It’s been 8 years since I wrote a boss theme. The boss theme differs from the battle theme in that it is allowed to have more “distinctive” elements which would not make it into a normal battle theme, which because of its frequent use, has to be mundane enough to be tolerable in the long-term. The boss theme, on the other hand, can feature prolonged introductions (which would otherwise occupy the entire battle theme’s duration) for dramatic effect as well as surprises, which are emotionally a one-time deal and therefore reserved only for rare circumstances.
The concept here is simple – rhythmic pulse from the 6/8+3/4 meter with overlaid rhythmic tension from unstable subdivisions of the bar in the melody. The harmony is simple but emphasizes positive fighting spirit over a depiction of evil.
Instrumentation: Full Strings, 2 Horns, Synthesizer (Charang, Goblins), Electric Guitar, Synth Bass, Synth Choir, Perc: Standard Drum Kit, Taiko Drums, Music Box, and Tubular Bells.
For comparison, you can listen to my older boss theme. It’s primitive but one of my personal favorites, with the rock organ gliding over the 13/16 groove:
Old Boss Theme (2002)
The recent trend in boss themes is the incorporation of a more realistic rock/metal sound, along with allowances for the introduction of more “popular” harmonies. It has been over a decade since the Beethoven moment was breached – the introduction of voice into the boss theme. Nevertheless, innovation continues, and it’s fascinating to hear the ways that classical music, rock, and techno are blended together (or not) to create the cinematic effects of final boss themes. I have yet to listen to the effective incorporation of jazz or hip-hop, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
Some nice listens, in no particular order:
Blue Dragon – The Seal is Broken (Nobuo Uematsu) – operatic rock
Atelier Iris – Deceitful Wings – pop metal
Tales of Symphonia (Motoi Sakuraba)
Final Fantasy XIII – Nascent Requiem (Masashi Hamauzu) – symphonic chorale, think Orff
Final Fantasy VII/Advent Children (remix) – One-Winged Angel (Nobuo Uematsu) – practically atonal at times
Melike says:
This is so great! I love the rich sonority. The intro is amazing.
July 18, 2010, 11:04 amjhlo says:
Thank you! Yeah, the sonority is so dense, so I sometimes like to just listen to small groupings of instruments at a time — that can make it sound like two completely different pieces. I’ll post the choir aah line by itself later if I have time, because that has some of my favorite harmonic sounds which are sort of covered up by all the banging.
July 18, 2010, 6:02 pmMajutsukai says:
“I have yet to listen to the effective incorporation of jazz or hip-hop,”
Then you haven’t heard the Persona 3 soundtrack? It has some pretty strong hip-hop elements to it.
Two good examples: “Mass Destruction” (battle theme) and “Burn My Dread -Last Battle-” (final battle theme).
July 26, 2010, 4:39 pmjhlo says:
Hey, Majutsukai — thanks for the recommendations! Yeah, I am embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t actually listened to the Persona 3 soundtrack before … no idea how I overlooked it, though. This is awesome music.
July 26, 2010, 6:55 pm