Riven (Original Score)
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Free Music Notes for Riven (Original Score)
Free Music Review: Excellent Music
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, I'm another one of those die-hard Riven fans. I wouldn't even waste my time giving this CD a bad review, since I know that there are certain fans out there to murder me in my sleep if I did that. Anyway. On to the actual subject. First of all, the game was the best I've ever played, and this was enhanced by the soundtrack. It was calm, serene, and great for falling asleep to. The music blended very nicely together, and it had good rhythms in the places where it was supposed to. If anyone has read the liner notes, one can tell that Robyn has taken great care in writing this. Neither of the Millers would do anything without care, I don't think, seeing what they did with Myst and Riven. It reflects the theme of Riven well, such as the villagers' style of music, mostly persussional. The entire soundtrack still sounds ominous, starting from the opening track (my favorite <g>), "Link". I could go on to explain this ten-second sound-effect, but I won't, other than the fact that its theme is a screwed-up link, because of the way that Gehn has written the Age of Riven. Then, Atrus' Theme is also really cool, probably my second favorite track on the disc, because somehow, it really draws out his character in the music. I could go on, especially about Gehn's Theme, which is said to be the best track of them all, because of the strong background theme. I also liked the instrumental choice, since it fit in with the Maral-obe, or the instrument that Gehn invented and played for his own personal use. It looks and sounds somewhat like a saxophone, and I like it. I bought this partially because everyone on the Riven mailing Lyst was talking about it, partially because my CDROM drive was screwed up, so the music wouldn't play during the game, and partially because I wanted the liner notes, which are very handy. Great shots of Age 233 on the cover of the CD, and also inside the booklet, as well as some renderings of a D'ni timepiece, the musical devices (Maral-obe and Cannen), and some already-seen pictures of Gehn's bedroom on Age 233. PLus, you get some notes from Robyn, and an entire written page of D'ni from Gehn's notebook, which is also translated into English as captions for the photos. The CD brings back memories of the world of Riven, throughout the entire listening experience. I can sit there, soaking in the tunes, and visions of Tay, the wahrk throne room, the wahrk idol, the village, the temple, etcetera pop into my mind, even when I hadn't looked at the song title, and that's good for me, not a great music interpreter. Very powerful stuff, this collection of notes. Worth the money you'll spend on it. While I'm at this review, I might as well give you, the reader, some sort of other recommendations. Buy Riven, because it's the best game ever made, and Myst, because its the second best game ever made, and also the Myst soundtrack. In order to completely understand the ways of this soundtrack, try reading Myst: the Book of Atrus, which tells the story of Riven, Atrus, Gehn, and Catherine, and heck, you can even read Book fo Ti'ana and Book of D'ni as well. -Kat Oh yeah, and feel free to send me some feedback on this blurb of text.Free Music Review: Riven: The Soundtrack
Hit: 5 Stars
It is a common saying that a sequel is rarely better than the original. Many people today would simply prefer that there were no such things as sequels, leaving the original to stand proud in all its glory. However, the soundtrack to the ever-popular computer game "Riven" is one such case where the sequel surpasses its predecessor.There is substantial growth in composer Robyn Miller's second effort here. This is made evident in the very first track, which is only a few seconds long. It is the linking sound you hear in the game when you transport from one Age to another. Upon hearing that, the listener knows that there is much added depth to this soundtrack.
Not that Miller's work on the "Myst" soundtrack wasn't good. It was good, very good; but his work on the "Riven" soundtrack is better. The themes are more layered - sometimes they are brooding and dark; sometimes they seem surreal and ethereal; and sometimes you swear he was composing for a real live movie.
A few of the more notable tracks on the CD are the theme-centered tracks: "Atrus' Theme" in Track 2; "Catherine's Theme" in Track 15; and Gehn's Theme" in Track 18. You will also notice that the songs develop a darker and more foreboding feel as you near the end of the CD. Many songs toward the end start off with a very low hissing note, and it only foreshadows what is to come.
As with Miller's "Myst" soundtrack, he incorporates a wide variety of sounds in the "Riven" soundtrack. The thing that amazes me, to be honest, is that everything he composed for both tracks was on a synthesizer. In fact, all three "Myst" soundtracks (the first two by Robyn Miller, and the third by Jack Wall) use a synthesizer in some fashion to achieve the desired effect. I am not typically a fan of this mode of music, but it works great here and I'm glad that all three soundtracks used this approach.
This is a definite must-have for all "Myst" and "Riven" enthusiasts. This is one of those soundtracks that is great to sit back and listen to, whether you're on the road or just trying to unwind and relax at home. Robyn Miller goes out with a bang in his final musical effort, and it is one that is not to be missed.
Free Music Review: Robyn Miller does it again!
Hit: 5 Stars
This time for "Riven." This soundtrack is by far one of the best in the series. In my personal opinion I find better than Myst. It has a more atmosphereic/dreamy mood and is better made (thanks to some improvements!)
