Music Producer Dissects: Ludwig the Holy Blade (Bloodborne OST)
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- Опубліковано 23 бер 2020
- For this episode of Music Producer Reacts (or Dissects, in this case), let's dive in Ludwig the Holy Blade, the legendary piece of music from Bloodborne.
Time for some Bloodborne Music Theory explanation of how this track represents Ludwig's Lore & Story, as well as how it manages to sounds both Demonic and Human together.
Special thanks to my Patreon supporters for requesting this topic!
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Game: Bloodborne
Composer: Nobuyoshi Suzuki
This is all well and cool but... Can we make "Ludwig, The Holy Blade" funky?
> ua-cam.com/video/V9-BMpztz3E/v-deo.html
The funky Ludwig theme not only got me to subscribe, but this has quickly become one of my favorite channels. I'm a music major and love analysing music from games I like. And Bloodborne is high up on that list.
bro you should totally do a break down of all the songs (at least the boss tracks) from BB i know you know the masterpiece that is that games OST, if not check out ebrietas or the one reborn tracks
You should review the maria of the astral clocktower music. It's some of my favorite
@@thewhowiz7982 he could easily extend to all of the more dramatic boss battles of all the Soulsborne games. Loved this video.
Fun Fact: In the first stage of his fight, Ludwig is weak to serrated weapons, as all beasts are. But in the second stage, he loses that weakness -- whatever his beastly appearance, the game's very mechanics consider him human at that point.
Serrated damage doesn't work on mutated animals, only humans that succumbed to the scourge. Ludwig awakening from his blood drunk state for a final duel separated him from the scourge.
Since it's possible that Ludwig died in the real world outside of the dream and only his mind was drawn in by Kosm's curse, it's possible that recovery from the scourge really is impossible and Ludwig apparently waking up was a consequence of the Guidance Caryll Rune.
That's so cool! Something similar happens in Dark Souls III (spoilers ahead): After the end of his first phase, Slave Knight Gael starts taking extra damage from the Hollowslayer Greatsword. That's because he goes hollow after realizing he's finally found the Blood of the Dark Soul. Allegedly.
@@VeridicoIV
It's not an alleged. Gael went hollow because his purpose was fulfilled. Undead go hollow when their purpose is fulfilled or robbed of them. Remember the original Onion Knight Seigmeyer? He went hollow after his chance at a glorious death was robbed of him. A less depressing version is the possibility that Seigward took his own life before going Hollow because he fulfilled his promise to Yhorm.
@@The_Chef2511 doesnt the Guidance rune count outside of Carylls work? I thought i remember a reference to it being older than everything
Both forms don't like blades of mercy as well
Man, Bloodborne is such a masterpiece on so many levels...
It really is a beautiful game on multiple accounts.
Yes!
Apart from the graphics framerate and frame pacing.
@@JohnDoe-pu5gk the graphics are amazing. The art style holds up so well
I‘d say Bloodborne is perfect. Story, level design, atmosphere, gameplay. Although, almost perfect. PvP isn’t soooo gud.
That moment when he takes up the sword and stands upright like the gallant knight he once was... Really amazing.
Another epic moment that comes to mind is when Laurence breaks in half, becoming only but a shadow of his true self, and then the violin kicks in
Yeah reminds me when he broke me in half
or_lionheart also when lady Maria starts using her blood in her attacks. She’s willing to use her blood heritage which she despises just to protect the secret and kill the hunter. Such a masterpiece of a game
Not to be that guy but it’s a cello not a violin.
I love it when the Amygdala boss rips of two of it's own arms just to beat you to death with them. All the bosses in this game is so frickin metal. Attacking the arms is also one of the main ways to damage the boss, so to remove the arms is also a cool gameplay mechanic.
@@pokeflip6603 to be fair, that had already been done before with The Last Giant in Dark Souls 2
Can't actually listen to this song without getting shivers
Whenever the brass starts up to the end of the song, I have constant chills down my back and arms
@@AnriHarper same dude
I teared up when I listened to the actual ost by itself it was so good
Bloodborne's music somehow perfectly nails the emotions and tragedy behind the stories of the bosses while also sounding like fully realized boss music and also pieces that are easily palatable and understandable by an audience that has never even heard of the game before. It's genuinely astounding when you figure out just how much effort From-Soft put into every little detail about this game.
