For all the many (and potentially valid) complaints about the way Breath of the Wild’s story is told, one complaint that can’t be levied against it is that it lacks the ability to inspire new stories in the player’s imaginations. Theorists and players have concocted vast backstories for the Champions and NPCs. They did this by using tiny hints found in the game’s various diaries and dialogue, which players can discover throughout Hyrule.
As a huge fan of the birdy bard, some of the backstories that live rent-free in my mind are the tales of Kass and his mentor traveling Hyrule as Kass learns the songs of the land. Through his rendition of “Kass’s Theme,” Cort The Pianist brings the imaginary moment of Kass’s first appearance before royalty to life, and in doing so, demonstrates his own amazing talent.
As Cort The Pianist begins, the melody of Kass’s song is quiet. It’s easing into the melody, but you can easily imagine the young Rito hesitantly beginning his first recital while the stern-looking King Rhoam watches. As the melody repeats a few times, its simplicity sets in. This could be a melody Kass learned from a small town like Hateno, Kakariko, or perhaps even at Lon Lon Ranch. As it builds toward its first transition though, it gains in volume and strength as both Cort and Kass demonstrate their confidence.
Bombastic deeper notes on the piano mark the beginning of a new melody and of when Cort The Pianist and Kass begin to show off. As the notes of this new section play, they swing from higher notes to lower ones, as if Kass is integrating his own Rito culture into the song. Feathery fingers fly over the keys, causing the notes to soar and dive. In doing so, both he and Cort demonstrate their incredible talent.
Soon, the song transitions again into a familiar version of the Zelda series “Overworld Theme.” Perhaps it’s the legendary status that this song has developed in my own mind over the last 35 years, but I equate this melody as being the national song of the Hylians themselves. Kass has taken his own Rito way of playing and invited the national song of the King, Princess, and all Hylians to play along.
As the song ends, both Cort The Pianist and Kass swing back and forth from higher notes to deeper, lower resonating ones before settling in and bringing the song to rest. Their performance has soared and shown off their impeccable skill. Princess Zelda would clap and reward them with one of her brilliant smiles while the King would perhaps offer the tiniest upward curve to his mouth. It’s enough. Both performers, one real and one fictional, have shown that they are musicians of great talent with careers we should definitely follow with great interest.
