Final Fantasy IX: A Medieval Musical Masterpiece According to Nobuo Uematsu

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX, renowned composer Nobuo Uematsu shared insights into the game's enduring legacy and his personal connection to its musical score. He observed that Final Fantasy IX garners more recognition internationally than in his home country, Japan, a phenomenon he finds intriguing. Despite this, the game's return to a classic medieval fantasy setting provided a fertile ground for his creativity, allowing him to craft some of his most cherished compositions.

Uematsu expressed a particular affinity for the musical pieces within Final Fantasy IX, even humorously acknowledging his tendency to be overly self-critical of his own work once it's integrated into a game. He finds the melodies and chord progressions of FF9 to be particularly strong, a rare compliment he bestows upon his creations. He even recounted an unconventional request to a synthesizer operator for the final boss music, asking them to "go to hell and record it," resulting in an "amazing" and unique sound.

Reflecting on the compositional process, Uematsu found great joy in returning to the medieval theme, which he felt less constrained by compared to the more modern sci-fi aesthetics of FF7 and FF8. This freedom allowed the music to flow more naturally. He even revealed his personal connection to the medieval genre, stating, "I am a medieval otaku after all." His inspiration for the game's opening theme, rooted in Early Music, was further ignited by a previous trip to Ireland, though a later trip to Europe for FF9 inspiration proved less fruitful due to unexpected company. Uematsu’s dedication to his craft, combined with his passion for medieval themes, truly brought the world of Final Fantasy IX to life through its unforgettable soundtrack.