I also noticed how it's bringing the younger generations back into appreciating a music genre that's often so hated as seen as so boring. Now that the classical sound has been implemented into a friendlier medium l like video games and popular superhero films, it makes it way more relatable and appealing to audiences. I remember how taking music appreciating was a little boring for me, but it was Bloodborne's OST that made classical sound so badass and made me want to listen more than once.
@@sourpuss5951 Yeah, there's definitely a lot of really cool classical pieces. My favorites are Dvorak's New World Symphony and Tartini's Devil's Trill Sonata.
I would say that all of the Souls games do this (Except for 2). I mean Sif? Especially after you save her in the DLC, or Darkeater Midir. Midirs theme makes you feel like your fighting a dragon. Sifs theme gets across the sadness and reluctance both parties have. The composer for DS I, DS III and BB should be known as one of the best. He's earned it.
@@dr.calibrations7984 That's not even mentioning Gael's theme with it's three separate parts that go with his corresponding three phases.
thank you for your input mr hitler
I'm so, so glad that the youtube algorithm bothered to show me this video, this is exactly the type of thing I wanted to see but didn't know to search for.
I'm so so glad you typed this comment cause I felt the exact same but didn't know how to express it lol
@@Walamonga1313 same
Same here brother🤘
Same
Big agree on this.
5 years later and I'm still learning stuff about this game.
Welcome to from Software games.
should definely do laurence 2nd phase too since its very underated and its honestly equally as good as the holy blade for me.
My favorite Bloodborne track (besides Moon Presence)!
I don't think there's enough demand to talk about it but I'd love to
@@AlexMoukalaMusic shame but hopefully u do more ost from the game. also u should totally react to hollow knight ost!
@@AlexMoukalaMusic Oh man I thought I was the only once who likes Moon Presence theme so much, it's so hauntingly beautiful
God I hated Laurence..
Not the theme, the fight, the theme is great... When you can hear it... Anyways, my favorite song is Gherman's theme (also my favorite fight)
It is a great track, when the violin starts you can really feel the regret and sorrow slowly turning into pure rage.
We don't have enough eye's to truly appreciate this song. Our eye's have yet to open.
We need... More eyes...
Fear the old blood. By the gods, fear it Laurence.
Shouldn’t it be that we need more ears...?! Grant us ears Grants us ears!!
There are always random times during the day where i just randomly start humming Ludwigs theme in my head
I do so too but I try to learn the latin lryics, along with Laurence's theme
@@cristiang.7160 it would be kinda cool learning the actual Latin lyrics
I have it as my "you hit snooze one more time you're late" alarm.
Same, after this 6 years. I still do it unconsciously.
Oh, there was music during this fight? I just remember "REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" and my own scream...
Great analysis! Didn't expect you to pick Bloodborne to analyse, (thank you random patron!
That's usually how it goes for me but I think Bloodborne stands out among the Souls games in that I actually noticed how good the music was while I was fighting.
I usually turn the music up so I can actually hear it during the fight.
It's quite creepy even just to imagine how these sounds were recorded
@@AlexMoukalaMusic The voice actors are probably having the time of their lives right then
Fighting Ludwig made me want to cry in a corner.
Amazing analysis. Thank you for picking my suggestion. It’s not a stretch to say you’re my favorite UA-camr now.
Thanks for requesting it, I had a blast!
Please Please! Do an analysis of Laurence. The story behind Laurence fits so well with the tone of his theme. It starts off ominous like a lot of Bloodborne's music, the Latin chants help to set an imposing nature, as well as the beautiful work coming from the organ. With Laurence being the cause of the spread of the old blood he is the main reason everyone in Bloodborne is suffering. So he in turn suffers in the nightmare eternally burning, and the music swells with sadness in the second phase and it makes me think that he regrets everything he's done, you're fighting this thing that's once a man crawling on the ground with his burning insides pouring out behind him. The music is so strong in this fight.
