Caelius
Music by Various Artists
Caelius is a game being done by Artistic Intuition, a team of RPG-happy (as in ROLE-PLAYING GAME, NOT the programming language ;) programmers and other people. With the permission of Jason "Phoenix" Wilkins, the president of AI, I've created this archive to store all the MIDI music done so far. Who knows when Caelius will see the light of day...but at least you can hear our work.
Now, many of these pieces will seem very short. That is because they were written to loop; the ending matches the beginning of each piece except Opening Theme, The Fallen, You Call Yourself a Minstrel, and Vanishing Sun. The best way to hear the tunes as they are to appear in the game would be to use the Crescendo plugin set to loop the tracks, or a similar MIDI program with looping capabilities.
Opening Theme (SquareTex)
At Phoenix's request, I made the intro music using a motif from Caelian Oceans. As befitting an intro piece, it begins as a brooding string arrangement, building into a crashing, triumphant passage.
ALTERNATE TAKE: Here is the original version. However, the harp passage at the end was too close to Final Fantasy music for everyone's comfort, so I modified it. The last thing I want to do is get into bad graces with Nobuo Uematsu, the wonder FF composer who's inspired much of my work. :)
Caelius (SquareTex)
While I was taking a course in 20th century music theory, I composed this piece on the theory of chromatic mediants. Rather than try to explain it, I'll just let you listen to its unusual structure. :) I liked it so much that I submitted it to AI as a title-type piece.
NOTE: There was another MIDI of this, which I had sent in as a sample. Since it was only the first half of the released version, it's not included here.
pkselect.mid {Parchments} (Pokey)
A small, lovely motif for the opening menus: configuration, naming characters, etc.
Shadowy Cave (SquareTex)
When I first applied to AI, I determined to write some of my best MIDIs at the time. I produced three mammoth works...this is one of them. It's wonderfully eerie at the beginning, and somewhat more tranquil in the second half. Though the others were impressed, they thought it was perhaps a bit too long. In the future, I may create an alternate take around the second half as a more fitting cave theme. Someone else suggested that as is, it could be a good opening story theme.
Glorious Castle (SquareTex)
Another one of my GRAND PIECES. The first half is VERY militaristic with pounding drums (and if you're listening to this via Yamaha softsynth, just a bit too overwhelming...) and a very upbeat theme, while the second half is calmer and (IMHO) perhaps a little trite. :) I'll admit that I probably overdid it on this theme. Possible changes? Well, I could only use the first half for the castle, and rework the second half as a town theme...?
pkheroic3.mid {Hero's Journey} (Pokey)
A WONDERFUL theme by Pokey! Good spirit of adventure in this tune. I suggested to him once that it would be FABULOUS as an overworld theme, but I'm not sure what his intentions are...:)
NOTE: Pokey's initial version was simply the beginning passage, and thus isn't included here.
Malef, Mark 1 (SquareTex)
Malef, Mark 2 (SquareTex)
That's right...there are TWO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT versions of Malef's Theme! How did I manage that? Well, I composed the Mark 1 version last August...and then forgot about it! (Whoops!) A few weeks ago, I received a list of characters in Caelius, and considered which ones still needed themes. Forgetting about Malef's earlier tune, I composed the Mark 2 version!
So what do we do? Well, although I prefer Mark 2, I hate to throw anything away. Besides, Phoenix tells me that it might be possible to use BOTH for Malef! We'll see...
Now, about Malef himself...he's a troubled man who carries a curse put upon his family. As the last in his line, he will find a way to break this curse, or simply never marry and have children. By dying single, the family line will also die...no descendents ever to feel the pain. This is why both versions of his theme are somber, because it may be one of the saddest stories in Caelius.
Peaceful Hamlets (SquareTex)
I went for a sweet-sounding town theme, and the results are lovely. When I heard it again recently, I discovered TO MY HORROR that I had cannabalized the ending in my recent work Goth Excitement! That's what happens when your creativity wanes...you recycle. Shame on me.. =S
NOTE: In its original incarnation, it was more upbeat and militaristic, and the second half wasn't attached; it ended after the middle (harp?) section. Not satisfied, I rewrote it for a town, and sent it in. The original is long gone... ;)
Poplock (SquareTex)
This bouncy theme is for the lovable amphibian picklock from Caelius. I've tried to capture the fun-loving spirit of the character, and here are the results. In retrospect, I think the ending rips off part of Island Chain from the Runica suite...
