The craziest thing about genshin ost is that all regions have their own leitmotifs and at the same time all leitmotifs are connected deep down. The amount of different ways that hoyomix manages to present the same melody is insane tbh
Yes, Inazuma has that distinct "Sakura Sakura" theme written into some of the pieces. It's a classic Japanese folk song, and used in a number of anime and Japanese films so it's a nice nod and respect to the place it took inspiration from. Makes me wonder if the other regions also took some iconic folk songs as a part of the pieces as well.
Also the fact that they're all somehow connected to their Archon's theme as well To keep on the inazuma theme Both Raiden's boss and trailer themes have the general inazuma leitmotif embedded into them
im laughing so hard too. im ded. its also like a certain other genshin youtuber i watch everytime he says "right here" it follows by right now, emerge a reference to yae miko e skill.
I know people say that Inazuma music is melancholic, and I won’t deny that But as a Japanese person, I also get a hard-to-describe feeling of peace? Appreciation? Tranquility? In Japanese culture we tend to find beauty from things that have a very short lifespan such as Sakura blossoms, autumn leaves, and fireworks (especially like Senkou hanabi, a handheld sparkler that you need to keep still as much as possible so it won’t fall mid-sparkle): because of the fact it doesn’t last long/is fragile/is ever changing, you appreciate the beauty of it in its prime more than ever The music reminds me of that; nothing last forever, so one should appreciate the beauty of things in its present state
Wow, after reading this it makes me really appreciate what Mihoyo did with the Raiden Shogun. She pursues eternity. Everything that you just described is the furthest from eternity that you can get. No wonder she’s the perfect antagonist for Inazuma. That’s so cool! I love what they did there!
Everytime I hear "Inazuma" or "Fall of maples" I always get goosebumps, both tracks are simply incredible. Wish someday Hoyoverse makes a symphonic world tour to hear this amazing compositions live
It is a testament to how much Marco knows music that he nearly *always* pauses right before the song changes/morphs. It's not JUST a coincidence, it's knowing the music language well enough to 'hear' the period in the musical sentence.
Every time I listen to Inazuma OST I always get so emotional and reminded of a Japanese untranslatable term called "Mono no Aware": The awareness of impermanence of things, and both a transient gentle sadness or wistfulness at their passing, as well as a longer, deeper gentle sadness about this state being the reality of life. Just like how the Sakura blooms beautifully, but it only lasts for a few days, and gone for the rest of the year. It is sad that something as beautiful as the Sakura does not last for the entire year, but on the other hand we cherish the moment the Sakura blooms, and once it withers we long for that moment to come again. I feel like everything that happens and has happened in the past in Inazuma is very related to this term.
@@effortlessfury Sorry if you think I speak too much about the topic, I really didn't mean to. I was simply sharing what I thought the first time I listened to the this particular song and the first time I arrived in Inazuma.
@@mrnmoren for sure, it's very poetic and I think it describes well something the theme reflects. You definitely understood what specifically I was referring to given your edit though ;) The music of Inazuma communicates a dense amount of information/emotion that one's perspective/perception of can change as they go from place to place, story to story. I'm curious to see if Sumeru's music will do the same; we're still essentially at the beginning of that journey given how new content released for Inazuma over the year...I have thoughts but those would be spoilers lol
And to clarify, it's not that you speak too much about the topic at all. Just hoping, perhaps in vain, that Marco doesn't end up being given any further perspective on events and characters long before you're meant to. It really does affect the experience of the story. Even if you have guesses as to what is being foreshadowed, whether by dialogue or music, that's still very different than people who know definitively confirming such things before the story itself does.
Inazuma OST really showcase Hoyomix ability to utilize traditional instruments of Japan. Just the effort that get put in makes Inazuma’s OST special to me.
Mondstadt: Openness, Freedom (like the wind) Liyue: Joyful & Lively (Like the city of commerce it is) Inazuma: Mournful, Melancholy, Serene/Serenity, Serious, Ominous, Omnipresent, Grander Sumeru (when you get there): Just pure vibes 😍🎶🏝🌳🌳🌳
This one song gives me chills every time I hear it in game. You can just feel the overwhelming presence of the Raiden Shogun with that one leitmotif I remember seeing a comment from someone saying Inazuma’s music has a sense of “melancholic pain” and I find that really fitting.
The music itself speaks of her "Omnipresence over Mortals". I love how deliberate the music is, along with the visual and story. Everything has a reason to be there.
Oh gosh, Tsurumi Island OST.... My favorites, even if it makes my depression worse. I try not to listen to those too often, or when I'm at my best condition.
as someone who also started playing not too long ago, i advise you to just quickly unlock as many waypoints in inazuma as possible. it's fine to travel around in one island but once you have to get to other islands...
I kept coming back to the soundtracks of inazuma especially the shogun's (tho Fischl's midsummer realm hits~ Hard... just like grant's impression of it)
Your reaction to getting to Inazuma the first time was Exactly the same as mine. 😂 I hope you enjoy it! There's Quite a bit to it but that's what makes it so exciting
I had a big goofy grin the first day I played lol, I don't know what it is about Inazuma that makes it so much more interesting. Sumeru is nice, but it doesn't really come anywhere close to the Inazuma release
@@IgnoredAdviceProductions I think it was because at the time Genshin was still relatively "new" and a majority of people's expectations of where it would go were so high and positive. As time went on and we got to Sumeru, public reception started mellowing out or turning bitter due to how slow paced and casual (imo) Genshin is. There's also the Japan=familiar factor for a lot of anime enjoyers versus Sumeru's Egypt and Middle East. I think those two things contribute a lot in general, though I could be off since I prioritize enjoying genshin within a small circle and rarely look at what other people think.
@@mannakallat2894 Perhaps it is because of it being the first new nation being added, but I don't know. It's just a feeling, which is why it's frustrating, I can't explain it logically.
You definitely have to take a moment and listen to Konda Village’s Day and Night Themes when you get there in game! One of the pieces, like Port Ormos, that entranced me enough to stop playing and just stand there to hear more.
For me, when the horns and trumpet come in I almost get a sense of the dark broody themes heard in old film noir, especially when it feels like the story is reminiscing about times gone by. While I'm unsure if that was the intent, I feel that it fits well in that interpretation because of Inazuma almost being like a sort of film noir itself - A story from long ago which is still ongoing.
Marco's interpretation is always so on point with the story. Its always incredible how much emotion and info you can transmit with music, and when I see Marco getting it the first time, It grows my admiration for him and the work of Yu-peng Chen
i've commented this before, but there is something hauntingly nostalgic about the inazuma theme that just brings a tear to the eye... even when i have no heritage/cultural connection present its quite a stark contrast to the "hostility" in your interpretation
Same I'm not chinese but Liyue felt like home to me immediately so bright and friendly. I'm from the southern U.S and the bright music, the food it just really gave me a you're home vibe.
