NieR: Piano Concert ‐ Journeys 12025
The music of the NieR franchise is absolutely incredible. It’s the lynchpin that holds the games together. These songs are an essential component of the moody atmosphere, the haunting narrative, and the elegant visuals. None of those other pieces fit quite right without the soundtrack. So naturally I was fully ready for a NieR piano concert. But even with all this context and preparation at my disposal, I was still utterly disarmed by the show last week.
I was expecting a flashy, sensory assault. You know, huge visuals on a backdrop screen, lights, the whole nine yards. What we got was one very talented performer sitting at a piano at center stage. Just the one instrument? How good could it really be? Amazing, as it turns out.
You see, the piano is the keystone that holds the whole NieR franchise operation together. Behind every sweeping, impossible composition is the humble keyboard, either in digital or analog form. It all made perfect sense to me once I heard these songs on piano. The synths, the full orchestra, and the layered vocals all fell away like powdered husks. What was left was a perfect expression of clear, powerful notes ringing out over an enchanted and mesmerized audience.
A Focused and Forceful Performance
Every piece was an absolute heater that kept the whole crowd enthralled. Or maybe my long-standing love for emotional piano arrangements had me somewhat blindsided. Either way, there wasn’t a single dud in the whole lineup. There were little breaks here and there, mostly to give people a chance to recover their faculties between songs. I myself spent the evening moving with the notes like some kind of armchair conductor.
Weight of the World was especially incredible. That song takes you on a whole journey. There’s a haunting refrain, an inevitable buildup, moments of high intensity, and even some quiet reflection. Bipolar Nightmare, Fleeting Words, and Song of the Ancients were also true highlights. If nothing else, this concert affirmed my reverence for the whole suite of NieR soundtracks.
It was wonderful to see everyone come together for this fantastic evening of music. In particular, there was a whole crew’s worth of delightful cosplayers present. You had your 2Bs, your 9Ss, and even one A2. There was also a pretty decent Yoko Taro moon mask wandering around. I was in my usual civvies, but I’ve got endless respect for anyone who comes to an event like this in cosplay.
All told, it was a fantastic evening. I cheered, I cried, and I found myself inspired. I was mostly inspired to play all the NieR games that I’ve missed, but still! It was a triumphant affirmation of the whole series. The venue was packed with hardcore fans, but I’m certain those songs were powerful enough to convert any casual attendees. If you’re on the fence about the NieR series, this concert (and the soundtracks in general) make a strong argument for getting into those games.