Chrono Trigger Symphony, Vol. 1

This is the Chrono Trigger soundtrack I’ve always wanted. Between the 3 volumes, it contains pretty much every track on the original soundtrack, in their original form, but beautifully, fully orchestrated arrangements. These are the original songs that you know and love, unlike a lot of other “remix” albums out there that make them unrecognizable. The composer takes a few liberties with the arrangements, but it only makes the songs better. The quality is amazing… I didn’t even realize that it wasn't recorded with a full, live orchestra until my 2nd or 3rd listen. If Chrono Trigger were to get a full HD remake today, I imagine this symphony is exactly the soundtrack I would want for the game. My only complaint is that Robo’s theme should be at least 10 minutes long ;) I could listen to that arrangement on repeat for hours.

This collection of albums easily deserves a five star rating for amazing work putting together a complete revival of Chrono Trigger’s soundtrack. For most of the songs, it’s the absolute perfect balance of staying true to the original while adding some extra to the song to give it a well-rounded fully orchestrated sound. There are quite a few songs that make it easy to forget you’re listening to software instruments, but it does stick out here and there… but not enough to take away from how well it’s all arranged. So with that said, from somebody who loves the CT soundtrack so much, I can’t help but critique a few disappointments. So for this album... "Peaceful Days" - For such a simple song, it’s actually one of my favorites from the game, but it’s poorly represented here. The soft peacefulness of the song is transformed into more of a rushed marching band song which somewhat destroys the essence of it. "Guardia’s Millennial Fair" - Another one of the best songs from the game, and this one was pretty well kept up. It does feel slightly lacking here, but my main criticism is that the extra repeated section near the end drags the song down for a weak ending. While other songs on this album are more of a restoration, there are also some that were made even better... Especially: "Yearnings of the Wind", "Secret of the Forest", “Battle", and "The Cathedral". Anyways, to summarize, you shouldn’t hesitate buying this album (and the other two) if you are a fan of the soundtrack. It’s a great way to keep the music alive.

It's everything you love about the original soundtrack, but given more depth. It's takes your nostalgia and drives it deeper with emotion. New instruments and pieces added to the songs you remember. I think it's better than the original, and that takes some doing. Only thing I wished was better was the price. If you want all 3 albums of the soundtrack, it'll run you about $25. But other than that, I listen to this arrangement every day.

If Square Enix ever made a 3D remake of Chrono Trigger, this album should be used as the official soundtrack for it. End of story.

this is absolutely superb.... very well done!

This was my favorite game as a child. And I always loved the retro soundtrack. But this...this brings a tear to my eye. This guy does the series credit and after just two seconds of a song I am smiling from all the nostaglia.

I confess I didn't have high expectations at first - in fact, I mainly bought this out of frustration because I couldn't find those hard-to-get symphonic recordings. I thought the Blake Robinson version might simply be a copy of the in-game music with much improved samples. I was quite happy to discover I was wrong. These are complete arrangements, and very good ones, keeping true to the original score while adding tastefully to them in places. Listen to the Elfman-like arrangement of the battle theme to get a sense for what I mean. Really good work. I'm glad to see the second volume is out. Any fan of CT's music will really enjoy this - even if you already have the old symphonic recording!

Chrono Trigger's music has always been able to move me to tears, but these arrangements are a step above. So very well done. I can't wait to own the entire collection.

Just an absolutely stunning piece of work.

Such a glorious remake of the classic music that touched so many hearts. This is the HD equivalent that that is a must have for any Chrono Trigger fan. Each piece is beautifully remade to include the ideal timing of the original score but includes rich enhancements and bright highs that make Chrono Trigger come to life as if you were actually at the Millennial Fair. If there are any short comings to it would be that some of the songs are just too short.