Just a heads up: the koto is the instrument that opened the piece. The drums are actually called Taiko Drums. I am not Japanese, but their traditional instruments are definitely among my favorites. Also I believe the flute you talked about is called a shakuhachi
I just wanna add that at 7:50 the faster cascade sounds like something is brewing, a revolt against the main theme. Then when the main comes back gentler but with the faster melody quieter intersecting it, it feels like the Raiden shogun is the main person, restful in her position, but the revolution is starting behind her back
Man, Hiroyuki Sawano, Kevin Penkin and Yu-Peng Chen are my top 3 favorite composers of all time. Their music is full of so many emotions and ideas, and the performers are all so talented and passionate; it all comes together to bring life to all these absolutely beautiful pieces of art, I just really love their music and it always moves me.
"The land of her serenity" is probably one of my favourite genshin music. It's so quiet and fluffy, as well as melancholic, like a cloudy dream (That's the night theme)
@@edgeoftheworld9505 VHD is inspired by Tokugawa Shogunate which is happened in Edo period. Meiji era is when European or Western influences started to spread on Japan . Variety of people came (aka casts of Irodori festival) & also Ayato whose Suit is Japanese European mix .
The first two notes of Inazuma's theme (its most recognizable and the ones that last longer than thr rest of the notes) also sound oddly similar to the first three notes from the Raiden Shogun's theme. In fact, the Shogun's theme (at least the first half) sounds like a direct response to Inazuma's theme.
Inazuma is my favorite piece of music in the entire game, and honestly one of my favorite pieces of music in general. The elegance and tension that it is able to convey whilst using native Japanese instruments combined with an orchestra is so beautiful. Even though the song is only just about over a year old, the amount of nostalgia I get from hearing it now is overwhelming. I will never forget this song.
I absolutely love the melody of Inazuma and you had the same way of describing it (especially the French horn), gorgeous. I hope you make a sort of part 2 or revisiting La Signora once you reach that part of the story. I'd recommend the album release version as it is much higher quality than the in game rip that most people posted last year. Love the videos, Marco.
@@rinadesu962 It's in the album with Watatsumi island, Seirai Island, Tsurumi Island, and Enkanomiya. It's called Islands of the Lost and Forgotten, and the battle themes are on disc 3
@@emilliovitelli2176 ua-cam.com/video/9TKbnQb4mOs/v-deo.html Dude.. I wanna say, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I swesr I'd went through the whole album on Spotify previously but I don't remember listening to it 😭 thanks again man, greatly appreciated it!!!
Dunno if they already said it in the comments, but the Sakoku-rei (isolation decree) was really enforced in Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate and lasted since 1635 until 1853, when the shogunate fell and the decree was lifted.
also the parallel of a outsider (Traveller-American Navy) forcing the opening but one of the outsider (Fatui- Dutch) was already doing diplomatic ties during the ban...
@@PrograError I think the merchant from Fontaine more represented the Dutch than the Fatui, because as you can see when we first landed on Inazuma, there are more Fontainian merchant in Inazuma than other nation merchant, and they have more special right to build an outpost and a bit freedom to trade with Inazuma but still very limited to only trade within ritou Island. Just like how the dutch were the only western state that allowed to trade with the Tokugawa Shogunate but only allowed to trade within Hirado, Nagasaki. Also the Dutch weren't really have that mutch diplomatic ties with the Tokugawa Shogunate other than just a trade partner
Fabdom on, 1 or 2 years of Sakoku-rei in game: " AGHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO BAD STUFF BAD STUFF! INAZUMA WILL FALL" Fandom on, 2 ficking centuries irl Sakoku-rei: Tis, fine.
Keep going Marco,you soon to get your heart broke not one,not twice,it's three hits only in Inazuma. I don't wanna spoil it out,just let you experience the story in fullest.
Funny thing: i have that song as my alarm clock and every time i'm in inazuma and hear that music at the first moment i think "oh shit i forgot something or i have to to something" and thats always such a shock moment.
bad move, no matter how good alarm music is, you will unintentionally correlate the song with the feeling you have at the moment of hearing them. In the case of Alarm music, you probably don't feel too good because it disturbs your sleep and reminds you of the thing you have to do which isn't necessarily what you want to do This is why I usually use a basic ringtone as my alarm then I will open youtube to watch some harmless fun video then I will play Genshin music while I cook/shower/eat where my emotion is already stable enough as it helps bring me comfort and make me at ease
@@constabrielbell4523 😂 i think im kind of weird with that but i love that song and still love it but i also can hear one song in repeat for weeks so i think that it's just me
I thought to myself, when the tension starts to build up, it’s where Inazuma shows not only her contemplative and even dreamy side, but also her valor and pride, military glory even. Knowing a bit about the period in Japan’s history, from which hoyo took inspiration, I believe it makes a lot of sense! A secluded land, with a lot of mystery and even “otherworldliness” to it, which prides herself in her might and glory. But there’s also indeed lots of conflict, tension and scars from it. Great listening to all of this spectacular music with you, Marco! I find it super fun to look into the Genshin music, and explore lore-related things inside of it, heheee)
I can't wait for you to go to the Grand Narukami Shrine, the melody that plays there is amazing, and Duel in the Mist is still my favourite battle theme even though I absolutely adore the Sumeru's ones too.
Listening to you gush about inazuma really reminds me of how I was the same a year ago, when i took my first steps into inazuma I talked to the random npc's and just vibed to the music while learning about the land and admiring the scenery for hours just in Ritou Island alone the day it came out And it's the same how I am right now about the music in Sumeru, Genshin music is just on another level, I'm looking forward to more future music analysis videos :)
Inazuma is my favorite region in all of Genshin, even after the release of Sumeru. Purely because I fell in love with the sincere and quiet majesty of the region. Not just in it's aesthetic, but also in the music. You can tell this is a nation of serenity, a country of sophistication and beauty. Yes, it is also a very tragic and solemn area, but that adds to its entire identity. It really emphasizes that this elegant island nation will, like what Raiden said, will endure for all eternity.
I would love to hear your analysis on Duel in the Mists, it's my favorite Inazuma battle theme (not counting bosses) There's also Sorrows of Strays which is one of the overworld themes of Tsurumi Island. I hope you do the questline there too so you can understand the meaning behind Ruu's Melody (another very good theme)
Inazuma songs (specifically this one) has vibes of this great country, beautiful with mysteries and history. The song goes on it gives off the sense of how powerful (and scary) this place more specifically the Shogun can be, with beauty and power she rules this lands. Then underneath that you have that oppressed and constricted freedom, sorrow and pain you can feel from the song, showing that this place may be beautiful and a like, but that doesn't mean its a utopia. that's what I felt hearing this song for the first time XD Anyway a great analysis as always Marco!
