ReMix:Chrono Trigger "Weaving the Threads of Time" 3:27

You've almost certainly heard arrangements of the main Chrono Trigger theme before, but it's a lot less likely you've heard any that combine it with music from Korean MMORPG TalesWeaver. It turns out the two DO blend rather well in this gorgeous hybrid acoustic/electronic jam headlined by live violin from Chris ~ Amaterasu:

"Here is a remix of songs from Chrono Trigger and TalesWeaver. The first probably needs no introduction, but Talesweaver is a Korean MMORPG, and I've been addicted to the soundtrack for quite a while now =) This remix has both synth and acoustic elements, and I wove elements of both themes throughout the mix, most notably the background bell that pretty much plays through everything =) The accompanying youtube vid is here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCzIgkeA7-M"

Very cool performance video that shows the emotion Chris puts into the violin part here; it definitely comes through in the audio alone, of course, but having the visual lets you appreciate some of the details a bit more in correlating them with movement. The less-familiar TalesWeaver source tune has a vibe that's pretty Mitsuda-esque (folksy, melodic, acoustic, etc.) to begin with, so the pairing makes complete sense, and I can see what Chris digs about this OST. A couple judges cited the bass as being problematic; while I can agree that a clearer & more realistic fretless sample would have served the arrangement better, I think the part-writing is pretty slick. I personally LOVE interesting basslines, and applaud Chris for writing one - I'd rather hear a bass part that is held back (just a bit!) by its sample(s) than vice versa, any day of the week. OA writes:

"Basically this is a subdued but intelligent arrangement that is carried by an excellent violin performance, and some creative source combinations. The dynamics are solid, and though there are few areas that could overall see improvement, it's a good take on a classic theme, marrying it to a more obscure one."

There might be a few pickable nits here and there, but this is ultimately a gorgeous take on a classic that infuses it with newer blood from a different soundtrack quite effectively. Chris tries a few new tricks, and production on the drum & bass parts does get a little crowded/muddy a few times, but the energy is there & the lead violin soars over everything with such clarity & emotion that it still works. Great stuff from Chris, who's been branching out a bit & continues to impress!