Now a short summary of the soundtrack for you: "Atrus' Theme" opens the game with haunting yet memorable tune. "Gateroom" takes all the segments from the scene and puts them together as one track with its mysterious mood. "Jungle Totem" is a beautiful mysterious ambient tune. "Survey Island Theme" reminds of "Jungle Totem" with similar mysterious sound. "Temple" sounds similar to "Gateroom" with added new sounds. "Village Entrance Theme" consists of drum beats with minimal sounds. "Moeity Caves" has a jungle-feel to it despite being referred to as "cave." "Moeity Theme" is filled with excitement and cool effects. "Boat Ride" is the only true "scary track" thanks mostly to the eeire siern-ish opening. "Moeity Prison" has the feel of being stuck on a prsion cell with the Moeity style to it. "The Red Cave" is quiet in a way, a simple little mealody. "Wahrk Room" is IMO the best one off the soundtrack, dreamy and beautifully done. Catherine's Prelude & "Catherine's Theme" are similar in that they are dark and yet pretty mealody. "Catherine's Freedom" is the only "action" song. "Gehn Speaks" another dark mealody with a building presence throughout. "Gehn's Theme" has elements of G.speaks, but this one is more memorable and I find better. "Fissure" is the longest track and has blend of everything to make a fantastic finish.
The first track on the disk isn't Atrus' theme, but "Link" a 10 second interlude that plays when you journey to another world through a Myst book, making a "zoom" sound. Also, at the end, there is a track on unused music for the game worth checking out. Two tracks that should've been included are the observation room (which contained the chair with cage around it) and the fan-duct tunnel (which takes parts of "Temple" & adds a little scare ambience). Other than that, great soundtrack!
Highly recommend, especially if you enjoy video game sountracks. Haven't played the game? No harm done! You'll find the soundtrack quite enjoyable!
Free Music Review: I'm rating the music, not how much of the music
Hit: 5 Stars
This is good (in reference to the Myst soundtrack, in which (all of) the tracks are played differently (my mistake for my 4-star review, as well as Achenar's Cache not fading out in realMYST)), but it could be better (in reference to missing specific tracks, like Gehn's cannen's music and the music you hear in Crater Island's air vent to/from one of Gehn's offices)
I expected Link to be the music you hear when Atrus prepares you (can be classified as "Atrus' Theme [Preparation Remix]"). Instead, it's just the sound of you linking.
Atrus' Theme is the music you hear when you fall through the fissure after trapping Gehn without rescuing Catherine. Basically what I thought was Link with a longer time and more build-up.
Gateroom was the only track Robyn successfully made eerie. Part 1 is when you're in one of the caves close to a room with beetles on the walls. Part 2 is heard in that room.
Temple is more of Part 2 of Temple, of which you're in it.
Moeity Theme is louder, rock-hinted music in the same caves as for Moeity Caves.
This "Boat Ride" is heard when you use the Trap Book in Tay without Gehn in it.
Part 1 of Moeity Prison is when Nelah gives you your Trap Book. Part 2 is the ambient music in the prison where she gives it to you.
The Red Cave is heard in a cave of Survey Island.
The intense Wahrk Room is heard in the underwater cavern close to the red cave.
Actually one of several variations, Gehn's Theme is heard when you open the fissure without Catherine's journal.
Fissure is the victory music.
For some reason, Bonus Track, which could be replaced with Moeity Theme, is not mentioned on this site.
Free Music Review: Robyn Miller's best work
Hit: 5 Stars
Riven is one of my favorite soundtracks for writing. I have loved the ambient music Robyn has done for Myst and was thrilled with the soundtrack for Riven when it was released.I'd certainly have liked to see more music from Robyn.
My favorite (and apparently, many others' as well) track is "Gehn's Theme". It is beautiful and haunting, the dark undertones of the music creating the perfect counterpoint to any of Gehn's appearances in the game. It is elegant, sophisticated and chilling and it is woven throughout the game purposefully to serve as a reminder of Gehn's dominance over the people of Riven.
Along with the occasional Myst-specific selections that come through, particularly with Atrus' music, this album is not only the perfect counterpoint to the game itself, it has a life beyond the computer. It is one of the best ambient and electronic albums I have heard.
I guard my copy carefully, since it is packaged in the early version of the more common paperboard cd cases that are becoming popular for DVDs among other things.
My copy is an original 1997 pressing and I have noticed does not mp3 extremely well. The best way to listen to this album is from the CD itself. And it is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for something interesting and unique to listen to, regardless of if you're a game player or not. It should be in the collection of anyone who loves Yanni, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream or Art of Noise. (All of which I love)
It is a wonderful compliment to the entire Myst/Riven/Exile suite. If you've got Myst, Exile and now Uru, you must have Riven.