Inazuma's theme is such a treasure, I love it soooo much! It starts so soft and melancholic, it's like "the calm before the storm" sort of feeling; I also interpret it as all the ancient secrets and mysteries Inazuma's islands holds underneath its calm surface, all the turmoil in its history. And then it grows SO MAJESTIC, transitioning to a contained and disciplined kind of energy, but still a very powerful one! I love how this theme has all kinds of emotions going on, it's oppressive but also warm and welcoming, it's energetic yet melancholic. Mysterious and peaceful. Very complex and nuanced. I just love it, ahhh
My man, i just stumbled accross your reaction videos. Music is the main reason why i love Genshin Impact, HoYo-Mix, but it seems because of difference in professions, usually if i want to express to my friends those analytics like yours, i always need a moment for some thoughts to come, while your words come out so fluent xD I love to join others' experience of music. I love your contents so far, you are very talented in sharing your passion
I love this so much! Such a powerful track that portrays the story of Inazuma better than any lore dump could, and it's a large part of the reason why I love video game music. It can tell a full story, through nothing but its instrumentation. I also want to thank YuPeng Chen and Hoyo-mix for actually using a full live orchestra. Genshin Impact perfectly encapsulates why using live musicians can elevate an already excellent score to new heights, as there is a breadth to the music that is too hard to replicate with digital orchestration alone. It definitely isn't easy, and it's a hell of a lot more expensive to do, but man does it produce some jaw dropping soundscapes.
In my opinion this is where Hoyoverse goes crazy in music and specially creating leitmotifs. This here encapsulates what we are gonna witness in the Inazuma arch of our journey. Without any spoilers we have, beauty, melancholy, mistery, and the sounds of military/war. And yes Marco as you said you're gonna love hearing the leitmotifs of all the regions of Inazuma, and will be glad to know that characters starts to have their own here. Hope you have an amazing time exploring the land of thunder! But beware of the storm!
I am always impressed, that you can describe music like that. The Inazuma archon quest is basically all about dreams, hopes, aspirations and ambitions. You're amazing and keep up the great work!
Thanks for the great video and analysis Marco! I was in complete awe when I first listened to Inazuma's music. Its been a year but I still get tingles in me when I listen to Inazuma music!
I literally cried that one time I walked out of the Kamisato estate and into an unnamed area just between it and the forest, and Hanachirusato started playing. The simple beginning, so gentle, so touching, I wasn't able to find it again for so long since Inazuma just came out back then, and it took me ages to find it again. And man i used to spend so much time there. Now I just have it on loop on my phone
Ive been watching your channel for a while now. Music and video games have always been huge intrests for me and your channel has been an endless source of entertainment. Ive started to play genshin again recently and I gotta say, the effort hoyo puts into this games music is on another level and I'm so glad you cover it so much. Always look forward to your uploads. Keep up the phenominal work man.
You nailed it with the drums on Raiden. She's based off of the japanese mythological figure Raijin, a demon born of Izanami who controls the thunder through the use of his drums, so that sound in Inazuma's music is absolutely a motif for her.
I'm so glad you're covering this. The Inazuma theme is one of my favorites for basically all the things you just mentioned. It's hard to come by someone who can speak about Genshin's music (and all games in general) with so much passion.
I was on edge when I got to Rito Village, and I was never really into the people of Inazuma, especially as immediately upon entering you get to see the corruption and red tape inherent in the government for the first time ever in Teyvat. Even I was really skeptical of Thoma, who I just called "Alolan Childe". Because of that the first parts of Inazuma really just passed me by. That's why I really appreciate this analysis because I thought "Huh, didn't think of that." What really got me into Inazuma though was one of the first character quests there, and it was just breath-taking. I can't wait for you to get to that part, and I hope you do a video about it too.
Seeing your reaction on stream was great. 😂 it was a perfect reaction to the build up for the moment. 😊 Also always excited to see your musical breakdown/reactions, and Inazuma has a bunch I know you’ll love!
“Inazuma” track is the one I requested on patreon many months ago so I’m very happy you finally made a breakdown of this. Looking forward to your journey further into Inazuma.
ohohoho welcome to inazuma, also, be ready, Tsurumi Island has the best OST all of inazuma, any time Fading Memories play, i just stand around and listen to it, it's soo good
This is my favorite music in all of Genshin. The segment that begins at 6:06 is one of those parts that makes me imagine rain drops falling on a pond, sort of the beginning of the storm.
The first time I heard the Inazuma music, I'm struck with despite how grandeur and sweet it is, there's loneliness and sadness concealed behind the notes. Grandeur, yet mournful at the same time. Wishful and melancholic.
The bamboo flute at the beginning is a shakuhachi, a wonderful sound to convey wistful fleeting sadness and loneliness. there are a lot of kinds to get different pitches. The drums are taiko with the bigger deep sounding one being an odaiko, it really does have that presence that you can't ignore. Taiko is physically demanding to play as well so it is a very respected instrument! and the koto is actually the string instrument playing around 5:30, it's an amazing kind of instrument in the way they actually like bow the strings by hand to change the sound on the spot ^^ There are also some shamisen in the background but they are not really featured in this particular piece, also a wild instrument to see played
I'm not a professional musician and had never received any music education but I can still easily catch the emotional message that this song is trying to express. At 3:34 I can feel the sadness and the powerlessness in that 'sigh' like flow and it made me want to cry for whatever happened to the creator of this song (in games lore of course)
It's amazing that not only the incorporation of various instruments and leitmotifs, but it's that each region is thematic. Without spilling any spoilers, each region sounds the way it is because it's what the region's overall feelings/heart is about.
I would love to see your take on the themes from Tsurumi Island (a later-accessible area)- it’s an abandoned pre-Inazuma civilization- it plays out the lore of the Thundering Fury artifact set. One theme is heart-wrenchingly desolate and another is of such innocent joy.
Guards of a Precious Chest in Mondstadt/Liyue: A group of hilichurls, maybe has one or 2 mitachurls Guards of a Common Chest in Inazuma: 2 Swordmasters with volatile elemental synergy and gains an enraged second wind when one falls
Inazuma is beautiful, terrifying, peaceful, nostalgic, serene and tragic all the same time ! Please check the boss themes and fighting themes to see the dynamic of strength, discipline, danger and power. Most of them have a shamisen as the main or secondary instrument, and it can mark so well the speed up of the songs, as well the taiko drums.
