amandawyand.com/ Patrick Philip Becker www.hautchanteur.com/ Alejandro Espinosa kzfaq.info Ben Filippone www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-filippone-49a02299 Matheus Manente matheusmanente.com/ Tim Rosko www.timrosko.com/ St. Vincent de Paul www.svdprogers.com/ Mathew Valente, who digitally recreated Kefka's laugh! kzfaq.info

The lyricist deserves an award. That was a masterclass in matching words to both the story and the song.

Explain me this, Kefka. If nothing makes sense and everything is futile, why is your theme song so full of MEANING, huh???

I hate having to say "You've outdone yourself" so frequently, but this is an insane production. The logistics must have been so difficult. On top of that, there's some complicated moments in this, so getting the parts down must have been hard. Big ups to everyone involved!

Something's gone horribly wrong with the matrix if this has only 18k views after 4 months. It should be top Dancing Mad arrangement of all time by now.

Just like in the game, a whole team was assembled to take on a monumental task… absolutely incredible work.

I hit the like button before even watching it. Adding original Latin lyrics (these aren’t the Distant Worlds ones) cemented my like button in stone. Take a bow, for this was awesome.

Kefka: "Life...dreams...hope... Where do they come from? And where do they go? Such meaningless things... I'll destroy them a-" After Kefka listens to this: "Okay well maybe not EVERYTHING has to go..." Nice work guys. This is an excellent version of this theme, and props to y'all for preforming it in it's entirety! xD

And Kefka's laugh at 9:41 is the cherry on top Phenomenal work ! An ambitious project that absolutely delivered

I cannot BELIEVE you managed to pull this off, I figured we were still a couple of years away before seeing Dancing Mad done! And the choir blew the official orchestration out of the water 🙌🙌🙌 I hope you'll release a version without vocals though so we can also fully appreciate the instruments! Also I swear to god this had better be the breakout hit that gets you the tens of thousands of subscribers you deserve!!

Hey, that's almost the same rock organ that Nobuo Uematsu uses! I once organized a concert that he performed at, and he requested a Nord Lead 2X and Nord Electro 3. It had to be those exact models (I had a sheet full of specific settings they had to be configured with), and my AV supplier had a heck of a hard time finding them. They had to rent it in another city a six hour drive away and have it shipped in. Luckily the AV supplier had an office in the other city and was already sending some stuff over, so it wasn't like we had to have somebody do the drive *just* for the keyboards... and if I'm being honest, even that was less trouble than arranging for the full-sized concert grand that another performer required. Worth it, though.

Pulchre!! Honori mihi fuit inter cantores numerari!

My. God. Andrew, just, thank you - and all the other musicians and singers who have joined you - for giving this to us. It's an honor to witness how far you've come and how hard you've worked, all for the love of this wonderful music.

The madman has done it. What an incredible collaboration. The last bit slaps as it should, and the _laugh!!!_ The laugh should always be there!! Wonderful. I'd have it on loop in the background, but I can only assume I wouldn't be able to focus if I did lmao. Amazing, amazing work to all the participants.

You all are doing Gods work.

OMG THIS IS STUNNING it came out so well, I'm really grateful to have been a part of the project! 🙏

Aw yes. This was a long time coming. Amazing! That gag at 8:08.

Chapters: 0:00 1st Tier 2:42 2nd Tier 4:42 3rd Tier 6:32 Transition 7:05 4th Tier

No... you.... didn't.... Y'all absolutely murdered this! Your work continues to be the best. Every superlative... Another DEFINITIVE VERSION

What an accomplishment! You took probably the most complex piece Nobuo Uematsu ever composed... and you absolutely knocked it out of the park. Chapeau bas! Fantastic job!! Also, I really can't wait to hear "Dancing Mad" in the Pixel Remaster.

