On August 21, 2024, at the Pacifico Yokohama National Hall, fans of the beloved anime “Funeral of Frieren” were treated to an unforgettable full orchestra concert. Based on the manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, this event showcased the beauty of the anime’s soundtrack, composed by Evan Call, along with mesmerizing visuals projected on a giant screen. The concert drew a crowd of 4,000 attendees, creating a magical atmosphere that resonated throughout the night.
The Significance of the “Funeral of Frieren” Soundtrack
The emotional depth and high-quality animation of “Funeral of Frieren” owe much to its breathtaking soundtrack. Composed by Evan Call, who is known for his work on “Violet Evergarden” and the historical drama “The 13 Lords of the Kamakura,” the music played a significant role in elevating the anime’s narrative. The soundtrack not only enhanced the scenes but also left a lasting impression on fans. The soundtrack CD, released in April 2024, sold an impressive 14,000 copies—an uncommon achievement for a TV anime soundtrack.
A Journey Through Music: Concert Highlights
The night began with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra taking the stage, led by conductor Masataka Tajiri. The opening number, “Journey of a Lifetime ~ Frieren Main Theme,” set the tone for the evening. Composed as the main theme for the anime, this piece encapsulated the emotional essence of Frieren’s journey. As the powerful melody filled the hall, the audience was drawn into the world of Frieren, with scenes from the anime beautifully synchronized on the screen.
The concert unfolded as a musical journey through Frieren’s adventures, featuring iconic pieces such as “One Last Adventure” and “Farewell, My Friend,” which depicted the final moments of Frieren’s companion Himmel, and “Time Flows Ever Onward,” highlighting Frieren’s connection with her apprentice, Fern. Another standout moment was the performance of “Zoltraak,” a thrilling piece accompanying the fierce battle scenes with demons.
Special Performance by Milet
Halfway through the concert, the audience was treated to a special appearance by Milet, the talented singer-songwriter behind “bliss”, the ending theme of “Funeral of Frieren”. Accompanied by the full orchestra, she delivered a stunning performance of both “bliss” and “Anytime Anywhere,” captivating the audience with her ethereal voice. These songs, both composed by Evan Call, added a deeply emotional layer to the event.
After her performance, Milet shared her gratitude and emotional connection to the songs. She expressed how honored she felt to perform these pieces in front of the “Funeral of Frieren” fans, and how the event allowed her to bring out the true beauty of the songs, as originally intended.
A Spellbinding Finale
As the concert progressed into its second half, more beloved tracks were performed, including “Waltz for Stark and Fern”, a charming dance piece that captured the bond between the characters, and “The Magic Within” and “New and Dangerous Magic,” which heightened the drama of the second arc’s intense magical battles. The final piece, “Beyond the Journey’s End,” provided a quiet yet majestic conclusion, leaving the audience in awe.
The encore brought Evan Call back on stage, where he personally conducted a special medley of the evening’s songs, leading into the final number, “Song for the Beyond.” This performance was unique, as the audience was invited to take photos and videos, allowing them to capture the magic of the moment.
Closing Remarks by Evan Call
After the concert, Evan Call expressed his joy at the success of the event, commenting on how honored he was to see so many fans who love both Frieren and the music. He praised the performers and conductor Masataka Tajiri, sharing that the night truly felt like a magical experience. He even joked about wishing to learn the “spell for a repeat performance.”
Conclusion: A Night of Musical Magic
The “Funeral of Frieren” full orchestra concert was more than just a musical event—it was a deeply moving tribute to the anime and its fans. With unforgettable performances from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Milet, and Evan Call, the night truly embodied the magic of music. For the 4,000 attendees, it was an evening filled with emotional resonance, and one that will be remembered for years to come.
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