Say what u guys want but inazuma ost and its overall scenary is my most fav so far Sumeru is gorgeous i wont deny it but inazuma has a special place in my heart like when i m in other nation i yearn to go home back in inazuma In a year it made me feel like i belong there and cant stop thinking bout that place like kazuha idle animation says "wherever i go, i carry memories of my home"
Wow now that you mention it, it opened my ears to new interpretations to this piece. I also want to share something. Without spoiling I will try linking this piece with in-game happenings. 0:31 starts with Raiden's mourn 500 years back. (Using the traditional japanese flute solo to accentuate her freshly felt pain.) 1:12 Here starts the strings with the drums as "ban hammer" as you described (this is what is happening now vision hunt decree started 1 year before zhongli's fake death), Raiden is justifying her ban hammer with the loss she felt. 5:30 Here starts the short notes and "tiny" sounding instruments. (I think they represents, just like you said, the people's wishes being born, and later we hear raiden's theme before these wishes could be flourished. The shortness of each note is made contrast to the elongated notes of the God of Eternity, showing that it is indeed representing mortal's wishes.) 6:04 more short notes that seems to paint a landscape where there are several wishes being born. 7:30 Here raiden cuts those wishes short again with the vision hunt decree. (There is also the harp? still playing in the background as being suppressed by the shogun) 7:44 Here on the right ear, we can hear strings vibrating? I think they use this a lot in unease situations. Like how people are unhappy with the vision hunt decree and the unsatisfaction is building up. 10:52 Here starts the resistance of the people. The drums fighting the short notes, people fighting against the shogun's samurais. 11:12 Traveller arrives at the ceremony XD 11:35 and does the unthinkable. 11:47 Build up to one of the most epic scenes. 11:54 Yep more traveler doing their things together with the resistance. 12:12 Time to face Raiden. 12:47 Again the short notes come back! With the power of friendship, the traveler can do anything! And these short notes are the ones to end the piece, so they win xD. I love your videos, always makes me listen to music with different light. I would have never on my spare time relisten to this alone. You make not only me but a lot more people learn to appreciate music differently.
I think Inazuma theme basically tells the Traveler's journey in Inazuma itself. Pardon my ignorance in musical terms plus the poor description, but I think the beginning part is the state of the nation under the Shogun's rule, tranquil with a sense of loss and grief. Once the french horns coming in, the Traveler which is a foreign factor set foot into the land, getting to know the place and stuffs, which why the leitmotif is repeated, but with western instrument. Fast forward the music is escalating (along with the conflict) and reaches it's resolution at the climax, in which *SPOILER* calms down with acceptance to how things are and reaches understanding with the Traveler.
10:24 I always laugh whenever I hear someone call some music manipulative intending it as a bad thing lol All good music is manipulative, it's how it gets to invoke emotion! It surprises me how few people notice this and when they do the first reaction tends to be one of disgust toward specific genres without realizing that it's all music. Maybe you pointing this out will help people notice and come to terms with it, but I'm glad you mentioned it regardless of whether this happens or not
Haha you look like you want to sing the melody out loud so bad towards the end 😁 it's cute! Love to see it 🎉 and thank you for another brilliant analysis/react. For me when I first arrived in Inazuma the music was kinda saying "OK we're not joking around here" I felt like serious stuff was gonna happen...and it slightly terrified me 😂😂
So excited to watch you explore more of this region Marco! Inazuma is without question my favorite region in the sense of integrating geography and lore together. Without spoiling anything plotwise, Inazuma's a nation that's gone through an incredible amount oftrauma, to the extent that you can literally see it on almost every single island, so you're definitely on point about the sadness. Playing through the region, every island had storylines that made me cry multiple times :D
When you were talking about hopes and dreams being suspended of some sort I loved your thoughts on it and I hope the Inazuma storyline will bring you much much joy Genshin music has a way of moving me emotionally like close to no other
I think Inazuma theme represents Ei backstory and character development. Its beautiful, with tragic past, but strong and hopeful for the future. Please do "Duel in the mist" Inazuma battle theme reaction, from their music video.
the drums are taiko drums, koto is the flute iirc :) inazuma is the first land in genshin i learned what true betrayal was, because in my dumb brain, purple is safety, this song *sounds purple* (i will not elaborate), inazuma itself is overwhelmingly purple, and then lore and the kairagi (human enemies) slammed me into the floor. i learned how to build characters in this region. this song has been the soundtrack of my past 4 months on my way to triple crown kokomi as i farmed the talent materials :'o) can't wait to see what you think of the rest of inazuma (esp watatsumi island, watatsumi is so pretty and has gorgeous music as well)!!
7:31 I felt like I should just clarify. The instrument we hear here is actually a Flugelhorn, not a French Horn! It’s essentially a much darker, smoother trumpet, and sounds absolutely gorgeous as a solo instrument. (And brownie points if you know that the solo trumpet after the flugelhorn is actually a piccolo trumpet :P)
The craziest thing about genshin ost is that all regions have their own leitmotifs and at the same time all leitmotifs are connected deep down. The amount of different ways that hoyomix manages to present the same melody is insane tbh
Yes, Inazuma has that distinct "Sakura Sakura" theme written into some of the pieces. It's a classic Japanese folk song, and used in a number of anime and Japanese films so it's a nice nod and respect to the place it took inspiration from.
Makes me wonder if the other regions also took some iconic folk songs as a part of the pieces as well.
@@KunoMochi sumeru definitely has Arabian nights inspiration
Yes, my thoughts exactly. Every region is always uniquely connected to other regions as if truly creating a world of its own...
@@naranikarsa1608 and then every region have their own flavor of photon of fluctuation leitmotifs
Also the fact that they're all somehow connected to their Archon's theme as well
To keep on the inazuma theme
Both Raiden's boss and trailer themes have the general inazuma leitmotif embedded into them
4:48 “Fallen leaves… adorn my night!-” LOL, spoken like a true kazuha haver
-a kazuha main
im laughing so hard too. im ded. its also like a certain other genshin youtuber i watch everytime he says "right here" it follows by right now, emerge a reference to yae miko e skill.
@@zephskiee5395 is this certain youtuber a short male lamenting pogo stick?
@@weeee455 i think he meant a certain Thundering Fury salesman
true lol
LOL I came here just for that. I love to say that phrase randomly too.
I know people say that Inazuma music is melancholic, and I won’t deny that
But as a Japanese person, I also get a hard-to-describe feeling of peace? Appreciation? Tranquility?
In Japanese culture we tend to find beauty from things that have a very short lifespan such as Sakura blossoms, autumn leaves, and fireworks (especially like Senkou hanabi, a handheld sparkler that you need to keep still as much as possible so it won’t fall mid-sparkle): because of the fact it doesn’t last long/is fragile/is ever changing, you appreciate the beauty of it in its prime more than ever
The music reminds me of that; nothing last forever, so one should appreciate the beauty of things in its present state
that's a good cultural innovation opinion
As a japanese i also agree, so rare these days to find an opinion like that.
Wow, after reading this it makes me really appreciate what Mihoyo did with the Raiden Shogun. She pursues eternity. Everything that you just described is the furthest from eternity that you can get. No wonder she’s the perfect antagonist for Inazuma. That’s so cool! I love what they did there!
Very on brand for Inazuma’s themes and story. I wonder if that was intentional
your english is flawless
Man I am so addicted to these analysis videos. Its just so nice to see someone else appreciate genshin music like that
❤️
fr
Everytime I hear "Inazuma" or "Fall of maples" I always get goosebumps, both tracks are simply incredible. Wish someday Hoyoverse makes a symphonic world tour to hear this amazing compositions live
Fall of Maples is so tragic ;----;
It is a testament to how much Marco knows music that he nearly *always* pauses right before the song changes/morphs. It's not JUST a coincidence, it's knowing the music language well enough to 'hear' the period in the musical sentence.
