Merregnon
Template:Infobox media franchise Template:Short description Merregnon is a narrative orchestral music series created and produced by Thomas Böcker through his company, Merregnon Studios.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> Combining symphonic compositions with fantasy storytelling, the project launched in 1999 and has since produced several albums and live concert performances.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref> The most recent works, Merregnon: Land of Silence (2021) and Merregnon: Heart of Ice (2024), premiered with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, respectively.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8">Template:Cite news</ref> Aimed at families and younger audiences, the series follows in the tradition of orchestral works such as The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns and Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":5">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
The Merregnon series features contributions from composers known for their work in the video game industry, including Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, Chris Hülsbeck, and Yuzo Koshiro.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:AnchorMerregnon: Heart of Ice
Merregnon: Heart of Ice features an original score by Nobuo Uematsu, with a story by children’s author Frauke Angel.<ref name=":8" /> In an interview with Die Zeit, Uematsu stated that he wanted to dedicate his remaining creative time to projects he personally cares about, such as Merregnon: Heart of Ice.<ref name=":8" /> It premiered on 29 February 2024 in Ludwigshafen, Germany, performed by the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, conducted by Eckehard Stier.
It is Uematsu’s first orchestral work written specifically for the concert hall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His aim, he said, was “to write music that makes children happy.”<ref name=":8" /> The next performance is scheduled for 25 June 2026 at the Philharmonie de Paris, with the Orchestre national d’Île-de-France.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Story
The story is set in the frozen world of Merregnon. It follows Kjugo, a cheerful wooden robot, and the dog Beru on their quest to find Kjugo’s creator, Nuobi, in a realm of eternal frost ruled by the Ice Wind Dancer, Goyakai. As they journey through the icy landscape, Kjugo and Beru must overcome numerous obstacles before confronting Goyakai. In the decisive encounter, Kjugo breaks the magical grip keeping the land frozen. Nuobi is found, and warmth returns to the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Reception
Merregnon: Heart of Ice was described as "a thrilling adventure with high drama and a fulminant battle for humanity" by the German newspaper Die Rheinpfalz. Writer Ulrike Dansauer, who attended the premiere, highlighted the project's broad appeal, noting, "The story is very popular with young audiences: devout listening from even the youngest children, closed eyes from adults, completely absorbed in the tale."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Thomas Nickel, a writer for the German gaming magazine M!Games, echoed this sentiment, stating: "Despite the late hour, the younger visitors are just as fascinated as the older ones." He compared the musical style of Merregnon: Heart of Ice to early Final Fantasy soundtracks, but found it "fresh and original." Nickel further commented on the expressiveness of the compositions, saying that "the joy of the music and composition is very evident" and "the compositions speak for themselves" without needing to support graphics or gameplay, allowing them to "convey drama and characters" independently.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:AnchorMerregnon: Land of Silence
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Merregnon: Land of Silence features original music by Yoko Shimomura and a story by children's author Frauke Angel.<ref name=":0" /> This project marks Shimomura's first concert work.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was first performed by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andreas Hanson, and filmed at the Stockholm Concert Hall in June 2021. The video was made freely available on the orchestra's website, premiering on September 10, 2021.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":7">Template:Cite news</ref>
Since 2022, Merregnon: Land of Silence has been performed by orchestras worldwide.<ref name=":0" />
Story
In the grey landscape of Merregnon live Miru and her dog Mako. One day they discover a wounded bird named Ikari, who sings of a colourful region far to the north. Together with her friend Hikito and the bird Ikari, they embark on a journey. They encounter the warrior Skissor, who has imprisoned the dragon Yamakito at a massive wall separating the vibrant north from the bleak south. Forced by Skissor to guard this region, Yamakito preserves the only remaining beauty in Merregnon. With Ikari’s help, the group frees the dragon, whose song defeats Skissor, causing the wall to crumble.<ref name=":2" />
Reception
Merregnon: Land of Silence was described by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung as a “symphonic anime”.<ref name=":7" /> Klassik Radio referred to the concert as a “symphonic anime fairy tale for the whole family” that introduces children to the world of orchestral music in a playful way.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A Deutschlandfunk report highlighted the collaboration with a video game composer in the context of music education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
For Gramophone magazine, Böcker wrote a guest article on the importance of family concerts, emphasizing the value of an entertaining and engaging approach to orchestral music.<ref name=":6" /> Wired called Merregnon: Land of Silence “a welcome hand for struggling concert halls.”<ref name=":5" /> In a webinar hosted by the German Embassy in Tokyo, Yoko Shimomura, Frauke Angel, and Thomas Böcker spoke about the creation of the project.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>
