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Final Fantasy V Piano Collections :: Review by Sophia

	Album Title:	Final Fantasy V Piano Collections
	Record Label:	NTT Publishing
	Catalog Number:	N30D-018 (1st Print); NTCP-1002 (Reprint)
	Release Date:	June 21, 1993; June 27, 2001
	Content:	1 CD - 13 Tracks
	Purchase:	Buy at Square Enix Music Archive Music Store

Overview

Final Fantasy V is one of the many games on my to-play list. I've heard mixed reviews for the game and music, but since I haven't played the game, I can only give my opinion on what I think of each track. There are a few that stand out among others, those being "Battle with Gilgamesh," "Music Box," and "Dear Friends."

Track-by-Track Reviews

1) A Presentiment

This track has its ups-and-downs, the "up" parts being catchy and the "down" parts being mellow, distant and a tad bit dull. (7.5/10)

2) Tenderness in the Air

A simple and light-hearted melody. It is wonderfully arranged for the piano. (8.5/10)

3) Harvest

A rather silly and upbeat melody. It could get on your nerves more so than the Chocobo theme. (7.5/10)

4) Ahead on Our Way

An adventurous tune that has an "airy" quality to it. It is a relatively easy and fun theme to play. (8/10)

5) Critter Tripper Fritter!?

This one is even sillier than "Harvest." There is a part in the music where the performer is supposed ad-lib a few bars, so for those who want to give it a try on the piano, you can come up with your own ideas. (8/10)

6) My Home, Sweet Home

For the most part it is a quiet and soothing track. It would have been a nice piece if it weren't for the harsh chords that jump in.(8/10)

7) Mambo de Chocobo

It's your favorite theme again! This time it's a mambo, a dance of Latin American descent, which is characterized by its syncopated music in 4/4 time. (8.5/10)

8) Lenna's Theme

A very light piece that is a bit repetitive. It isn't as memorable as some other character themes I've heard. The arrangement was a bit too bland for an important theme. (7.5/10)

9) Music Box

This one sounds very much like a music box. It has a pretty and charming melody that rather than looping in circles, it gets even better. This is pleasant track to listen to over and over again. (10/10)

10) Battle with Gilgamesh

This battle theme is definitely one of the few battle themes that made the transition over to the piano incredibly well. A fantastic arrangement and performance that will make you want to try it out on your own (or wish you could). (10/10)

11) Waltz Clavier

A waltz this time instead of a mambo. I find that this also has the same crazy idea as "Harvest" and "Critter Tripper Fritter." Maybe not so obviously silly, but deep down I think it has the same idea. (8/10)

12) Dear Friends

Another track that is delightful in its simplicity. A relatively easy piece if you want to play it yourself. (9.5/10)

13) The New Origin

The ending theme for Final Fantasy V. Like most Final Fantasy ending themes, it is a medley of sorts with different themes from the game. (8.5/10)

Summary

This album was similar to the Final Fantasy IV Piano Collections in a sense that it was rather simple, but some of the notable melodies were still arranged very well. It is still an album that you should at least give a chance, even if you haven't played the game.