That’s actually correct. 😅
I really love the melancholy feeling the entire Inazuma OST gives, is fascinating
Inazuma is sad boi hours
i've been listening to Ruu's melody because yeah
Every time I listen to Inazuma OST I always get so emotional and reminded of a Japanese untranslatable term called "Mono no Aware": The awareness of impermanence of things, and both a transient gentle sadness or wistfulness at their passing, as well as a longer, deeper gentle sadness about this state being the reality of life. Just like how the Sakura blooms beautifully, but it only lasts for a few days, and gone for the rest of the year. It is sad that something as beautiful as the Sakura does not last for the entire year, but on the other hand we cherish the moment the Sakura blooms, and once it withers we long for that moment to come again.
I feel like everything that happens and has happened in the past in Inazuma is very related to this term.
Be careful with what you say about things Marco has yet to experience, yeah?
@@effortlessfury Sorry if you think I speak too much about the topic, I really didn't mean to. I was simply sharing what I thought the first time I listened to the this particular song and the first time I arrived in Inazuma.
@@mrnmoren for sure, it's very poetic and I think it describes well something the theme reflects. You definitely understood what specifically I was referring to given your edit though ;)
The music of Inazuma communicates a dense amount of information/emotion that one's perspective/perception of can change as they go from place to place, story to story.
I'm curious to see if Sumeru's music will do the same; we're still essentially at the beginning of that journey given how new content released for Inazuma over the year...I have thoughts but those would be spoilers lol
And to clarify, it's not that you speak too much about the topic at all. Just hoping, perhaps in vain, that Marco doesn't end up being given any further perspective on events and characters long before you're meant to. It really does affect the experience of the story. Even if you have guesses as to what is being foreshadowed, whether by dialogue or music, that's still very different than people who know definitively confirming such things before the story itself does.
the term writes as "物哀"，which means "sorrow inside of everything"
Inazuma OST really showcase Hoyomix ability to utilize traditional instruments of Japan. Just the effort that get put in makes Inazuma’s OST special to me.
4:40 : *Analyzing the aesthetics of Inazuma* .
4:46 : *Marco Unleash his Elemental Burst* .
4:48 : *Back to the Topic* .
As you do, as you do
The live verison done by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra is honestly a treat , please give it a watch/listen
Yes he did, in one of his livestream watch parties.
@@talamioros may i have the link?
@@talamioros do you have a linkM
@@diralis7316 Marco's reaction to Realm of Tranquility and Reflections of Spring ua-cam.com/video/ITzKpmSfZ8M/v-deo.html
No, actually all Inazuma Ost are made by Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
Mondstadt: Openness, Freedom (like the wind)
Liyue: Joyful & Lively (Like the city of commerce it is)
Inazuma: Mournful, Melancholy, Serene/Serenity, Serious, Ominous, Omnipresent, Grander
Sumeru (when you get there): Just pure vibes 😍🎶🏝🌳🌳🌳
Now I get why I don't always stay in inazuma, music feels really sad. 🥲
Fontaine: Dance, beauty, waltz, formality, baroque, sociality
This one song gives me chills every time I hear it in game. You can just feel the overwhelming presence of the Raiden Shogun with that one leitmotif
I remember seeing a comment from someone saying Inazuma’s music has a sense of “melancholic pain” and I find that really fitting.
The music itself speaks of her "Omnipresence over Mortals".
I love how deliberate the music is, along with the visual and story. Everything has a reason to be there.
Can't wait to see you to listen to Tsurumi Island and Enkanomiya's OST.
Specially Tsurumi Island.... One of my favorites, and a very underrated one
Oh gosh, Tsurumi Island OST.... My favorites, even if it makes my depression worse.
I try not to listen to those too often, or when I'm at my best condition.
just started playing two months ago and now i finally made it there too. currently my favorite zone cause everything isn't 50 miles apart
Just an island apart my friend, nothing far….
Oh hey! Anby!
That is until theyre on an island far away and theres no port nearby
You won't like Sumeru :)
as someone who also started playing not too long ago, i advise you to just quickly unlock as many waypoints in inazuma as possible. it's fine to travel around in one island but once you have to get to other islands...
Inazuma still is my favorite region, the music remembers me so much of Studio Ghibli movies, I love it.
I kept coming back to the soundtracks of inazuma especially the shogun's (tho Fischl's midsummer realm hits~ Hard... just like grant's impression of it)
Your reaction to getting to Inazuma the first time was Exactly the same as mine. 😂
I hope you enjoy it! There's Quite a bit to it but that's what makes it so exciting
I had a big goofy grin the first day I played lol, I don't know what it is about Inazuma that makes it so much more interesting. Sumeru is nice, but it doesn't really come anywhere close to the Inazuma release
@@IgnoredAdviceProductions I think it was because at the time Genshin was still relatively "new" and a majority of people's expectations of where it would go were so high and positive. As time went on and we got to Sumeru, public reception started mellowing out or turning bitter due to how slow paced and casual (imo) Genshin is.
There's also the Japan=familiar factor for a lot of anime enjoyers versus Sumeru's Egypt and Middle East. I think those two things contribute a lot in general, though I could be off since I prioritize enjoying genshin within a small circle and rarely look at what other people think.
@@mannakallat2894 Perhaps it is because of it being the first new nation being added, but I don't know. It's just a feeling, which is why it's frustrating, I can't explain it logically.
Its really nice how you can tell the vibes of each nation just by their city themes
6:40 "Dreams and aspirations are getting lost in the air." -- Yep, that sums up so much of Inazuma. Nailed it again!
You definitely have to take a moment and listen to Konda Village’s Day and Night Themes when you get there in game! One of the pieces, like Port Ormos, that entranced me enough to stop playing and just stand there to hear more.
Me, watching Marco's face as he takes in the music: sir, this is a family-friendly channel. LOL
😂
UA-cam: we get it...
You're right. Artifact domains are the most terrifying thing in all gaming.
For me, when the horns and trumpet come in I almost get a sense of the dark broody themes heard in old film noir, especially when it feels like the story is reminiscing about times gone by. While I'm unsure if that was the intent, I feel that it fits well in that interpretation because of Inazuma almost being like a sort of film noir itself - A story from long ago which is still ongoing.
Marco's interpretation is always so on point with the story. Its always incredible how much emotion and info you can transmit with music, and when I see Marco getting it the first time, It grows my admiration for him and the work of Yu-peng Chen
i've commented this before, but there is something hauntingly nostalgic about the inazuma theme that just brings a tear to the eye... even when i have no heritage/cultural connection present
its quite a stark contrast to the "hostility" in your interpretation
Same I'm not chinese but Liyue felt like home to me immediately so bright and friendly. I'm from the southern U.S and the bright music, the food it just really gave me a you're home vibe.
Just a heads up: the koto is the instrument that opened the piece. The drums are actually called Taiko Drums. I am not Japanese, but their traditional instruments are definitely among my favorites. Also I believe the flute you talked about is called a shakuhachi
Shakuhachi
@@talamioros ah yes thank you
Yup thank you!