It took me nearly two weeks to finally put together the words to comment on this video. I have been following this channel almost since its first video some six odd years ago. It was around that time where I had started to stop searching for many new game music arrangements. I felt like they had pretty much reached their zenith. Then I heard you playing Mega Man songs with real instruments. Then Gau's theme. That's when I knew I had found something special. I'm keenly aware that your arrangements weren't live per se - they are recorded and edited, and for good reason. After all, this is how gaming music during the 16-bit era was made - via sampling and recording the individual instruments, then arranging them at the proper volumes, with the proper dynamics and tempos, until it was perfect. That's part what made that era's music so breathtaking. When I heard you doing this, and watched it, I couldn't help but be reminded of Smooth McGroove, who had also been heavily active around that time. You were doing with instruments what he was doing with his voice, and I fell in love with it instantly. As time went on, and you made more tracks, I found myself literally bawling while I listened. The first one that brought me to tears was Link to the Past's end credits theme. I don't think I had ever heard a rendition that felt like someone had taken the original and perfected it until I heard your version. Your attention to detail was astonishing. You seemed to gravitate toward all of my personal favorite games, chief amongst them the Mega Man series and Final Fantasy VI. You've covered most of VI's soundtrack at this point, and have done a spectacular job for the most part. There's a few that I wish you had chosen different instruments or instrument combinations for (i.e. a soprano sax for Kids Run Through the City), but with the amount of effort and just sheer talent necessary to accomplish what you were doing, I knew I was being a spoiled perfectionist for even thinking that. As time went on, and you produced more and more tracks, I was able to tell things were getting better, thanks to both the advancements you had made with your studio and things you were learning along the way. I figured eventually you'd get to the end of the FF6 soundtrack, as you had covered most of it and it obviously was as high on your list as it was mine. That said, I didn't think you'd ever touch Dancing Mad, for its sheer complexity alone, but also because it seemed like it had been done to death. Between Distant Worlds, the OC Remix "Cantata" and Prancing Dad, Black Mages, Square-Enix themselves in Final Fantasy XIV and so many countless other arrangements, I honestly didn't think there was any room for anyone to bring this song back to its full power and perfection, as it struck me when I heard it coming out of the SNES and years later through the magic of SNES9X's sound enhancements. Don't get me wrong - I adored the DW version. Prancing Dad was incredible. Every version I mentioned is on my favorites list in addition to my custom "FF6 Music" Playlist that I've had for nearly two decades now. I underestimated you. Again. Never, and I mean never have I heard a version that captured the near-complete essence of the original in the way this one does. While it's not perfect (I'd prefer stronger timpani and chimes, and perhaps a bit more overlay of the original choral melody to go along with what otherwise is the BEST Dancing Mad chorus I've ever heard), it's as close to perfect as I'd dare to dream would exist. I am absolutely blown away. What you've accomplished is nothing short of making sweet love to the original and siring its beautiful child. The breath noises in the first movement- my God, they're they are. The lead up to the final movement (shared by the FF6 title screen) is the only time I've ever felt that the power of that particular melody has been matched. I burst into tears when I heard it, right infront of my wife, saying, "Perfect. It's perfect. Someone has finally done it. He has finally done it." You are an absolute treasure. Your love of Final Fantasy VI and grasp of the true magnitude of its soundtrack is unparalleled. When I look at you, playing these tracks, and then see the picture of Uematsu you added to the video, I can't help but notice an uncanny resemblance between you two. Even in appearance. You are, without question, Uematsu's true successor, in the same way that Marc Martel is Freddie Mercury's and John Kiszka is Robert Plant's. You own part of the same soul. I plan to buy your album this weekend, and start doing more to support you financially after this. I can't imagine someone who deserves it more. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for what you've done here.

It has finally arrived! Orchestral Fantasy's rendition of Dancing Mad! Huge!🤟

Since I've started watching you guys I always wondered if you could pull off dancing mad. Disappointed I even doubted for a second. The amount of work is insane. Hope you guys are sincerely proud of yourselves

この年末に、感動の大作

Wow. This is, so far, the most ambitious and amazing work you've put together. One of the best renditions of this I've heard, if not the best. **hair standing on end**

I am beside myself with how well done this is. I've seen so many people try to nail this but this is a whole new bar right here.

I always return to this track. To me this is THE definitive version of Dancing Mad.

The quality of this work exceeds any expectation (and mind you, these are quite high considering the usual standard you are known for). Dancing Mad has never been my favourite track, but man. This is glorious, glorious work. The choir is great, the church organ sounds perfect, your bass work is brilliant. Just wow. Take a breather, it is well deserved!

Honestly, I expected something closer to the original piece, just like your previous productions. But Dancing Mad is such a monster of a piece, so a lot of creativity is needed to come up with something different but faithful to the original at the same time. You did it, and did it great. I really liked it!

9:41 Nice that we hear Kefka's laugh

My favorite version of this song by far. Thank you to all who put their valuable time into this!

言葉なくなる！Perfect!

*sees thumbnail* Oh, shit... oh, shit! OH, SHIT! *CLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK* ok that sip of tea/coffee at 8:06 was perfection

Oh lord, this is exceptional! I never expected Dancing Mad to just pop up in my sub feed one day. This is going in practically every playlist I have.

The best cover of this I've ever heard and it's not even close.

I hope you all feel an incredible sense of accomplishment. This was just phenomenal

I am astounded by how talented you and the others in this video are. Absolutely incredible.

Me thinking "If it doesn't have the Kefka laugh than it can't be perfect" 9:42 Alright, 10/10. I adore it.

Newcomers should be informed that there are many more covers of this caliber on the channel. The FFVI ending medley is a great example: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/psmldc5jlZjdqZc.html

Editing aside, How many dozens or hundreds of hours does it take to record something this epic? I love all of your faithful arrangements and performances! Buying the album :)

That opening organ though. 🥰

I cannot express how emotional I got hearing these lyrics for the first time. Especially at 8:28

Magnificent! Dancing Mad might be my favorite video game track ever and this performance just blew me away ♥️

This channel is severely underrated.

I have listened to a lot of versions of Dancing Mad on KZfaq and this is by far the best. It's ridiculous how good this is.

