Since I was a child, I have always loved the sound of violins and basses. Their versatility as they switch between quick, fast-paced notes to create a happy and playful mood before breaking your heart with long, slow-held notes is astounding. This incredible ability is showcased in the way only Zelda can in the Hyrule Symphony’s “The Legend of Zelda” Medley.
The medley starts with a rendition of the original The Legend of Zelda “Title Theme” and “Overworld Theme.” Initially, the high strings play long, sweeping notes that create a feeling of an ancient story about to be told. I especially love the transition between the pieces when the melody repeats over and over, growing in intensity before the “Overworld Theme” bursts forth. The way that it keeps us waiting for the iconic music before starting our musical adventure is amazing. I also really enjoy the way that the bass is used to keep time during the “Overworld Theme” as well. Its constant presence calls to mind each step taken during that original quest to reclaim the Triforce of Wisdom and the Triforce of Power.
Just as Link leaves the relative safety of the Overworld for the menace of the Underworld in the game, the listener is greeted by a pervasive sense of danger as the medley transitions to the “Dungeon Theme” from The Legend of Zelda. The darkness takes over here as the bass controls the melody while the higher strings play a quick, repetition of notes that reminds me of a writhing pit of snakes (or Ropes if we’re keeping it Zelda). As the music changes again, both instruments rise in intensity, just as Link’s panic must be as the swarm of Ropes charge at him.
The “Overworld Theme” returns to brighten the mood before we descend into the depths again with the “Dark World Theme.” It’s in this part that we get the deepest bass strings that seem to ooze darkness as they keep the time. It helps capture the dense feeling of the Sacred Realm that’s been spoiled by Gannon’s twisted desires. The very air is thick with peril. The higher strings keep the melody during this dark time. They swing between feelings of uneasiness and confidence as victory swings back and forth with each encounter with the minions of the Dark World’s creator and the hero’s blade.
The medley uses its last larger section to cover the “Ballad of the Wind Fish” from Link’s Awakening. The use of the strings here is especially evocative and touching. The way the high strings hold the notes of the melody creates a sense of purity as the audience recalls Marin. The highest note brings to mind the gulls flying over Link’s head as he awakes from the dream.
This devastating awakening is hinted at throughout the beginning of the ballad by a series of repeating quick notes on the strings. It reminds me of a piece of glass vibrating under the strength of a particularly powerful note before it shatters. The second half of the ballad is deeper, as the realization of the truth about Koholint Island has set in. With it comes the mourning of those figments of the Wind Fish’s mind that touched the hero’s life in profound ways despite their ethereal nature.
After leading us through a tour of the early adventures in the Zelda series, the strings of the melody leave us weary and spent from the journey. We faced danger, soared through challenges, and had our heartbroken by the losses faced along the way. Despite the journey’s cost, the medley ends with a rousing rendition of the “Overworld Theme” that leaves us thankful for each emotion felt as we followed the path of the strings.