Can't wait for you to explore inazuma, it is quite an experience!
I just wanna add that at 7:50 the faster cascade sounds like something is brewing, a revolt against the main theme. Then when the main comes back gentler but with the faster melody quieter intersecting it, it feels like the Raiden shogun is the main person, restful in her position, but the revolution is starting behind her back
Man, Hiroyuki Sawano, Kevin Penkin and Yu-Peng Chen are my top 3 favorite composers of all time. Their music is full of so many emotions and ideas, and the performers are all so talented and passionate; it all comes together to bring life to all these absolutely beautiful pieces of art, I just really love their music and it always moves me.
Couldnt agree more with all 3 of them!
I've always thought of this song as the musical form of endless and eternal progress, especially near the end.
"The land of her serenity" is probably one of my favourite genshin music. It's so quiet and fluffy, as well as melancholic, like a cloudy dream
(That's the night theme)
since Inazuma based like Edo-period, it makes sense that going to the city already made u kinda feel goosebumps
oh btw, road to 100k subs 👍
with the fatui as the black ship? or was it us?
It’s both . Pre Inazuma archon quest is Edo period & post is Meiji era with the release of Ayato
@@sentience3033 yup
@@sentience3033 how do you that very detailed?
@@edgeoftheworld9505 VHD is inspired by Tokugawa Shogunate which is happened in Edo period.
Meiji era is when European or Western influences started to spread on Japan . Variety of people came (aka casts of Irodori festival) & also Ayato whose Suit is Japanese European mix .
The first two notes of Inazuma's theme (its most recognizable and the ones that last longer than thr rest of the notes) also sound oddly similar to the first three notes from the Raiden Shogun's theme. In fact, the Shogun's theme (at least the first half) sounds like a direct response to Inazuma's theme.
Inazuma is my favorite piece of music in the entire game, and honestly one of my favorite pieces of music in general. The elegance and tension that it is able to convey whilst using native Japanese instruments combined with an orchestra is so beautiful. Even though the song is only just about over a year old, the amount of nostalgia I get from hearing it now is overwhelming. I will never forget this song.
I absolutely love the melody of Inazuma and you had the same way of describing it (especially the French horn), gorgeous. I hope you make a sort of part 2 or revisiting La Signora once you reach that part of the story. I'd recommend the album release version as it is much higher quality than the in game rip that most people posted last year. Love the videos, Marco.
Wait, there was an album release for La Signora? Which album again? As I never actually heard it anywhere :( been looking for it
@@rinadesu962 It's in the album with Watatsumi island, Seirai Island, Tsurumi Island, and Enkanomiya. It's called Islands of the Lost and Forgotten, and the battle themes are on disc 3
@@emilliovitelli2176 ua-cam.com/video/9TKbnQb4mOs/v-deo.html
Dude.. I wanna say, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I swesr I'd went through the whole album on Spotify previously but I don't remember listening to it 😭 thanks again man, greatly appreciated it!!!
When I first arrived at Inazuma, my jaw dropped. This theme is just sublime, so glad you've finally made it!
The more i listen to this the more i realized its like a love letter. Like leaving something cause you're not gonna be there anymore
Dunno if they already said it in the comments, but the Sakoku-rei (isolation decree) was really enforced in Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate and lasted since 1635 until 1853, when the shogunate fell and the decree was lifted.
also the parallel of a outsider (Traveller-American Navy) forcing the opening but one of the outsider (Fatui- Dutch) was already doing diplomatic ties during the ban...
@@PrograError I think the merchant from Fontaine more represented the Dutch than the Fatui, because as you can see when we first landed on Inazuma, there are more Fontainian merchant in Inazuma than other nation merchant, and they have more special right to build an outpost and a bit freedom to trade with Inazuma but still very limited to only trade within ritou Island. Just like how the dutch were the only western state that allowed to trade with the Tokugawa Shogunate but only allowed to trade within Hirado, Nagasaki. Also the Dutch weren't really have that mutch diplomatic ties with the Tokugawa Shogunate other than just a trade partner
Fabdom on, 1 or 2 years of Sakoku-rei in game:
" AGHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO BAD STUFF BAD STUFF! INAZUMA WILL FALL"
Fandom on, 2 ficking centuries irl Sakoku-rei:
Tis, fine.
@@saracchi1515 Sadly true.
oh damn, really? which tokugawa that started that?
Keep going Marco,you soon to get your heart broke not one,not twice,it's three hits only in Inazuma. I don't wanna spoil it out,just let you experience the story in fullest.
Inazuma is definitely a land of sublime beauty but also sublime sorrow.
Just WAIT until you get to tsurumi island osts.
Funny thing: i have that song as my alarm clock and every time i'm in inazuma and hear that music at the first moment i think "oh shit i forgot something or i have to to something" and thats always such a shock moment.
bad move, no matter how good alarm music is, you will unintentionally correlate the song with the feeling you have at the moment of hearing them. In the case of Alarm music, you probably don't feel too good because it disturbs your sleep and reminds you of the thing you have to do which isn't necessarily what you want to do
This is why I usually use a basic ringtone as my alarm then I will open youtube to watch some harmless fun video then I will play Genshin music while I cook/shower/eat where my emotion is already stable enough as it helps bring me comfort and make me at ease
Changw your alarm dude, you’ll come to hate the song.
@@constabrielbell4523 😂 i think im kind of weird with that but i love that song and still love it but i also can hear one song in repeat for weeks so i think that it's just me
I thought to myself, when the tension starts to build up, it’s where Inazuma shows not only her contemplative and even dreamy side, but also her valor and pride, military glory even. Knowing a bit about the period in Japan’s history, from which hoyo took inspiration, I believe it makes a lot of sense! A secluded land, with a lot of mystery and even “otherworldliness” to it, which prides herself in her might and glory. But there’s also indeed lots of conflict, tension and scars from it. Great listening to all of this spectacular music with you, Marco! I find it super fun to look into the Genshin music, and explore lore-related things inside of it, heheee)
I can't wait for you to go to the Grand Narukami Shrine, the melody that plays there is amazing, and Duel in the Mist is still my favourite battle theme even though I absolutely adore the Sumeru's ones too.
4:45 Fallen leaves...
*Inner Kazuha* : ADORN MY MIGHT
Listening to you gush about inazuma really reminds me of how I was the same a year ago, when i took my first steps into inazuma I talked to the random npc's and just vibed to the music while learning about the land and admiring the scenery for hours just in Ritou Island alone the day it came out
And it's the same how I am right now about the music in Sumeru, Genshin music is just on another level, I'm looking forward to more future music analysis videos :)
Inazuma is my favorite region in all of Genshin, even after the release of Sumeru. Purely because I fell in love with the sincere and quiet majesty of the region. Not just in it's aesthetic, but also in the music.
You can tell this is a nation of serenity, a country of sophistication and beauty. Yes, it is also a very tragic and solemn area, but that adds to its entire identity.
