Hitman - Ave Maria

[CH1CK3N CH4S3R]

I just got back from seeing my third Video Games Live showing in Calgary, which was awesome by the way, when it dawned on me that Hitman is'nt in video games live. I don't know if this is because at a glance, a game called "Hitman" may seem innapropriate for such an event. However, upon closer inspection of Hitman's theme's, it is far more complex than contract killing, it is about ridding the world of those who do evil.

I think the song from Hitman: Blood Money "Ave Maria" would make an excellent addition to the songs in Video Games Live. It would be a piece much like "Medal of Honor", where it is a strong deviation from the majority of upbeat and fast songs in the show, and really appeals to audiences that might not be big gamers. It would also be a great way to play one of the most famous and beautiful songs from times past.

[Swish]

I think Hitman is a little deeper than the "thumbs up for the death penalty" you (and the terrible looking movie's lumpy-shiny-thing trailer) give it credit for, but that's not a discussion for these boards so I'll shut up about that.

I agree that Hitman should in a perfect world be featured, seeing as it has a brilliant score from Jesper Kyd - one of my personal favourites actually. But I don't think performing a piece of well-known classical music which for thematic reasons is briefly featured in a couple of the games is the way to go about that.

I'd like to hear some of Kyd's original compositions performed.

[egyptnation]

wow, i agree that hitman music would be a great addition to VGL, or any music by jesper kyd for that matter (splinter cell, anyone?).

as for ave maria, i'm surprised that it's not on the list, as tommy loves this song. if you remember his review of blood money, he was raving about ave maria at the beginning.

what's up tommy?! i figured you'd at least include one of ur personal faves!

[Terraguy]

But as Swish said, performing Ave Maria may not be the best way to go at a video game concert, especially since that Ave Maria is a completely classical piece (and composed much, much earlier than right now).

Not that I'm bashing the piece or anything. It's actually a great chorale piece (and I really like the version in the Hitman trailer).

[egyptnation]

i kind of understand where you guys are coming from, but let's face it music is music. you can't tell me that some final fantasy music isn't classicaly inspired. or eternal sonata for that matter, which is all based around chopin.

besides, that's kind of dumbing down the video game public in saying that they wouldn't appreciate all kinds of music. "video game music" is like saying " soundtrack for a movie". it can be any style, movies and games are just mediums.

[CH1CK3N CH4S3R]

Yes, Jesper Kyd's composing for previous Hitman games is also fantastic, but I dont know if any of his songs are really what you'd consider to be a Hitman "Theme Song", on account of how they are all very different in each game. Ave Maria serves as a really definitive song that has been tied to the franchise for over a year now, so I think that would be the most appropriate song to use for a Hitman segment, although I am not entirely opposed to a compilation of songs from previous hitman games done by Jesper Kyd.

[egyptnation]

maybe a 5 or 10min. compilation, capped off with ave maria!

[Terraguy]

Hmm, I was just commenting that most pieces with a classical influence have been rearranged by composers and arrangers, while Ave Maria is in its original classical form.

The other problem is that without context (and this is possible for many people who've never played or seen a Hitman game/trailer), it might succeed in grating on some people's nerves. [But yes, that's probably a minority in itself.]

A compliation, on the other hand...now that's a good idea.

[egyptnation]

thanks for the agreement!

anyone else in favour?

[CH1CK3N CH4S3R]

Yes I think a compilation would be cool. After all, most of the games at VGL often have 2 or 3 songs played for them in their segment (god of war, mgs etc.). I just dont know how one would go about transitioning from another song into Ave Maria.

[egyptnation]

as i am not familiar with any hitman songs, other than ave, i can only imagine a 2-5 sec. pause between the compilation and ave maria.

[Terraguy]

A good idea might be to actually interweave Ave Maria throughout the compilation, a sort of theme for the compilation itself.

[InsolenceAndHeresy]

I think Ave Maria would make the place waaayyy too 'formal'... Apocalypse from Blood Money would probably be a better choice IMO.

[done]

Hi man,
You are right the music of hitman is a great addition..........

[CH1CK3N CH4S3R]

Frankly I'd be happy if any Hitman music was played. I think jesper Kyd has done a fantastic job with his composing for the series, and every game he finds a new way to present the music.

[Adrian]

Ave Maria would be great!