Revisit a Classic with Chrono Trigger Symphony

You may have heard of Blake Robinson and his Synthetic Orchestra by now, already popular across YouTube and among video game music enthusiasts. Having covered games like Super Metroid and Banjo-Kazooie in the past, the Synthetic Orchestra has now released Chrono Trigger Symphony: Volume 1 and so far, the album’s a blast.

Chrono Trigger Symphony contains 23 tracks that run close to forty minutes in total, covering pieces that should be familiar to anybody who’s played the JRPG. While faithful to the original they’re infused with Robinson’s signature touch. Listening to the album reminds me of revisiting an old neighbourhood – instantly recognisable yet with bits and pieces of modern trappings. Additionally, his work in the music industry lends the pieces a professional polish too, which is a nice bonus considering these aren’t live recordings.

The album is licensed through Joypad Records so all royalties are rightfully distributed to the copyright holders. Costing a reasonable US$7.99 (SG$10), you can download it in a format of your choice completely DRM-free through Loudr, or by simply getting it from iTunes. Thirty-second samples and links to the online stores can all be found on The Chrono Symphony website.

My vote goes to “Yearnings of the Wind” since it’s now so iconic, having spent all that time traversing the world map. Found a favourite yet?