It really emphasizes that this elegant island nation will, like what Raiden said, will endure for all eternity.
I would love to hear your analysis on Duel in the Mists, it's my favorite Inazuma battle theme (not counting bosses)
There's also Sorrows of Strays which is one of the overworld themes of Tsurumi Island. I hope you do the questline there too so you can understand the meaning behind Ruu's Melody (another very good theme)
Inazuma songs (specifically this one) has vibes of this great country, beautiful with mysteries and history. The song goes on it gives off the sense of how powerful (and scary) this place more specifically the Shogun can be, with beauty and power she rules this lands. Then underneath that you have that oppressed and constricted freedom, sorrow and pain you can feel from the song, showing that this place may be beautiful and a like, but that doesn't mean its a utopia. that's what I felt hearing this song for the first time XD Anyway a great analysis as always Marco!
Yes I had the same emotions when i first stepped into Inazuma…the music blends so well with the location and the story making it much more powerful…
seeing you so happy witht this music just fills my heart with joy thank you
Inazuma's theme is such a treasure, I love it soooo much! It starts so soft and melancholic, it's like "the calm before the storm" sort of feeling; I also interpret it as all the ancient secrets and mysteries Inazuma's islands holds underneath its calm surface, all the turmoil in its history. And then it grows SO MAJESTIC, transitioning to a contained and disciplined kind of energy, but still a very powerful one! I love how this theme has all kinds of emotions going on, it's oppressive but also warm and welcoming, it's energetic yet melancholic. Mysterious and peaceful. Very complex and nuanced. I just love it, ahhh
My man, i just stumbled accross your reaction videos. Music is the main reason why i love Genshin Impact, HoYo-Mix, but it seems because of difference in professions, usually if i want to express to my friends those analytics like yours, i always need a moment for some thoughts to come, while your words come out so fluent xD I love to join others' experience of music. I love your contents so far, you are very talented in sharing your passion
🥰 it’s my pleasure. Thank you for being here.
I love this so much! Such a powerful track that portrays the story of Inazuma better than any lore dump could, and it's a large part of the reason why I love video game music. It can tell a full story, through nothing but its instrumentation. I also want to thank YuPeng Chen and Hoyo-mix for actually using a full live orchestra. Genshin Impact perfectly encapsulates why using live musicians can elevate an already excellent score to new heights, as there is a breadth to the music that is too hard to replicate with digital orchestration alone. It definitely isn't easy, and it's a hell of a lot more expensive to do, but man does it produce some jaw dropping soundscapes.
In my opinion this is where Hoyoverse goes crazy in music and specially creating leitmotifs.
This here encapsulates what we are gonna witness in the Inazuma arch of our journey.
Without any spoilers we have, beauty, melancholy, mistery, and the sounds of military/war. And yes Marco as you said you're gonna love hearing the leitmotifs of all the regions of Inazuma, and will be glad to know that characters starts to have their own here.
Hope you have an amazing time exploring the land of thunder! But beware of the storm!
I am always impressed, that you can describe music like that. The Inazuma archon quest is basically all about dreams, hopes, aspirations and ambitions. You're amazing and keep up the great work!
Thanks for the great video and analysis Marco! I was in complete awe when I first listened to Inazuma's music. Its been a year but I still get tingles in me when I listen to Inazuma music!
I literally cried that one time I walked out of the Kamisato estate and into an unnamed area just between it and the forest, and Hanachirusato started playing. The simple beginning, so gentle, so touching, I wasn't able to find it again for so long since Inazuma just came out back then, and it took me ages to find it again. And man i used to spend so much time there. Now I just have it on loop on my phone
Ive been watching your channel for a while now. Music and video games have always been huge intrests for me and your channel has been an endless source of entertainment. Ive started to play genshin again recently and I gotta say, the effort hoyo puts into this games music is on another level and I'm so glad you cover it so much. Always look forward to your uploads. Keep up the phenominal work man.
Thank you so much
You nailed it with the drums on Raiden. She's based off of the japanese mythological figure Raijin, a demon born of Izanami who controls the thunder through the use of his drums, so that sound in Inazuma's music is absolutely a motif for her.
I always come here to listen to your talks and opinions on the music from Genshin because I just loved the music in this game.
I'm so glad you're covering this. The Inazuma theme is one of my favorites for basically all the things you just mentioned.
It's hard to come by someone who can speak about Genshin's music (and all games in general) with so much passion.
I was on edge when I got to Rito Village, and I was never really into the people of Inazuma, especially as immediately upon entering you get to see the corruption and red tape inherent in the government for the first time ever in Teyvat. Even I was really skeptical of Thoma, who I just called "Alolan Childe".
Because of that the first parts of Inazuma really just passed me by. That's why I really appreciate this analysis because I thought "Huh, didn't think of that."
What really got me into Inazuma though was one of the first character quests there, and it was just breath-taking. I can't wait for you to get to that part, and I hope you do a video about it too.
thx for the great content as always, cant wait till u react to watatsumi & tsurumi sountrack as well. its just sound so good :)
I love how you see through the music and the messages it give I always admire your content sir Marcomeatball
❤️
Seeing your reaction on stream was great. 😂 it was a perfect reaction to the build up for the moment. 😊 Also always excited to see your musical breakdown/reactions, and Inazuma has a bunch I know you’ll love!
Inazuma shines eternal!
“Inazuma” track is the one I requested on patreon many months ago so I’m very happy you finally made a breakdown of this. Looking forward to your journey further into Inazuma.
ohohoho welcome to inazuma, also, be ready, Tsurumi Island has the best OST all of inazuma, any time Fading Memories play, i just stand around and listen to it, it's soo good
This is my favorite music in all of Genshin. The segment that begins at 6:06 is one of those parts that makes me imagine rain drops falling on a pond, sort of the beginning of the storm.
I love hearing your commentary on Genshin music, thank you!
The first time I heard the Inazuma music, I'm struck with despite how grandeur and sweet it is, there's loneliness and sadness concealed behind the notes.
Grandeur, yet mournful at the same time. Wishful and melancholic.
The bamboo flute at the beginning is a shakuhachi, a wonderful sound to convey wistful fleeting sadness and loneliness. there are a lot of kinds to get different pitches.
The drums are taiko with the bigger deep sounding one being an odaiko, it really does have that presence that you can't ignore. Taiko is physically demanding to play as well so it is a very respected instrument!
and the koto is actually the string instrument playing around 5:30, it's an amazing kind of instrument in the way they actually like bow the strings by hand to change the sound on the spot ^^
There are also some shamisen in the background but they are not really featured in this particular piece, also a wild instrument to see played
the beginning of the song, also has the sound of mystery in it for me too.
Thank you for correcting me it means a lot!!!
Man!
Inazuma was such a ride
I get immense nostalgia when I heard it's track
I'm not a professional musician and had never received any music education but I can still easily catch the emotional message that this song is trying to express. At 3:34 I can feel the sadness and the powerlessness in that 'sigh' like flow and it made me want to cry for whatever happened to the creator of this song (in games lore of course)
It's amazing that not only the incorporation of various instruments and leitmotifs, but it's that each region is thematic. Without spilling any spoilers, each region sounds the way it is because it's what the region's overall feelings/heart is about.
