One of my favorite things about video games is their music. So when I found out there was a group doing covers of video games tracks with their own spin on them, I was all in, and that’s before even mentioning my fondness for string instruments. My favorite instrument is the cello. (Looking at you, Full Moon Cello.)
There’s a reason I bring up my taste in music: This group, The Triforce Quartet, is a classically-trained string quartet. They arrange and perform video game music both in the United States and overseas for various audiences of all sizes. And yes, they have a cello, along with two violins and a viola!
I first discovered Triforce Quartet when a friend of mine gave me their first album, The Legend Of, which released in 2014, for my college graduation. The Legend Of features three tracks with Zelda medleys. I was thoroughly excited to hear that they have another album now available. Their latest album, Minuet of Time, it is actually their third album, and was released on October 24th, 2019. Their second album is called Ultima Phantasia, and it was released in 2016. It features “Romance in the Air” from Skyward Sword.
Minuet of Time features 11 tracks from 11 different game series. Of those games, I have played Overwatch, Legend of Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, and Sonic. I once played Tales of Symphonia, but I wasn’t able to progress very far, so I sold it. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to play any of the other games included on the album. Listening to their songs definitely makes me want to get the games I haven’t played yet! They really capture the essence of the melodies while putting their own special twist on them.
I was most excited to hear the “Title Theme” from Ocarina of Time. It’s a rather short song and it isn’t used anywhere else in the game, but I feel that it helps to capture the ambiance of a ride through a fallen Hyrule. It’s an underrated song in my opinion. I’ve always felt “Title Theme” and “Sheik’s Theme” were similar in their small-but-impactful nature. Part of me is surprised that “Minuet of Forest” didn’t make the cut, but I’m certainly not complaining! If you are interested in Minuet of Time, or any of the Triforce Quartet albums, they can be found on various media streaming sites.
