Behind the Music of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
11/3/2008 10:00 PM | 3 Comments | Page 2 of 3
Alex Van Zelfden
Status: Waffles and Pancakes are made from the same thing: deliciousness.
The Empire of the Rising Sun
Like the faction for which it was written, the Empire of the Rising Sun's unique sound may be entirely unexpected, but fits perfectly in context. The music ranges from a cold, futuristic and slightly weird style to things like the "Shogun Executioner" track, which leans more towards classic Japanese monster movie music. "The common thread is the use of Japanese-style percussion fused with the orchestra and 'folk choir,'" says Hannigan.
The folk choir is one of the most striking elements used for this faction, but even more striking is that vocalist Miriam Stockley was the entire ensemble. "We were after a Japanese 'folk choir' sound," explains Hannigan. "Being familiar with Miriam's work on "Adiemus," which had her tracking herself over and over to build up a choir-like texture, she seemed like the perfect choice to achieve this effect in the most practical way. Miriam has an incredible voice and is also extremely versatile, so I was thrilled that she agreed to do it. The extra challenge for her was singing in Japanese -- but I believe she managed it very well."
Bringing out the big guns
The male choir brings the Soviet menace to life.
There were quite a number of cues to write for the various cinematics, menus and -- most of all -- the gameplay. In addition to the occasional scripted event calling for a more linear piece, the bulk of the
Red Alert 3 gameplay music changes dynamically from exploration themes, to more threatening cues, to all-out combat tracks.
The Skywalker Symphony Orchestra records the score to
Red Alert 3.
Once the relevant music was finished in early August, Wynn and Laviers headed north to have the score recorded by a roughly 70-piece orchestra at Skywalker Sound's recording studios outside of San Francisco. "Ever since we did the
Simpsons Game score, we have used the Skywalker Symphony," Wynn says. "The musicians are amazing and wonderful to work with."
A 12-member male choir was recorded the following day to complete the Soviet tracks, including Hannigan's grand "Soviet March." The vocals for both the Soviet and Rising Sun factions feature authentic Russian and Japanese lyrics, and though few players will probably understand them, this adds a subconscious authenticity to the music. Quite serendipitously, the choir had been performing a Russian opera the night before the recording session, so it had no difficulty with the lyrics for the Soviet cues.
What better instrument to capture the franchise's offbeat humor than the accordion?
In addition to the orchestra and choir, there were inevitably other instruments -- bouzouki, solo cello, trumpet and accordion -- recorded for the wildly diverse locations and styles in the game. And of course, the three-piece rock band was the most important additional element, since all of the Allied and Soviet music came from it.
