Strong Songs

The Music of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

11 snips
Nov 3, 2023
Explore the music of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, including the main theme and recurring motifs. Discuss the use of signature instruments like the Urhu and saxophone. Learn about the importance of diagetic music in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Experience a climactic moment and reflections on the emotional journey of the game.
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INSIGHT

Sequel Expands Musical World

  • Breath of the Wild consolidated decades of Zelda motifs into a cohesive musical world.
  • Tears of the Kingdom builds on that by expanding and reimagining those motifs even further.
INSIGHT

Five-Note Motif As Core Hook

  • Tears of the Kingdom centers a five-note motif that recurs in many harmonic settings.
  • The motif's contour (down then up) connects it directionally to Koji Kondo's original Zelda theme.
INSIGHT

Erhu Becomes Dragon Voice

  • Tears of the Kingdom highlights two signature solo instruments: the erhu and the saxophone.
  • The erhu becomes the dragon's voice and recurs to tie narrative moments to musical color.
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