Thematic transformation in Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy is nowhere near a perfect game; while it is a fun call back to the original Final Fantasy games, there are parts of the game that are unbearable. Despite some very big flaws, I thought the game was overall charming. What I enjoy the most enjoyed throughout my playthrough was the dynamic soundtrack. The soundtrack is composed by REVO with Linked Horizon. In case you don’t recognize the name, you might know him for a very viral anime theme. It’s been a while since I’ve come across a soundtrack with so many catchy melodies and thematic variety. There are many musical themes that recur throughout the game, therefore making an analysis possible. Based on how REVO reuses thematic material in the Bravely Default soundtrack, an analysis on thematic transformation is the clearest choice for discussion.
To begin the analysis, the Oxford Music Online definition of thematic transformation:
“A term used to define the process of modifying a theme so that in a new context it is different but yet manifestly made of the same elements.” Most famously demonstrated in Liszt’s Eine Faust Symphonie.”
Now, normally with thematic transformation, the theme, or parts of the theme, are modified in different ways so that at times, the theme will be almost unrecognizable. However, the presence of the theme throughout entire work creates unity. For the purpose of this analysis, I’m looking at a theme as it is presented in different contexts during the game, though it goes relatively unchanged. Each presentation alters the meaning of the theme and by the end, it doesn’t quite feel the same. This is partially because of changes in instrumentation, keys, and tempo, but also from the metaphorical standpoint of the overall journey. The theme accompanies the player from the start to finish, and as a player, we are never quite the same when we finish a game, right?
The theme I chose for this analysis is the “Fairy” theme and is heard quite a few times throughout the game. With each occurrence, however, the theme is slightly altered. It rarely appears by itself and instead comes before or after other major themes. The changes in the theme help illustrate where the player begins and ends literally and metaphorically.
Prayer of the Vestal
Instrumentation: Music box
This is not its first presentation in the game, but definitely the most unadulterated. Only a music box plays. In all other instances, other thematic material comes before or after, but here it is stated on its own. In the context of the game, this is heard in the Event Viewer and during Party Chats. The music box makes sense since the slow playing music box feels nostalgic, just like the player is when revisiting cut-scenes. The simplicity of the piece also works in the Party Chat. Party Chats are optional interactions that are sometimes light-hearted and not in need of something musically dramatic.
Overture to Hope
Instrumentation: Brass section
This is the first work heard as the game starts up and therefore the first time the theme is featured. Appropriately called an overture since it is the opening of a lengthy story. The Fairy theme is not the first melody; it is preceded by “Bravely Default” theme. This appearance feels like a march, trudging on ahead as the player begins their journey. It is followed by the presentation of the characters instruments, discussed another time.
Facing that Prayer
Instrumentation: music box, then repeated in violin
The music in the AR movie. In my opinion, this is a perfect musical miniature– there’s a lot said musically and emotionally in such a short amount of time. The composition sets up the mood of the story; it illustrates the desperation of an Agnès that needs you, the player, to save her world. The theme is first heard in the music box, feeling very nostalgic. However, the melody is quickly cut off by another theme which returns only near the end of the game. Then the violin, doubled with the music box, enters to state the theme in full and in a high range, matching Agnès’ anxiety. This is another example of the character instruments, but again, that will be covered by different post.
Four Tales
Instrumentation: Music box
This composition appears when the player selects New Game. The piece serves as a formal introduction to the four heroes. Many of the game’s melodies are quoted throughout the character vignettes. After Tiz’s horrific scene, the Fairy theme plays on the music box, slowly, not in a full statement. The lack of musical conclusion leaves the player feeling incomplete, which is appropriate since the journey is only just beginning. This short segment of the theme is what first brings the four characters together, despite not yet having met.
Horizon of Light and Shadow
Instrumentation: Woodwind section
The theme of the overworld as the player travels the land of Luxendarc. The Fairy theme is the bridge back to the beginning of the piece so that it will loop as long as the player remains on the world map. The Fairy theme is divided between oboe, flute, and clarinet and not in a full declaration. The lightness of the woodwinds with plucked string accompaniment not only functions as an appropriate bridge section, but also creates a sense of uncertainty. Since the orchestration is so exposed in this section, the melody feels like it’s floating and unsure, just like the heroes as they traverse a relatively unfamiliar world.
