ReMix: Chrono Trigger 'At the End of All Things'

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Chrono Trigger

Abadoss has been around a good long while, so most of us knew the name when he first submitted this CT orchestral arrangement, and while the initial cut didn't quite make the grade, it was still fairly impressive and cool to see someone who'd been involved with the community for a sizable chunk of time take a swing at finally submitting a mix and come up with something admirable. This final, accepted revision ups the production ante by utilizing Garritan Personal Orchestra, and throughout the piece's lifecycle it's beneffitted from both panel input and some constructive criticism from Jeremy Robson, so it's been a long time coming. Kenneth writes:

"Through much reworking in instrumentation, expression, dynamics, and stereo positioning, - I'm, once again, hoping this is the last time I say this - I feel I have a finished piece. However, if it weren't for the gracious consultation of Mr. Robson, I wouldn't have a complete piece. He kept challenging me to go back and make it better. Hopefully, it's at a level worth listening to."

Judges had different things to say, but none of them criticized what I specifically think is the weak point of the arrangement, which is the rock-solid, very quantized nature of the performances and specifically the perpetually unchanging tempo - at just over six minutes, and at a very deliberate pacing to begin with, I'd really like to have seen a cadenza or two or some accelerando and ritardando employed. But let's talk about what's working, because there's more to like than dislike: the ReMixer employs a diverse instrumentation, trading solos between winds and maintaining a strong harp presence that doesn't just sit on arpeggios but alters to fit the dominant melodic action. There's both melodic and harmonic addition and variation relative to the original composition, and discrete panning separates the instruments nicely, though that might simply be a facet of GPO's default panning settings, which attempt to emulate a symphonic soundstage. Jiggin gives his measured, qualified approval:

"There's still room for improvement here (especially some of the sequencing--the 16th note runs on the harp sound pretty mechancial) but the arrangement is very well done, and the production is passable. One of my favorite parts is the chord voicings in the strings during the Millenial Fair section. Very tasteful, very mature arranging. Good work. Keep improving and keep arranging stuff. I'd like to hear more from you."

Couldn't have said it better myself - while this initial mix might have taken a long revision process to complete, hopefully that won't dissuade him from future endeavours of comparable girth, as the end result in this case is both enjoyable and promising.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
OmegaDonut;87259 wrote: Section starting at 1:15 is my favorite part of the song

Indeed! Also the part from 2:13, when the song just starts all over is done very well and i have to mention the differences from the first part of the song (especially from 3:19 till the end). It´s not just copied from before, I really love those kind of details in a song/remix!
I really love this song :) It´s one of many remixes from this page which found a way on my flashdrive for the daily way to work and back :)
Cya, DJMadMax

- DJMadMax on March 18, 2009
The mix reminds me of something one might here in some nature film; like the initial chimes would be timed with water dripping off a leaf, etc.
It has this weird mechanical/hydraulic precision going about it, and I can't really think of where else I've heard it.:?
Yet, it is completely placid and organic; a very contrasting and complicated mix and worthy of being listened to.

- 42 on March 6, 2009
If I would ever have to define music putting you in awe, this is the perfect definition for it. This is absolutely so tasteful that is has become one of my top favorites to OCremix list. Smooth, calm, makes you think or maybe focus on something (or not), but this is really something. I'm glad I found this based on the reviews.

Thank you guys for the reviews for helping me find this. A+ must listen!

[:nicework:_:nicework:]

- ChaosPlayer on February 19, 2009
I like that this doesn't sound directly like most other Chrono Trigger orchestral fare. There's a restraint, and perhaps a focus on serenity or reflection. Either way, I feel there is more going on than simply updating and rearranging melodies here. And whoever said that it channels the scores of Miyazaki's films, you are spot on.
The flow is really nice, it keeps at a constant rate, which at 6 minutes may be to its detriment, but the variation in themes deviates the ear somewhat from noticing the fatigue of the piece. I thought the Fair Theme was very welcome and nicely arranged, and I didn't even mind the gratuitous Zelda cameo. If it fits, it fits, and everything fits together quite pleasingly. I enjoyed this a lot.

- Marmiduke on February 18, 2009
I've liked this arrangement for a while. I never noticed the Zelda theme until now, nice touch. Overall, the change of instruments throughout the piece really keeps things moving, wonderful job on that.
The unfortunate thing is that Abadoss doesn't have the time/money/etc to really get some good sounds. Arranging in Finale is one thing, and he does that very well. Getting it done with some good sounds is totally different. Wouldn't it be great if we all had access to all those programs? I know I'd at least by trying to mix more if that were the case.

- DragonAvenger on December 8, 2008
This is a 6 minute track that the panel judged 3 times before it passed. So I was definitely surprised by djp's writeup criticism of this mix back when it went up, because it was only then that I noticed that the tempo indeed never changed throughout the course of the track.
But instead of being put off by that, or feeling that I missed a significant flaw in the arrangement, I only sat back and smiled at how impressed I was with the dynamics of the piece. IMO, the various changes in the instrumentation were extremely effective in making the piece feel fresh throughout.
I'm not saying this should be studied like Beethoven, but Kenneth's piece is nonetheless a great example of how to create a fluid, energetic piece despite fixing the tempo in place. Great stuff.

- Liontamer on May 22, 2008
Mechanical but expansive. The arrangement is great, but it does sound like a PS2 track. There are some nice additional ideas, and overall it's spread out to be more atmospheric.
Pretty decent.

- OA on April 2, 2008
wow.. i cant believe how much criticism this got and how hard it was to officially submit this.
ive always LOVED this remix for many reasons.. it has such an amazing vibe to it.. it makes me feel like im in the CT world for sure. i love listening to this track if im ever going out for a walk at night.
anyway, im really greatful for this remix. thank god it was eventually accepted.

- Prophet of Zeal on January 6, 2008
It's a very light mix. He makes great use of the bells throughout the piece. And the flute in the back links the individual chimes together. Well Done.

- DragonFireKai on February 27, 2007
I def love the arrangement on this, I find it very catchy and chill to listen too. I've actually had this on my OCR playlist for months and still come back to listen to it. My thanks for working your ass off on this one, it shows.

- avaris on December 28, 2006
This is absolutely beautiful. Some of the more interesting arrangement work I've heard on this site. You're extremely talented, Abadoss, and I hope you keep writing music!

- DarkCecil13 on December 25, 2006
Agree that the themes are defined too loosely, but the way the songs capture the mood is amazing. A-

- DukeNukem007 on May 29, 2006
I'm gonna hafta totally disagree with Trenthian. This tune really please my ear (with the Miyazaki feel): I see nothing wrong with new-age 'nonsense' or with the sampling choices.

- meccaneer on March 22, 2006
Ajax wrote: Wow. This is pretty good, can't really say of what seeing as how i'm not very good at explaining, but I did come out of 2 or so years worth of inactivity just to tell you good job. You just can't do that everyday ya'know :wink:
Keep on keepin on. This is good stuff!

More or less the same here. This becomes my favorite orchestral mix I've heard from OCR.

- AbyssWyrm on March 2, 2006
From a professional standpoint, sure, this mix has some areas where it could be better tuned, but I think overall that it's an incredible piece! It amazes me how far remixes have come when you compare them to what they were several years ago - you wouldn't find much that was close to this kind of quality or detail. I enjoy the flow and mood of this piece - I thought the harps and bells were a very creative idea.
Nice work!

- apoc on March 1, 2006

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