I hope he makes one for maria or gehrman
I love how when he draws the moonlight blade and wields it in front of him, the angle shown replaces the beastly portion of his face with the blade, symbolizing the transition back from beast to something else, which correlates heavily with the healing church's desire to transcend
There was something wrong with the mic at the beginning of the video, hope it won't be a problem!
Also, as I said in the video:
I'll start uploading my transcriptions on Patreon.
Those will contain all the MIDI notes of the stuff I re-wrote for my analyses, but they're partial transcriptions as I don't rewrite the tracks 100%, but rather only write the parts that I find interesting!
Alex, i want to suggest something. Can you please listen to some xenoblade cronicles or xenoblade chronicles 2 songs? There are very much styles of music in the games. If i can reccomend some songs it would be the main title theme from xenoblade chronicles 1, this is more calming. Or maybe counterattack from xenoblade chronicles 2 which is more intense. If you want something emotional i would say listen to desolation from xenoblade chronicles 2 or the tommorow woth you. The most intense one i can reccomend that is very unique is engage the enemy from xenoblade chronicles. As you can see i can't even choose, there are just so many good songs. So i hope you consider listening to one of them , it would mean the world to me
Yet another great video, I have a question for you. Did you play or listen to the soundtrack for castlevania lords of shadow? It is so amazing and I think you would love it. I would love to hear you break down a few tracks from that album like the ice titan or the hunting path.
Nice Reverb.
Aww, I was hoping for Maria of the clocktower.
UA-cam: you want to see this guy talking about a song of a horse with a magic sword?
Me: Yes indeed
3:42 "Ludwig joins the Hunt"
Ludwig confirmed for Smash????
A good detail with the music in the SoulsBorne series is that the music itself rhymes with the fight itself. Certain boss moves or attacks match with the melody of the music which gives some players who understand the tracks an advantage in the fight.
Ah, you were at my side all along...I still get shivers when I see that cut scene.
I always wondered why I felt like dodging at a strange dancing pace, while at the same time feeling like being thrown around in a hurricane. Its was the waltz and the chromatic scaling hiding behind the chaos and screaming. Never would of figured it out unless it was analyzed like this.
Thank you for another amazing insight into my favorite music!
This reminds me of “A Beautiful Song” from NieR:Automata. The song seems like a dance of sorts, the enemies attacks are on beat. Correct me if I’m wrong. I’m going off of memory.
Indeed, bloodborne, God of War 4 and nier automata have the best ost of the decade and of all time in general.
1 bloodborne
2 God of War 4
3 nier automata
I was thinking the same thing about Automata except for the track Bipolar Nightmare where the perspective in-game keeps shifting back and forth between 9S and A2 but it feels so seamless like a dance.
Simone's fight start as a sophisticated dance with graceful attack patterns. But as the fight goes on and you uncover her tragic past by hacking, it makes her go mad. She rips her clothes and start attacking erratically with jumps and kicks.
I love that transition, opposite of Ludwig.
@@eliasfigarzon9813 interesting choices. not a single track from GoW 4 stuck with me.
@@captasticts8419 difference in our own likes, but the quality is what matters in the end.
This is such an impressive and enjoyable analysis. It’s like “The Rest is Noise” (book by Alex Ross) but for Bloodborne. Fantastic work. As someone who only has a superficial understanding of music theory, this really helped me appreciate this composition more. It’s not just horror music; there is actual storytelling through the music, and you’ve helped us see that. Ludwig, Beethoven, Moonlight Sonata...FRENZY :) Thanks for your hard work.
Ludwig joins the hunt!
Now that's some scary words...specially if you're about to fight him and his theme pops up 😂
Ive played all the Dark souls games but never got to play this. Yet i still listen to the soundtrack and this is by far my favorite.
i agree.
PLEASE do Laurence, I think it's the most various ost in soulsborne that still remains "original"
man, im just so happy that bloodborne still gets recognition.
be it lore or music, im so hype evertime i see bloodborne
It's because it's a classic game.