The Horizon-Devouring Serpent
Instrumentation: Guitar, later trumpets
Spoilers ahead! Skip now if you don’t want to be spoiled!
This is the true final boss theme. To preface this segment, I need to mention my own experience with the end game. Any of you who have played Bravely Default knows how unbelievably frustrating the path to the true ending is. Not only must the player endure breaking of all four elemental crystals four times, but then there’s the very INFURIATING boss battles with Airy (they were for me, but then again I tend to always play through RPGs under-leveled).
The final boss, Ouroboros, is a battle in five parts with the boss music dividing into three sections. I’m pretty sure it took me more than five attempts before I finally conquered Ouroboros and after the first two attempts, I stopped playing for a while. When I tried again, I got farther and farther each time, and what kept me going was the build-up of the battle music.
This is how the battle and theme presentation work: In the first stage, the Dark Aurora music plays. It’s not until part two that the boss music really starts, but only the opening portion. Part three, where the Fairy theme is located, starts in a mid-battle cut scene. The melody, following the Luxendarc theme, is briefly in the electric guitar, the tempo quicker, definitely helping inspire the player to keep battling the brutal boss. The Fairy theme serves as the bridge back into the first part of the piece. Sections one and two then loop during the fourth part of the battle and subsequent cut-scene.
The last part of the battle theme starts in another in-between cut-scene leading into the final part of the fight. After a period of soundtrack silence, when all hope seems lost, fragments of the character themes emerge. Then, the Fairy theme plays prominently in the trumpets, shrill and heroic. The theme is its fastest form yet – no doubt helping give the player the courage to keep enduring, much like the heroes. From there, the track loops in its entirety until the battle finally ends.
Ballad to Light
Instrumentation: Voices
The end! You’ve saved the world, congratulations! The credits roll and the ballad begins. This composition is the only one with lyrics (though the Linked Horizon live show performs much of the soundtrack in extended versions with lyrics). Some of the game melodies return in the voice and in instrumental interludes. The Fairy theme first appears several minutes into the piece, in what can be described as a chorus, with a male voice joining the female soloist. After an instrumental interlude, the female soloist returns to the chorus with a key modulation midway through.
Here is a translation of the sections with the Fairy theme:
Within the closed darkness, I felt the presence of light (hope).
In your eyes.
In your words.
In your silhouette from behind.
I came to think that I wasn’t born to experience loss.
And I believed in it.
And I believed in it.
--Yes, all because you were there.
...
Within frozen time (seasons),
I felt the presence of tomorrow (the future).
In your hands, your smile, your form in battle.
Ah... I came to think that it wasn’t a meeting fated to turn into parting.
And I believed in it.
And I believed in it.
--Yes, all because you were there.
I think the lyrics added to the final example of the Fairy theme accurately reflect the journey. You, the player, as the avatar started this adventure alone, as did the other heroes. Regardless of which characters’ view point you take (though I believe the song is from Agnès’ point of view), none of this could have been accomplished without you. With you, too, came the Fairy theme, from the beginning so full of hope, with many emotions in between, and finally a mostly happy ending all because you and the heroes persevered.
Now, similar arguments can be made with the other themes in terms of thematic transformation throughout the game. However, I think the Fairy theme is the best example. The “Luxendarc” theme, for instance, occurs several times, but almost always during times of travel. Another theme, which I call “Nostalgia”, can be found in a few tracks as well. I found, though, it only accompanies character interactions (except for the Main Menu). The Fairy theme, while it begins and ends with hope, evolves several times, representing nostalgia, despair, uncertainty, and more. Even still, there is a difference between first listening to the game’s overture and listening to the final track. The Fairy theme transforms the most of all other themes, ultimately unifying the hope that started and ended the story.
uh...oh well. Here’s another RIngabel. Always thought the bit in the jornal where he mentions liking black coffee was cute- none of the other party members make any mention of coffee.
