 | Album Title: Dragon Quest on Piano Vol. 2 |
| Record Label: Apollon | |
| Catalog No.: APCG-4005 | |
| Release Date: August 10, 1990 | |
| Purchase: Buy Used Copy |
Overview
Dragon Quest on Piano Vol. 2 was released on the same day as Volume 1 and contains all themes of Dragon Quest II (11 tracks) and Dragon Quest III (15 tracks). Although it has the same arrangement problems as Volume 1, I personally prefer the second volume.
Body
First off, both Dragon Quest II and III had great original soundtrack versions; each theme told a different story, each theme created a certain mood. So if you are a fan of the two soundtracks, you will likely like this CD, even if you know that it’s nothing special and a shame given the capabilities of a piano and an experienced two-handed pianist.
The second reason is that I think that sometimes it’s a fault to judge music just by its complexity. While recording techniques advance, the melody of an old theme doesn’t change, only the color you hear (if we talk about arrangements). Robert Schumann said “It’s your duty to preserve good compositions, as it’s your duty to damn and destroy bad ones.” but it’s up to oneself how a good composition is defined, right?
The highlights on this disc are considerable. “Only Lonely Boy,” the password theme of Dragon Quest II, is as pretty as ever and lasts for a full 3:17. The bass in the left hand sometimes sounds boring, but the catchy melody overshadows this problem. Although this arrangement cannot compare to the Symphonic Suite version for harp and strings, it’s acceptable. “Town” is the most pleasing version of this theme I’ve ever found. The orchestra version is too intrusive and the original NES synth version is harsh on the ears, even though the SNES version is alright.
“Village” is very endearing, and is repeated twice. The harmony layers created in the left hand do a good job making the melody move forward. “Heavenly Flight” reminds me of some smooth jazz piano compositions by Mike Schönmehl. Syncopation, free tempo, jazzy major 7 chords, and a sweet main melody make this one unforgettable. “My Road my Journey” and “Into the Legend” are quite effectively transcribed onto the piano. Both themes sound great and can almost (aaaaalmost) compare with the Final Fantasy Ending Songs for piano.
Summary
That said, it’s sad what could really have been done with the note material of Dragon Quest II and Dragon Quest III. My conclusion: Tomoyuki Hayashi, the arranger here, does not compare as a piano arranger to Sugiyama as a symphonist, though he creates pleasant arrangements that are easy to play. Again, not a must-have (go for the corresponding suites), but more recommendable than Volume 1.
