Music Spotlight – Koji Kondo
The ultimate goal for me in making music, or at least one of the main goals for me, is to create memorable melodies. That goal is there regardless of the tools we have.
Koji Kondo
Koji Kondo’s library of work in the realm of video games has been nothing short of awe worthy, and it’s little surprise that he is one of most famous names in the industry. If an orchestra were to play just a few measures of some of his work, chances are you might recognize the melody of the Super Mario Bros. theme, or the Main Theme of The Legend of Zelda, and many other pieces that have continued to stand the test of time, as well as the changes that have come with technology. A life-long fan of video games himself, it’s been inspiring to see the evolution of his body of work over the years. In honor of his accomplishments and the fact that his birthday yesterday, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite pieces of his music from the various games he has helped bring to life.
Kondo, born on August 13th, 1961, was never formally trained in music but grew up playing the electronic organ from the age of five, and continued to improve his skills by joining a cover band focused on rock and jazz. He enjoyed the sounds that video games created, although in the late 60s and early 70s, they were by no means as sophisticated as they have become today. In 1984, during his senior year at university. Nintendo sent out a message saying they were looking to recruit someone to help with music composition and sound programming. Kondo was able to apply for the position and be accepted without requiring any demo tapes. His first work with Nintendo was for the 1984 arcade game Punch-Out!!, and was able to work around the limitations of technology by creating most of the audio out of jingles and sound effects. Kondo was granted a lot of autonomy and freedom, and this in turn helped give him the space and capabilities needed to combine his talents and create some memorable tunes with the tools that he had. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, over thirty years later, Koji Kondo’s music continued to be played and recognized all over the world. His other work for Nintendo includes various spin-off titles such as Yoshi’s Island, but also other major properties such as Star Fox 64. His music continues to be played in orchestras all over the world, and even performed live with American rock band Imagine Dragons at the The Game Awards 2014 ceremony. We can hope and expect that his musical legacy will continue to carry on for many more years to come.
Below are some of my pick’s of Koji Kondo’s work that I think any video game (or music) fan should appreciate. The more I listen to a composer’s library, the more I’m able to pick out and appreciate their own individual styles, their personal musical stamp. Without further ado, please enjoy!
Staff Roll – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002)
At some point, I really should share my thoughts and experiences while playing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. That game holds a very special place in my heart for several reasons, and the music is only a part of it. Koji’s style really does come out in the music from this game, but I loved the Celtic and medieval-influences that The Wind Waker brought in its melodies. They were simple tunes, mostly lighthearted, but they certainly stuck in my head long after I closed the game off, and I still listen to its tracks fondly. The Staff Roll includes the main leitmotifs of the game, mixed in with Zelda’s Lullaby, one of the few melodies that has made its way across multiple Zelda entries. If you’ve been holding off playing The Wind Waker, or have simply just never played it before, I highly recommend giving it a try. You may come to enjoy it just as much as I have!
Dire, Dire Docks – Super Mario 64 (1996)
I confess that I’ve never had the fortune of actually owning Super Mario 64. I only got to play it briefly at a friend’s house in the early 2000s, but I was enchanted by what I could do and where I could go. I remember this level especially and the ethereal melody of Dire, Dire Docks. I hope to one day be able to actually own the original 64 copy, or hope that Nintendo will one day update it and port it to the Nintendo Switch for a new generation to enjoy. Until then, I simply enjoy this song on my music player and imagine Mario just swimming through the course…
Delfino Plaza Plaza – Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
I don’t think I have as much hate for Super Mario Sunshine as many other people seem to have. In fact, I have to thank the game for helping me through what was arguably Texas’ worst heat wave in 2011. There was just something about having Mario swimming in the nearby water and watching the waves roll him back and forth that somehow helped me relax and soothe me, even if I wasn’t physically cooled down. I love the accordion that’s played throughout the piece, and it really does give you a sense of being on an island as you walk around and explore.
Song of Storms – Ocarina of Time (1998)
Zelda‘s music can be quite menacing and creepy at times, and that was the first sense I got when I heard Song of Storms for the first time. Yes, the melody did aid Link on his journey in Ocarina of Time, but coming across Windmill man trying to make it spin faster and faster as his main obsession, and seeing how intense he was to try to make that happen…it certainly gives you a slight shiver, but it certainly is different compared to much of the other music in Ocarina of Time as well.
Starfox 64 – Starfox Theme (1997)
I have another confession to make – I have yet to actually play Starfox 64. I know of it, and I’m familiar enough through other games such as the Super Smash Bros. series and popular culture. I like that this sounds similar enough to Ocarina of Time‘s music, while also sounding very heroic and military-like. I hope to one day do the game justice and actually try it out for myself, but until then, I will continue to appreciate it from the sidelines.
What are some of your favorite Koji Kondo compositions? Is there one in particular that you can’t stop listening to over and over again? Let me know! And let’s hope for many more wonderful melodies from him in the years to come!
Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.
Martin Luther
