The Astral Observatory has always been a place I associated with childlike wonder and whimsy, and while the elaborate colors and elaborate structure of the building do a fine job in portraying this, I think it’s the music that really takes it over the top. Even before playing this game I heard the song and wondered what kind of magical place it must be to have such a mystifying tune as its theme. The original tune already invokes these kinds of nostalgic feelings in me, so when I heard Trend Orchestra’s take on the piece I was enthralled!
In this variation of the song, it’s a bit slower-paced and uses lighter instruments aside from an occasional horn here and there. The light plucking of the strings along with the soft woodwinds makes for a nice, airy feel, which gives brilliant visuals of the night-time sky. The harp also adds to the mystifying whimsy of it all.
Just like the original, many elements of the theme are there. There is light use of bells and music boxes and the chord progression of the melody is included throughout, even when new instrumental parts have been added alongside it. A soft choir continues to accompany the beautiful melody and a section of the cover is done with piano, just like the original.
With additions such as adding a part of the “Zelda Theme” at the very end as well as keeping true with its melody and choices of instruments, this rendition of the “Astral Observatory Theme” is one of my absolute favorites and will always carry me away into the wonderland that it portrays.