A classic will always be remenbered and things like that.
Being just "good" is not enough to be considered a classic.
This is why Bloodborne is my GOAT of the souls borne series for me.
This song always reminded me of old European nobility with a great deal of madness thrown in. It was really cool to watch you break down why that is the case. I’d love to see more Soulsborne analysis from you in the future. Gwyn and Gehrman’s respective themes are my other favorites.
This video was great, I highly recommend you delve into Gehrman, the Old Hunter's track as well. I really want to hear what you can pick apart from it.
Grid-man Brycen I back this comment. His track is nothing short of god-like.
I second this!! Gehrman and Ludwig‘s themes are my favourite from the soulsborne games. Always get emotional when I hear them, and would love to have them dissected!
Ludwig's theme is my second favorite next to the 'living failures' theme.
Holy shit yes.
Don't understand how people don't talk about living failures theme more often.
probably because fighting the living failures feels more like a chore that becomes filled with anxiety as you get smashed into the ground by a fat alien head one too many times
@@allanon64king10 Yeah the boss itself is pretty dull. Probably the lamest one of the DLC.
But that theme.
@@OrangeVision thats the problem i dont bother rtemembering the fight so i cant remember the theme lol
@@allanon64king10 if I remember correctly, it sounds like something out of star wars
Easily the best "composer breakdown" type video I've watched after watching so many dark souls breakdowns
You still haven’t danced to Bloodborne...
(that is one fabulous hat though)
Oh noooo!
I felt this video was missing something. Damnit. 😂
The hat is a common accessory among high class hunters :P
Igor Red no arguments there
Something any good hunter would be proud to wear.
Hey, fancy meeting you here
5:17-5:21 This part is also leads the music behind Great Wolf Sif's fight in Dark Souls.
Such a weird and cool detail. I have no idea what it means!
Yeah my brain automatically did sif’s tune at that point, wonder why its there
@@astrosuperkoala1 Y'know, I actually have a bit of a theory about this. Ludwig was the first hunter of the Church, truly believing in his path and duty. That sort of prestige and integrity mimics Artorias, who truly believed in Gwyn and was known for his strength of will. Both of them were also strongly corrupted by the very power that made them renown--Ludwig by the blood and Artorias by the Abyss--and the both of them are resultedly killed by the player who (arguably) represents the good that the both of them tried to be.
In his passing dialogue, Ludwig mentions "his guiding moonight" which is highly likely a reference to The Moon Presence, who is evidenced to be behind The Hunt. In that sense, The Moon Presence to Ludwig could be Sif to Artorias, as Sif was Artorias's friend and hunting companion.
Basically, it can be said that the reason Ludwig's theme contains Sif's musical reference is to relate Ludwig to Artorias, and I can definitely see why.
Can you do an analysis for the theme of Slave Knight Gael from Dark Souls 3?
That theme is freaking nuts as well (which doesn't surprise me since Yuka Kitamura was the Music Composer for both Bloodborne and Dark Souls).
But wait, there's more!
Now start translating the latin lyrics in the fight to English....
****Insight 99*****
Frenzy!!
You died!
"...and blood will be abundaaaant!" *Brass hits*
Alex: This song carries a deeper meaning and gives the boss more impact. Me: I like the sound.
This randomly popped up in my UA-cam watch queue - the first good recommendation its given me in a long time. Great breakdown btw. Coincidentally Ludwig was one of my favorite soulsborne boss fights.
I was here for Bloodborne but then I got hit with the Crystarium theme and then I started thinking about FFXIV Shadow Bringers again and then I got Hit with a LAHEE. 2nd video in a row that got it stuck in my head and I love it!
Seriously though I love your videos. Makes me happy I studied some music theory in school.
One doesn't simply eScape from LA HEE :D
I love your reviews and insights. Thanks!
Brilliant video! Didn’t know I needed this. Please make more
As someone who loves both games such as this and music, this was a pleasure to watch. You’ve earned yourself a sub.
