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The Music of Halo 4

How would you find somebody to follow Martin O' Donnell's legendary run as the composer for Halo? In addition to designing the new soundscape of Halo (more on that later in the month), Sotaro Tojima had the unenviable task of selecting a composer for Halo 4. After composing for games like Castlevania: Circle of the Moon and working on the audio team for Metal Gear Solid (to learn more about his history, watch our bonus video on YouTube), Sotaro Tojima has a keen ear for talent and was drawn to a British musician and producer named Neil Davidge. Watch the video below to learn the story of how Sotaro Tojima slowly discovered that Neil was the right man for the job.

For 343's short video documentary on the music of the game, check out Composing Worlds. To hear some of the final orchestrated music from Halo 4, check out our coverage trailer, which also offers some hints about what's on the way in later updates this month. To learn more about Halo 4 throughout this month, click on the link to our content hub below.

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Comments
  • Nobou Uematsu. Done.
  • Wonder what the full music will sound like.
  • I'm glad they realize how integral the score is. If it's not right, it drags the whole game down. I am loving what I've heard so far, and seen too. I couldn't be more excited for this.

  • They have huge shoes to fill; Marty O'Donnell is an amazing composer. Look at what happened to Final Fantasy's music without Nobuo Uematsu. That said, I like what I've heard so far.

  • I gotta admit, the fact that Marty 'O'Donnell won't be composing Halo 4's soundtrack is probably the most disappointing bit of news I've learned about the title so far. I'm still optimistic about this game, though.
  • No one can replace Marty.....NO ONE!!!!!!

  • Halo Waypoint recently released a sample of remixed Halo 4 music on twitter, and I have to admit, I thought without Marty it wouldn't be as good, but I actually really like it, although I'll miss the epic orchestral themes like Never Forget and One Final Effort that Marty composed, since they really suit the epic scope of the conflict and sci-fi in general (let's admit it, 95% of sci-fi media needs orchestral scores).
  • AMAZING, dubstep + orcestra  cant wait for halo 4!

  • Why would they ruin the orchestral theme with dubstep...I am a massive halo nerd but I feel this will bring about its downfall... :(
  • I hope they don't ruin the Halo franchise.

  • Is it just me or does that piano piece sound way too similar to Final Fantasy X, Tidus/Zanarkand theme? Been a while, well at least the beginning part

  • As disappointed as i am that Marty isn't doing the music for H4, i really like the direction they're going in. it sounds good, and gives the game its own feel.  

  • Halo needs a new sound. I loved the old soundtrack, but using Marty's old stuff would just beating a dead horse. It looks like they are providing new quality material and I am completely fine with that.

  • they are showing a lot of info lately
  • Well from this video I can already assume that it won't be on par with Marty's score. That man was amazing, probably one of the best composer's ever. It will be interesting to see how they will do without him.
  • I love the themes that have been featured in previous Halo games. I have no doubt that this will be any less epic than the previous!

  • The music of Halo 4 is perfect due to the mysterious tone that this game conveys.
  • Mod

    If the music in the vidoc about working at 343 is any indication, the music is going to be amazing.

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