It’s been such a long time since I’ve been able to play The Minish Cap, which means it’s been a while since I’ve heard its soundtrack. It’s often overlooked in medleys and by cover artists, but one musician, Oscar Azcautli, has captured my attention with his re-orchestration of a track from this game: “The Picori Festival.”
I had nearly forgotten about this song, but once I had heard it again I was instantly entranced by its joyous nature. In the game, this song plays fairly early on when Link and Zelda go into town during the Picori Festival. This theme easily fits into the background as Zelda pulls Link all over town, fascinated with all the stalls, foods, and fun that’s happening.
What I particularly love about Azcautli’s cover of this piece is how it becomes grander as the piece progresses. During the main portion of the song, the melody is played with fewer instruments, keeping up the peppy beat with a flute, guitar, and tambourine, except for the last loop through. The bridge is where the tune becomes especially dynamic, changing, and grandiose each time it comes around again.
As I mentioned before, it’s been years since I heard the original piece. Hearing this cover is like hearing a new orchestration for a remake of the game. It’s so cinematic and brings the scene that it represents to life.