I would love to see your take on the themes from Tsurumi Island (a later-accessible area)- it’s an abandoned pre-Inazuma civilization- it plays out the lore of the Thundering Fury artifact set. One theme is heart-wrenchingly desolate and another is of such innocent joy.
I love how Hoyoverse uses local instruments to the represented regions
Guards of a Precious Chest in Mondstadt/Liyue: A group of hilichurls, maybe has one or 2 mitachurls
Guards of a Common Chest in Inazuma: 2 Swordmasters with volatile elemental synergy and gains an enraged second wind when one falls
i really love to see your reaction in 10:42 because it's perfectly match with the music! 💕💕💕
Inazuma is beautiful, terrifying, peaceful, nostalgic, serene and tragic all the same time !
Please check the boss themes and fighting themes to see the dynamic of strength, discipline, danger and power. Most of them have a shamisen as the main or secondary instrument, and it can mark so well the speed up of the songs, as well the taiko drums.
Say what u guys want but inazuma ost and its overall scenary is my most fav so far
Sumeru is gorgeous i wont deny it but inazuma has a special place in my heart like when i m in other nation i yearn to go home back in inazuma
In a year it made me feel like i belong there and cant stop thinking bout that place like kazuha idle animation says "wherever i go, i carry memories of my home"
cant belive soon enough u will actually react to all the raw music INGAME, youve come a long way well done :D
Thrown into the eye of the storm there is surface level peace
Even though the music is the same. It feels different according to where you are in Inazuma's story.
Went from 'depressing' to 'calming' imo.
how about calmy depressing
Wow now that you mention it, it opened my ears to new interpretations to this piece. I also want to share something.
Without spoiling I will try linking this piece with in-game happenings.
0:31 starts with Raiden's mourn 500 years back. (Using the traditional japanese flute solo to accentuate her freshly felt pain.)
1:12 Here starts the strings with the drums as "ban hammer" as you described (this is what is happening now vision hunt decree started 1 year before zhongli's fake death), Raiden is justifying her ban hammer with the loss she felt.
5:30 Here starts the short notes and "tiny" sounding instruments. (I think they represents, just like you said, the people's wishes being born, and later we hear raiden's theme before these wishes could be flourished. The shortness of each note is made contrast to the elongated notes of the God of Eternity, showing that it is indeed representing mortal's wishes.)
6:04 more short notes that seems to paint a landscape where there are several wishes being born.
7:30 Here raiden cuts those wishes short again with the vision hunt decree. (There is also the harp? still playing in the background as being suppressed by the shogun)
7:44 Here on the right ear, we can hear strings vibrating? I think they use this a lot in unease situations. Like how people are unhappy with the vision hunt decree and the unsatisfaction is building up.
10:52 Here starts the resistance of the people. The drums fighting the short notes, people fighting against the shogun's samurais.
11:12 Traveller arrives at the ceremony XD 11:35 and does the unthinkable.
11:47 Build up to one of the most epic scenes. 11:54 Yep more traveler doing their things together with the resistance.
12:12 Time to face Raiden.
12:47 Again the short notes come back! With the power of friendship, the traveler can do anything! And these short notes are the ones to end the piece, so they win xD.
I love your videos, always makes me listen to music with different light. I would have never on my spare time relisten to this alone. You make not only me but a lot more people learn to appreciate music differently.
One other thing about this track is the use of leitmotif over and over again also represents eternity, as Inazuma is the nation of eternity.
I think Inazuma theme basically tells the Traveler's journey in Inazuma itself.
Pardon my ignorance in musical terms plus the poor description, but I think the beginning part is the state of the nation under the Shogun's rule, tranquil with a sense of loss and grief. Once the french horns coming in, the Traveler which is a foreign factor set foot into the land, getting to know the place and stuffs, which why the leitmotif is repeated, but with western instrument. Fast forward the music is escalating (along with the conflict) and reaches it's resolution at the climax, in which *SPOILER* calms down with acceptance to how things are and reaches understanding with the Traveler.
Can't wait to see you react to major events in Inazuma!
You’re so right regarding leí motives. I think the video “Teyvat chapter storyline” contains leí motives of each region.
10:24 I always laugh whenever I hear someone call some music manipulative intending it as a bad thing lol
All good music is manipulative, it's how it gets to invoke emotion! It surprises me how few people notice this and when they do the first reaction tends to be one of disgust toward specific genres without realizing that it's all music. Maybe you pointing this out will help people notice and come to terms with it, but I'm glad you mentioned it regardless of whether this happens or not
Every genshin player had this reaction, when you enter sumeru you will have it times 100
Haha you look like you want to sing the melody out loud so bad towards the end 😁 it's cute! Love to see it 🎉 and thank you for another brilliant analysis/react. For me when I first arrived in Inazuma the music was kinda saying "OK we're not joking around here" I felt like serious stuff was gonna happen...and it slightly terrified me 😂😂
So excited to watch you explore more of this region Marco! Inazuma is without question my favorite region in the sense of integrating geography and lore together. Without spoiling anything plotwise, Inazuma's a nation that's gone through an incredible amount oftrauma, to the extent that you can literally see it on almost every single island, so you're definitely on point about the sadness. Playing through the region, every island had storylines that made me cry multiple times :D
back when inazuma came out i felt liyue was my home. now that sumeru is out, inazuma starts to feel like home instead.
When you were talking about hopes and dreams being suspended of some sort
I loved your thoughts on it and I hope the Inazuma storyline will bring you much much joy
Genshin music has a way of moving me emotionally like close to no other
I guess you could say, I could listen to this... for an eternity.
I love and appreciate the nod you gave to artifacts. Made me laugh XD
I think Inazuma theme represents Ei backstory and character development. Its beautiful, with tragic past, but strong and hopeful for the future. Please do "Duel in the mist" Inazuma battle theme reaction, from their music video.
the drums are taiko drums, koto is the flute iirc :)
inazuma is the first land in genshin i learned what true betrayal was, because in my dumb brain, purple is safety, this song *sounds purple* (i will not elaborate), inazuma itself is overwhelmingly purple, and then lore and the kairagi (human enemies) slammed me into the floor. i learned how to build characters in this region. this song has been the soundtrack of my past 4 months on my way to triple crown kokomi as i farmed the talent materials :'o) can't wait to see what you think of the rest of inazuma (esp watatsumi island, watatsumi is so pretty and has gorgeous music as well)!!
7:31 I felt like I should just clarify. The instrument we hear here is actually a Flugelhorn, not a French Horn! It’s essentially a much darker, smoother trumpet, and sounds absolutely gorgeous as a solo instrument.
(And brownie points if you know that the solo trumpet after the flugelhorn is actually a piccolo trumpet :P)
thanks for this comment Spencer!