Final Fantasy’s Longtime Composer Is Burned Out
Nobuo Uematsu, who has been composing music for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series for over 30 years, recently announced that he is taking an indefinite hiatus to deal with health problems.
“From composing new works to holding concerts around the world, my days have been hectic, yet fulfilling,” Uematsu, 59, wrote on his blog. “The resulting fatigue, however, has finally caught up with me, and I find it mentally and physically difficult to go on at my current pace.”
Uematsu wants to use at least the remaining portion of 2018 to rest and regain his stamina and health. As of now, it’s unclear if he will take an additional break in 2019.
“Do not worry. Once I’ve made a full recovery, I’ll be back doing what I do best,” he said.
Many of Uematsu’s tracks are performed live by an orchestra, which he spoke of in a 2014 interview.
“The first time my music was performed by an orchestra was maybe after Final Fantasy I and II,” he said. “I did a Final Fantasy orchestra concert once around that time. So, I think it must’ve been in the late ’80s or around 1990. I was really happy, but scared. The reason for that was because I’d never had a musical education, and I’m still not great at reading musical scores.”
Although best known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, Uematsu has also worked on titles like Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey and the main theme for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.