My favorite final boss theme to my favorite final boss from my favorite video game of all-time. Bravo!

Love the Classical Latin pronunciation!

I always thought this was was his magnum opus I had no idea what those lyrics were - holy fucking shit!!! BEST FF PERIOD NO OTHER TITLE COMES EVEN CLOSE

(I hope Alejandro is reading a self-booklet at 8:08 🤣)

The only villain in the FF universe that is insanely mad at everything that pushed him to destroy the world and is still mad after his deed has been done. 💖

Thanks again for having me on! -Austin

Every Dancing Mad rendition deserves all the love and appraise! Amazing job everyone!

This is so fucking GOOOOOD WHAAAAAAAT???? I need this on repeat. How is it not on 50 news articles.

The rock section of this song always sounded to me like it could have come straight off a Boston album. Love it.

What a really ominous new year’s gift! 😂 …goodness gracious… that must have taken some doing to arrange both the music and the schedules. Thank you for another incredible arrangement!

Your work is always incredible, but you have really went to god levels with this arrangement. It's genuinely one of the best FF arrangements I have ever heard, and that's including the Distant Worlds arrangements. Bravo!

I hope this is the video that really cracks the YT algorithm and gets you the attention you've long deserved.

A stunning amount of talent here. Everyone involved should be proud.

In. Friggin. Credible. I just don't have the words, beyond bravo.

Wow, i'm blown away! Commenting to help the algorithm.

You sons of submariners, this is brilliant!

Just ... Wow!

You maniacs! You did it! You actually did it! This is absolute perfection and I love it.

Jesus that soprano is awesome, I'm in tears

Makes me want to dual-wield some atma weapons.

Love the guitarist taking a coffee break lol. That was Fripp style riffing, great stuff.

When the Choir hit instant chills down my spine

This is amazing Guys Thanks for the Hard Work! We need a Gem like this especially right now. God Bless you all Happy New Year!

I am floored by how amazing everyone was in this. Fantastic work!

The best late Christmas gift

Speechless. Really.

Good God. This sends shivers down my spine! What a brilliant performance, and so incredibly faithful to the original compositions. Bravissimo to everyone involved, it's fantastic.

This is insane! Thank you! Also creating your own lyrics and getting so many people to sing them too?! Mad props! I also always love how you keep the mix similar to how it was in the original game. This is so great!

This made me cry. I was looking forward to the Pixel Remaster's rendition in february, but I don't think it's possible to make Dancing Mad better than what you guys just did. I have no words, still have tears in my eyes.

Never clicked on one of these faster.

FYI, the game was suppose to end on the floating island, you were going to fight Kefka there. But the team was so ahead of schedule they decided to change it. Which in turn created one of the first major twists in the final fantasy story telling.

Wow. I never expected you to actually tackle this! What's there left to say at this point...

Probably the best arrangment, arranged well, and everything has the right sound level and they can actually keep pace somewhat well.

This is my absolute favourite song in the game. I get chills when I listen to it.

You actually went and did it. A strong defense of your title as the most underrated youtube channel

Holy shit this channel is so underrated... great work as ever...

square need to contract this chanel to the remake

The end draws near...

I saw this was uploaded 2 years ago. It’s as if I missed 2 years of my life!!!

I... I literally cried. This performance got the best out of me. It was just too perfect

Listening to this while a train rolls by.

It is so good i'm astonished.Thank you Andrew and everyone for this gr8 collaboration.They did a really good job back then to create that piece and make it sound so good on the snes.I still listen the original from time to time,it still sound epic to me,even after seeing that wonderful rendition.

This is out of control amazing. I love the way you're treating these fantastic tracks.

Thank you very much for the English subtitles for the lyrics:-)

I love all of your SOM work but this? Omg you guys absolutely rocked this song! I kinda hoped when you dropped that Catastrophe video you'd do this next, and boy you guys made me want to play FFVI again.

Expertly arranged and played! Of course the choir is great, but I LOVED the use of the horns. Did not see that coming there! Brilliant.

This is probably the best version of this song I have heard. The lyricised choir instead of a monotonous one really makes the earlier tiers pop out

One of my all time favorite VGM tracks, and you guys absolutely nailed it! Props to all the vocalists/instrumentalists that made this happen!

8:08 :D. Btw the prog around that part is phenomenal (as well as the rest).

I've seen SO many videos that get the tempo of the organ solo or the last part completely wrong. But this one is absolutely on point. It's obvious these games were a part of your childhood, like mine, and that you're very passionate about them. Bravo!! Amazing performances all around!

I'm speechless. It's quite a masterpiece. Great work! Congrats to everyone involved!

insanely good mind blown

Bach’s Toccata and Fugue at 5:41

THIS IS AMAZING! OUTSTANDING! YOU GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE! I'M SPEECHLESS! The best version I've ever heard. Thank you all! Andrew, standing ovation! what is Styx?

Absolutely outstanding, I don't even know what to say except that I can't believe it's finally here.