NOTE: My original submission was at a slower tempo, and at the request of Poplock's designer (whose name escapes me): I sped it up to make it even more cheerful. We both like the results, and as for the original...pfft! it's gone. ;)
macros.mid {Recollection} (Aaron Stewart)
For some reason, I can't get the Yamaha softsynth to play this right! And that's bad, because it is a very beautiful, moving tune. I think Aaron's going to try and remix it to fix the bugs...
kd_epic.mid {Determined Mind} (Kevin Dolorico)
This tune is right on target! A wonderful melody, strong appropriate drumwork, it really creates an atmosphere that YOU CAN CUT WITH A KNIFE. Well done!
Town Under Shadow (SquareTex)
I wrote this tune for the villages that are oppressed in some way...taken over by an empire, cursed, etc. Very gloomy atmosphere. In my quest for something different, the tune shifts to a waltz-type rhythm in the middle, and ends with a lovely bells passage.
It's Quiet...TOO Quiet... (SquareTex)
At Phoenix's request, a little spooky ambience. :) A general piece for those uneasy moments when silence won't work. Has shades of the Caelius theme for continuity.
Drawn Swords (SquareTex)
Realizing that there wasn't a REGULAR battle music yet, I arranged this little militaristic piece here. Exciting work with a great pounding drumline.
Fanfare (SquareTex)
Reaping the rewards of a battle just isn't the same without some happy, upbeat music to accompany it. So here it is...
kdbattl3.mid {Strong Adversary} (Kevin Dolorico)
Kevin strikes again with a powerful boss tune that really has a dramatic edge, strong rhythm, and stirring melody to top it all. He constantly tweaked this to perfection; this is the third take.
ALTERNATE TAKE: Kevin did a fourth take, which is actually a cleaner version of the first and second takes. Because 1, 2, and 4 are all similar except for percussion and instrument changes, I'm only going to include Take 4 here. Kevin's original concept was to have a little intro bit, but due to looping concerns, it had to be put aside.
pkgmover.mid {The Fallen} (Pokey)
A solemn string of chords that reflects the defeat of the heroes in battle. Simple, but it works. Pokey told us an interesting story about how he captured the essence of depression...I'll do him a favor and not repeat it here. ;)
Holy Light (Squaretex)
While attempting to create an atmosphere of sacredness (I wrote this for a church, shrine, etc.), I've turned in one of my most experimental pieces. Twisting chord structures and variances in tempo make it an intriguing listen.
Rachel (SquareTex)
Rachel is part woman, part mystical being. She has been under the care and training of XyX (there are shades of his theme in this piece), and has a great potential power that she is currently unaware of. Once she discovers this power, what will she do with it? This piece was a lovely thing to write.
I Sing to your Heart (Squaretex)
Originally I wrote this MIDI for a purpose other than Caelius...I believe it was a college project. I liked its soft nature so much that I decided to clip it for looping and send it in. It can serve either as another town theme or for a romantic interlude.
Caelian Oceans (Squaretex)
IMHO, this is one of the best I've managed to give AI. The string pattern is lush, the trumpet melody seems to cry out from a distance, and that middle string section just wants to bring a lump to my throat. There are some bizzare bugs in the MIDI, though; at times, the rhythm track's volume just shoots up suddenly. Just a little irriating...
Phoenix thought it sounded like an ending or intro piece, and that's how I constructed the Opening Theme, by using the string motif. As for a closing piece, we'll see...
Eperia (Phoenix/Squaretex)
Here is one of the first (and hopefully not the last ;) musical collaborations from Caelius. Phoenix had laid down a beautiful, sparse piano melody, and asked if someone could write a backing arrangement. I complied, tweaking his melody a little. He then sped up the tempo, slowing it down into the final moment. We thought the track was complete, until...Phoenix decided he liked the original slow tempo. So hopefully, this is the final version. ;)
ALTERNATE TAKES: Here is Phoenix's original piano melody. You can hear some of the pieces I would alter later.
And this is my arrangement before the tempo changes. It conveyed a beauty similar to Wind Song from Chrono Trigger. I thought it was lost for good, but luckily Phoenix had it hidden somewhere. :)
We though THIS was the definitive version , featuring the quicker tempo I talked about, until Phoenix changed his mind again... :)
Regret (SquareTex)
This is a soft drama track, possibly for use as a character eflects on a sad memory. In the second half of the track, you'll hear it quote the Caelius Main Theme; I did this as a continuity measure.