You have explained why I love Bloodborne so much. Is my fav game of all time. I cant stop playing it. The music, the levels, the bosses, the gameplay; it is just MASTERPIECE IMO. Thanks for this vid
Love the educational aspect thank you! Awesome video!
Been looking forward to this one and, as always, you did not disappoint. Awesome analysis!
You got me damn good on the San's part. Almost spit out my cereal. Keep up the great work!
Just found you through my recommended and with Bloodborne being one of my 3 way tied favorite games it was really cool to see the inner workings of one of my favorite pieces of soundtrack! Subbed and I cant wait for more videos like this! I recommend Slave Knight Gael's theme, much like the rest of the good tracks in the Soulsborne series, it tells a story
Thank u , this breakdown it's amazing
This was such a great and detailed analysis!
The section where Ludwig talks to his sword always sends shivers down my spine. Props to the Bloodborne music team for making me wary of playing the game at night!
Love how the french Horns carry the Sturdy and dramatic melody from the 2nd half in some parts. I play the french horn and it's amazing the well use they've made of every part of the orchestra + chorus. It's nuts. There's incredible moments in that videogame, but this piece in conjunction with the action that takes place (Ludwig's recovery of sanity and clarity to his own past self) it's a masterpiece depicted and amped up by the music. Really awesome
I seriously love your content. Please keep up with it. It is simply awesome to see you take apart music so we can appreciate it even more!
Your videos are awesome ! Keep it up !
This track is my favorite piece of music in a video game and on top of that one of my favorite compositions of all time.
next laurence the first vicar OST, when he broke in half, the cello kicked in as he was crawling after you with his screeched roars drowning in a lake of fire of his own making as the choir picking up and the fire is consuming him more and more, honestly; it just raised hair on my body I didn't know I have. that soundtrack is phenomenon and deserves some love.
You should definitely look at the demon of hatred from sekrio as he is very similar to Ludwig and has tons of similar elements!
Your breakdowns are amazing man. Keep up the great work.
how am i just now seeing this amazing video? this is such an insightful analysis
Finally!!!
Edit: I love that you mentioned how the choir went over the top with this, they're truly amazing. Awesome analysis as always and thanks to Kieran for requesting this track!
Is Maria’s theme next on the list?
That or laurence’s theme
Maria's theme takes the theme of a battle waltz to a whole new level, especially if you decide to fight her completely without guns and parrying.
i'm always up for bloodborne content! Very cool video!
would totally love another bloodborne vid. this was amazing
Glad I subscribed, you actually provide an analysis rather than only reacting to it like 95% of « music producer react to »
Imo the greatest game ever made. Especially if you can understand the story.
I can understand the story. Now about Rick and Morty
The Witcher 3 would like to have a word with you
@@genesisosuna Bloodborne is really better, TW3 deserves the award for the most overrated game of all time, I mean just look at the gameplay, it sucks
@@igornaimoli7321 lmfaoo ok, I wont argue with someone who thinks gameplay is everything. The gameplay isnt even that bad. It can be clunky, but it's not atrocious. And the story, characters, the world, and even the side quests more than make up for it. Even the DLCs are absolutely fantastic. They're good in their own right. If you haven't played the witcher 3 I'd recommend it - instead of basing your opinion on mere flashes of gameplay on youtube. If you have played it and think that way then all the power to you, but to think the game is overrated is straight up foolishness. Have a blessed day.
@@genesisosuna The Witcher 3 can go fuck itself with its fanbase.
Thank you.
Absolutely brilliant analysis. Very well done.
This is the video I didn't know I needed... Thanks so much!!!! 🤗💕
Fun fact, some streamer nearly pissed himself at this part of the boss because of his reviel and music, not out of fear but out out of excitement, I forget his name tho.
Maybe you are talking about Lobosjr
GenerationHollow?
Probably lobosjr, yeah. He's a huge fan of From Soft games, knew the fan service that Moonlight sword represented, and was super hype for the great fight that Ludwig presented.
You have a gift, man. Music is a universal language. I'd never seen a breakdown of the components, down to the simple choices of instrument placement and style.
