In 2017, a very special Zelda project was released to the world. It was a monumental success on Kickstarter, accruing well over $50,000 in backer contributions, and the quality of the end result speaks to how well those funds were utilized. The project? A full album of musical arrangements from Ocarina of Time, decadently performed by a live, 64-piece orchestra (what a fitting number). Directed by Eric Buchholz, with the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra at his command, the “Hero of Time” project brings a whole new dimension to the sounds and melodies of Nintendo’s 1998 classic.
There are roughly a dozen pieces from the collection I would love to lavish with praise, but if I had to pick just one as my favorite, it would be Track 11, a magical ballad fit for a graceful warrior princess.
Listening to this rendition of “Sheik’s Theme”, it’s impossible not to feel the way Link must have felt in the Temple of Time after awakening from his seven-year slumber, startled yet dazzled by the sudden appearance of a lithe, mysterious ninja with piercing red eyes and a poetic aura. There’s something warm in the attack of the instruments — a reassurance, perhaps, that Sheik will be watching over Link throughout his quest.
A wonderful change was made for the beginning of the piece. Sheik’s iconic harp is present, but not playing the main melody; that honor goes to a sweeping solo violin, complemented by backing strings and shimmering chimes. It’s a substitution that impresses on the listener Buchholz’s unique perspective on the piece. Later on, the harp regains its rightful place carrying the melody, a fantastic way to remind the listener of what came before; the dichotomy of novel and classic rings so clearly in my ears. Lastly, a swell of orchestral instruments brings the piece to its denouement, settling on a hopeful chord, as if to embody the hope Sheik places in Link. The mastery evident in this re-orchestration, on both a technical and emotional level, is awe-inspiring to say the least.
November 21st, 2023 marks 25 years since the release of Ocarina of Time! Join us in celebrating this nostalgic gem with an entire week of dedicated articles!