Enchanted Rays (Squaretex)
Imagine a flock of fairies flying among an array of flowers, and you have the atmosphere for this tune. It is a sweet number that is relaxing...maybe too much. BEWARE: this tune contains a music box that MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. Don't operate heavy equipment while listening. ;)
Xyx (Squaretex)
Xyx is a powerful wizard, and that is how I wrote him, with a mysterious flair. It's also an offhand tribute to Jeremy Soule; I was inspired by his work in Secret of Evermore. Once you're done here, I DEMAND you pay his site a visit...he's great! :)
gamesamp.mid {?} (Aaron Stewart)
To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure where this short piano piece belongs. It's still interesting, though.
game.mid {Something's Not Right Here...} (Shawn Hargreaves)
A short, supenseful piece that has a catchy, medieval flute passage. Gives the feeling of premonition.
Gambler's Cove (Squaretex)
I envisioned a big city built around a prosperous casino, and out came this peppy, upbeat theme. Captures the high spirits of the tourists...at least, the ones who are winning. ;)
Shara (Squaretex)
Browsing through the AI artwork, I came across character sketches of this Caelius heroine. My impression of her was of a somewhat sultry lady, and so I made her theme a little bit 'smoky...'
You Call Yourself a Minstrel?!? (Squaretex)
Another product of my 20th-Century music class, this time I was dealing with atonality (as if you couldn't hear this piece and tell ;). I sent it in to AI as an in-game joke; the party meets an ersatz minstrel who asks them how his latest song sounds. Umm...well...
Kainan (SquareTex)
Kainan is a cyborg sent by an advance alien race to study the planet Caelius. However, his landing was anything but gentle, so he's quite possibly marooned here forever.
If it sounds synthy to you...that's because it is. Phoenix and I figured that it would fit his nature. A good little beast drives him along.
ALTERNATE TAKE: My original take was more of a rock arrangement, with some peppy guitar. A very good outtake.
On Dragon Wings (Squaretex)
This is my favorite submission right behind Caelian Oceans. A very busy tune with a wonderful beat, great melody, and that mariba riff at the end is SOOOOO COOL!!! :) Generally, flying music is fun music, and that's what my goal was.
ALTERNATE TAKE: It wasn't ALWAYS like this...at first I'd written a fierce rock-n-roll tune for a friend of mine. This is it. While I like it as it is, I decided it would be a cool flying music for Caelius, so I changed the instruments, clipped it, and sent it in. Still a great outtake, though.
NEW!!!
The Vanishing Sun (SquareTex)
Not wanting to give away too much of the plot, let's just say that towards the end of the game, Caelius's sun disappears from the sky, and darkness covers the planet. This eerie, cinematic track tries to convey that terrifying event.
Glacial Tundras (Squaretex)
Think cold, I told myself. The result conveys a bleak, barren sheet of whiteness under gray skies. The touch of vibraphones at the end helps ease the mood.
ALTERNATE TAKE: At Phoenix's suggestion, I've lowered the trumpet an octave and changed it to a French horn. This is done to make the atmosphere even more barren. Take a listen and see if you agree.
Town at Twilight (Squaretex)
The mood I've tried to capture is an arctic town. Despite the overcast skies, the citizens are happy, actively carrying on their daily activites. As a result, the tune attempts to be both wintery and cheerful at the same time. :)
Dark Curse
After hearing Holy Light, Phoenix asked if I'd like to do a counterpoint for darkness. So I did. :) It is a very moody track used for SOURCES of darkness, in contrast to Town Under Shadow, which is for TARGETS of darkness. Understand? :) I'm enjoying learning how to use dynamics in this track, using speed and volume variations.
ALTERNATE TAKE: Someone suggested, "Why not use a bagpipe instead of a violin?", referring to the middle section and fadeout. So I tried it. Which one do you prefer?
I put this piece towards the bottom of the listing because I think it would be perfect for the dungeon/cave/castle leading up to....
The Final Showdown (Squaretex)
The last of my GRAND pieces, this is about as bombastic as I could get. BIG sound was my goal...the world's in trouble here! In retrospect, the two violin solos in the middle are kinda corny, but they were still fun to write. As it is, I'm not sure it's QUITE RIGHT...should I add a rhythm track...?
titlemus.mid {The Story is Told} (Kevin Dolorico)
This was apparently written as a different style of opening music. It's a light pop track that actually sounds very good. The sitar melody was a great idea. Personally, I think it would go well at the end...but it's Kevin's call. :)
That's all for now. If any more melodies come our way, we'll put 'em up for your listening pleasure.
All music is (c) 1997, 1998 Artistic Intuition. It is presented here for publicity and private enjoyment only. It is not to be used in any other fashion without the consent of Artistic Intuition.
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