I already loved the song. And now I know more about why.
Thanks much, man. You've got eyes on the inside.
Gotta be my favourite video, I keep rewatching it every once in a while
Awesome content. I’m so glad I found this channel.
Que vídeo incrível
Adorei proposta do canal, mostra muito bem como game e um aglomerado de todas as artes unidas em algo maior.
Bloodborne excelente exemplo disso.
As a bloodborne expert you hit every single nail on the head about Ludwig, The Accursed and Ludwig, The Holy Blade!! You definitely did your homework. Will you do the other two thirds of the nightmare trio, Lady Maria of The Astral Clocktower and The Orphan of Kos, I'd definitely tune in to see those.
This was super interesting and you made me laugh out loud too. Instantly subscribed, glad YT recs brought me that way
Brilliant video! Loved it
It was really interesting listening to this one as its the first one you've done from a game I haven't played before. It was a really neat experience not getting wrapped in the nostalgia of what I know but taking a step back to really focus more on the analysis of it. Super educational and awesome as always!
That's how it started for me too with Bloodborne!
The soundtrack got me into playing the game, and I'm very glad I did. It's so good
Play it now!
@@Walamonga1313 I would but I am TERRIBLE at Souls style games.
@@HDREconomist Oof. Its actually way more complex than Souls combat wise so I guess not haha. However if you give it a try and get used to it, you'll experience some of the best gameplay in the last 20 years
3 memes in one frame:
Sans
Troll Face (eww)
And Kono Dio Da from JoJo
Edit: Glad to see a fellow hunter and FromSoftware fan
troll face (epic)
sans (eww)
kono dia da (eww)
Problem?
Awesome video, one of the best boss fights ever with one of the best scores for a boss fight ever. Thanks for analysis!!!
Bravo Alex, ti stimo tantissimo per queste analisi
2:23 earned my sub you absolute mad lad lmao
Gherman is still my favorite boss, both gameplay and music wise.
Mine was Moon Presence
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one (moon presence is a boss that I don't see many people talk about, so I am delighted that you enjoy it)
The Holy Nut amazing theme despite the lackluster fight but it felt like an end of the game type deal so I’ll give it a pass
Why have i only just found this channel? I love this guy! Very entertaining and educating :)
Wow what an amazing video. So informative. Gave me chills te hear the music so pure and without sound effects.
Now would you kindly do Gehrman, the First Hunter?
You should totally cover music from Nier: Automata!
The editing was engaging, the analysis was so insightful, and made me love music more than I already did. Fantastic video.
Wonderful analysis, and great catch on the waltz comparison. The song always made me want to dance and I had no idea why until you pointed it out.
Lol augmented chords do not equal atonal music 😭😭😭, the meter here is very unlikely a waltz (which emphasizes just beat 1, is usually slower, and is in 3/4) it’s more likely 6/8, which emphasizes Beats 1 and 4 and creates more tension and momentum than something like a waltz. What you’re saying about instrumentation though I totally agree with.
Why is it that Japanese composers write better symphonies than the continent that invented them?
just discovered this channel. LOving the content!
This song is SO GOOD. Thanks for breaking down what makes it so special and affecting.
Majority of all Soulsborne Fans: "Kitamura is best composer"
Suzuki, Sakuraba, Saitoh, Amon, Wandmacher and Velasco Fans in the corner: "Simpletons..."
This is my favorite score from my favorite game and I was hoping you'd do a breakdown of this masterpiece. Good work and thank you.
Thank you so much for dissecting such a classic
man i LOVE this channel i'm new here but i'm loving it so much great content
Glad you did this , this is how I discovered your channel
excellent and insightful analysis
Dude amazing content!
Brilliant explanation! Beautiful breakdown of track and character. Thank you for using your knowledge to unveil more lore!
Please do a few more of these this got my subscription
Very entertaining video, interesting and in depth analysis of such a great track. This makes me appreciate the song even more because you point out things that i barely realize were even being done.
Very knowledgeable and fun to watch, cheers.
Bro, your content is a solid 10/10.
Keep up the great work.