Performances
Merregnon: Heart of Ice
| Date | City | Country | Venue | Orchestra | Concerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 29, 2024 | Ludwigshafen | Germany | Feierabendhaus Ludwigshafen | Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz | World premiere |
| March 1, 2024 | Ludwigshafen | Germany | Feierabendhaus Ludwigshafen | Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz | 1 |
| December 11, 2025 | Neustadt/Weinstraße | Germany | Saalbau Neustadt/Weinstraße | Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz | 1 |
| December 14-15, 2025 | Ludwigshafen | Germany | Feierabendhaus Ludwigshafen | Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz | 2 |
| June 25,2026 | Paris | France | Philharmonie de Paris | Orchestre national d'Île-de-France | 1 |
Merregnon: Land of Silence
| Date | City | Country | Venue | Orchestra | Concerts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10, 2021 | Stockholm | Sweden | Stockholm Concert Hall | Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra | Video premiere |
| September 17, 2022 | Recklinghausen | Germany | Festspielhaus Recklinghausen | Neue Philharmonie Westfalen | 1 |
| September 25, 2022 | Gelsenkirchen | Germany | Musiktheater Gelsenkirchen | Neue Philharmonie Westfalen | 1 |
| November 22-23, 2022 | Lausanne | Switzerland | Salle Métropole Lausanne | Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne | 3 |
| March 5, 2023 | Jena | Germany | Volkshaus Jena | Jenaer Philharmonie | 1 |
| March 7-11, 2023 | Stockholm | Sweden | Stockholm Concert Hall | Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra | 13 |
| March 17-18, 2023 | Hong Kong | China | Tuen Mun Hal Hong Kong | Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra | 2 |
| April 20-23, 2023 | Ludwigshafen | Germany | Feierabendhaus Ludwigshafen | Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz | 4 |
| June 1, 2023 | Shanghai | China | Symphony Hall Shanghai | Shanghai Symphony Orchestra | 2 |
| July 1, 2023 | Chautauqua, New York | United States | Amphitheater, Chautauqua, N. Y. | Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra | 1 |
| April 23, 2024 | Eindhoven | Netherlands | Muziekgebouw Eindhoven | South Netherlands Philharmonic | 1 |
| April 24, 2024 | Tilburg | Netherlands | Concertzaal Tilburg | South Netherlands Philharmonic | 1 |
| April 25, 2024 | Venlo | Netherlands | De Maaspoort Theater Venlo | South Netherlands Philharmonic | 1 |
| April 26, 2024 | Kerkrade | Netherlands | Theater Kerkrade | South Netherlands Philharmonic | 1 |
Early Productions: Merregnon Vol. 1 and 2
In 1999, producer and artistic director Thomas Böcker launched the Merregnon project by inviting international composers to contribute to an original music production inspired by video game soundtracks.<ref name=":5" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Merregnon, Volume 1 was released in 2000, distributed by synSoniq Records and featured orchestral-style music with narration, accompanied by a booklet containing story and illustrations.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref>
A medley featuring music from Merregnon, Volume 2 premiered in 2003 at the first Symphonic Game Music Concert held in Leipzig, Germany, and also produced by Böcker.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The full album followed in 2004, released by Totentanz Records and distributed by SoulFood / Sony Music.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref> A Japanese edition was published in 2005 by Dex Entertainment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Unlike the first volume, which was primarily produced using synthesized and sampled sounds, Volume 2 featured recordings by a live orchestra under the direction of music director Andy Brick.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The principal composer for both volumes was Fabian Del Priore, who developed the core musical themes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Reception
Merregnon, Volume 1 received positive reviews upon release. The German magazine Amiga Plus noted that its orchestral style was particularly appealing to younger audiences, while the website Epic Sound highlighted the collaboration of emerging international composers. Music4Games described the album as setting “new standards in the world of videogame music.” The German outlet Krawall praised its ability to evoke vivid imagery, and PC Joker called it “a hit.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Merregnon, Volume 2 was also well received. The gaming site DemoNews described it as “breathtaking,” while the magazine Nautilus emphasized its cinematic quality, appealing to fans of epic film scores. MacLife referred to the music as comparable to “Hollywood quality,” and publications like Astan and MangasZene praised both the musical content and the high production values of the accompanying booklet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The German website 4Players published a multi-part special on the project, including several interviews with Böcker and the participating composers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> According to Böcker, working on the two Merregnon albums laid the foundation for his later Game Concerts series.<ref name=":5" />
Composers
- Andy Brick (United States)<ref name=":1" />
- Allister Brimble (United Kingdom)<ref name=":9">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Jason Chong (Australia)<ref name=":9" />
- Fabian Del Priore (Germany)<ref name=":9" />
- Gustaf Grefberg (Sweden)<ref name=":9" />
- Olof Gustafsson (Sweden)<ref name=":9" />
- Markus Holler (Germany)<ref name=":9" />
- Chris Hülsbeck (Germany)<ref name=":1" />
- Yuzo Koshiro (Japan)<ref name=":1" />
- Jogeir Liljedahl (Norway)<ref name=":9" />
- Yoko Shimomura (Japan)<ref name=":0" />
- Rudolf Stember (Germany)<ref name=":9" />
- Nobuo Uematsu (Japan)<ref name=":0" />
- Jonne Valtonen (Finland)<ref name=":9" />