This weekend, an unexpected opportunity arose. I had the chance to check out the NieR:Piano Concert – Journeys 12025 concert in the Toronto area, so with no hesitation, I excitedly accepted Square Enix’s invitation and brought my brother along to take this article’s snazzy pictures. I was met with an entirely new experience that I am quite glad to have had.
I’ve been to plenty of symphonies before, but I’ve never been to such a large-scale piano recital. Unlike something like Distant Worlds or Video Games Live, NieR:Piano Concert – Journeys 12025 doesn’t feature a full orchestra or anything like that. Rather, it’s one immensely talented performer (frequent Square Enix collaborator Benyamin Nuss) playing a grand piano alone on stage. Right off the bat, I have to commend Nuss not only for his incredible talent when it comes to playing piano, but for his nerves of steel. I can’t imagine how much pressure there must be in playing music alone in front of a full auditorium for an hour and a half, but he seemed absolutely comfortable and enthusiastic as he played track after track impeccably.
Additionally, this sort of solo performance is remarkably more intimate than an orchestra, which feels fitting for the NieR series. Though it’s obviously a very fantastical franchise, there’s a grounded sense of humanity to the characters and plotlines that extends across all its titles, which is well complemented by the closer feel of this type of performance. The crowd was quite respectful for the entire show, too, making the moments of silence in each track feel much heavier and more resonant. Unlike other shows, there was no screen showing gameplay or cutscenes either, truly honing in on the more personal vibe.
It’s interesting to hear songs as complex as those from games like Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139… and NieR: Automata played entirely on one instrument, especially without any form of vocal component. My personal favorite song from the series, “Peaceful Sleep,” was an absolute joy to hear played so expertly on piano, and even without Emi Evans’s memorable vocals, every drop of emotion from the original was conveyed through those piano keys. And other tracks with different tones, like “Amusement Park” and “Snow in Summer,” are played just as wonderfully. It’s a truly different experience than any other musical performance I’ve attended, and it broadened my mind on the ways one can adapt even the most complicated songs.
The fans at NieR:Piano Concert – Journeys 12025 went above and beyond.
The excitement among NieR:Piano Concert – Journeys 12025 attendees was contagious, with several cosplayers throughout the hall. Even outside of cosplayers, a huge portion of the audience was wearing NieR clothing, and I was impressed with just how huge and passionate even the local community for the series is. The concert hall during the performance was nearly full, too, and it’s heartening to see that there are so many big NieR fans even up here in Canada.
Honestly, my only regret is that the merchandise was unfortunately held up at customs, so I wasn’t able to nab a CD, shirt, or anything. That’s a Canada problem, though, as I’m sure Square Enix was bummed about missing out on all the merchandise sales they would have gotten. I saw online that you could potentially get an Emil plush, but I dare not look into this further, as it will only sadden me further. Next time!
All this to say that I was both entertained and moved by NieR:Piano Concert – Journeys 12025. It was totally unlike previous video game music performances I’ve attended in quite a few ways, allowing it to stand alongside titans like Distant Worlds despite their many differences. I think NieR was the perfect series to choose for a piano recital tour, and I’m undoubtedly glad that I had the privilege to attend my local performance. If you have the chance and are a fan of NieR, I highly recommend getting a ticket, as this is a brilliant, intimate experience you’ll deeply appreciate.
