The PERFECT Zelda Piece For Piano | Midna's Lament

[@gamergirl209]

I mean, it took me almost ten years just to realize that midnas entire theme is just a harmonic minor variation on zeldas lullaby

[@Nick-jt5nb]

Fitting, since she's the princess of Hyrule's antithesis (not counting Lorule since that's more of a mirroring than an antithesis)

[@Rrruckezzz]

As a professional musician myself, I want to tell you: THIS IS HOW TO TEACH MUSIC. Big fan of all your content mr. Cornell

[@latteARCH]

No kidding. It inspires me to practice

[@mioan383]

We truly have a gem of an instructor. Very humble of him to offer this content for free. Thankful to say the least

[@james_crawford]

The perfect zelda piece...until the enemy battle music rudely interrupts it

[@cooldebt]

You could listen to The Consouls' (jazz) cover to avoid the interruptions - I've been enjoying it for 7 years now and it is still a favourite

[@james_crawford]

@cooldebt I'll give it a listen thanks dude

[@herosmerlose5784]

If they ever drop an HD on switch or a remake, I do actually hope that’s one thing they address. This song should not have been interrupted, it was specific to set the mood for that moment and the battle music constantly interrupting it was a bad choice.

[@leonbabic7185]

The HD version on Wii U actually added another interruption. When you reach Hyrule Castle Town, when moving between loading screens, the music also stops for a brief moment. In the GameCube and Wii versions, the music played continually. They probably set a special behaviour just for that one song scenario in the original game, but when they remastered it they broke it.

[@JustinWebbMusic]

UGH you triggered my long-forgotten anger lmao

[@aliss8559]

The cool thing is that echoey "delayed piano" part is the melody of Midna's Theme. So awesome how Koji Kondo did that, incorporating midna's theme motif into the Lament track

[@VieShaphiel]

Koji Kondo did compose for the game but Midna's theme was the work of Tōru Minegishi, the main composer of the game. Edit: afaik Midna's Lament was also composed by Minegishi himself (despite what the sheet music in this video says)

[@elecblush]

It's a really effective method used in lots of film making, and game soundtracks. In the Wagnerian tradition its called leitmotif. Some strong examples in popular film are Star Wars and Lord of the rings, that have these strong melodies and themes tied to certain characters, groups or heck even objects(looking at you ring), that some times show up even during other songs as the character is mentioned, shown on screen or something else draws the viewers mind towards that character.

[@tweer64]

@@VieShaphiel I think there was a soundtrack release that confirmed that it was written by Minegishi (not the complete soundtrack). Also, the 2 leitmotifs in Midna's Lament (Hyrule Field Theme and Midna's Theme) were also confirmed to have been written by Minegishi as well in the same soundtrack release.

[@liaspooked4980]

To me, Midna´s Lament always invoked thoughts of rain - the repetitious nature of the melody sounded like constant rain falling from the sky, and the beautiful high notes that cut through sounded like a different kind of rain drop, too. The whole song also has that melancholic but somewhat calm and ruminant vibe that rainy days give you (with a sprinkle of hope. Maybe a bit of sunshine breaking through the clouds?). The fact that it`s pouring during the scene where this song plays in the game is perfect, and makes me think that this effect was a deliberate one by the composer

[@harounkhan1116]

thats an amazing comparison, i never thought of it like that.

[@KyleDavis328]

I can't remember this part of the game exactly, especially little details, but it might be raining during the time the song is playing too. It might be a Mandela effect, but I feel like it's raining during this part of the game. (Maybe my brain is just thinking of Wind Waker's equivalent but not as tragic story beat)

[@mattdeegan7300]

I picture the same exact thing- no matter how many times I listen (and whether I’m playing the game or not). It’s amazing how a powerful piece of music can bring out shared interpretations like this- which speaks to how moving the music is.

[@terenceosorio6680]

I once read a book on different literature techniques, and the ONLY chapter that has stuck with me was called "It's more than just rain or snow" and now anytime I see a scene in a book/movie/game where it starts raining, my mind starts running with the potential deeper meaning behind it (usually it's "Oh, something bad is about to happen", but it ain't always the case 😂)

[@edwardstafford2234]

100% agreed, even having not played the game in years and years I hear this song and think of Link carrying Midna through the rain and just the gloom that surrounds that sequence

[@SmoreBread]

There’s so many references within this piece to earlier Zelda music. There’s the main theme and even Hyrule Field from Ocarina of Time. They weave in so effortlessly that it creates its own haunting beauty.

[@matthewlarson9162]

I was initially disappointed that charles didnt mention the variations and borrowing from older Zelda pieces that are touched on in this song, but then i realized that he puts a lot of time into making his videos not overly complicated. By only focusing on a few concepts with each video, it’s possible that by taking the time to explain each variation and reference would have distracted from and complicated the main points of video. Either that or he didnt realize all of the throwbacks and tributes. Overall very well made video and i appreciate the efforts he makes to teaching new players these ideas using such beautiful songs.

[@xmavrekx8663]

I love when they do this in Zelda games… Dragon Roost Island to the Rito, etc

[@lx-icon]

NO JOKE have been learning this the past day or two and was struggling with the left hand fingering and was kinda annoyed that I was finding something so "simple" so challenging to loop...was quite reassuring to see you spent some time actually discussing it!

[@seanthomson6676]

Trust me, it just takes time! I’ve been practicing the piece for a month now and I’m nearly finished it!

[@hershmysson]

Just finished Twilight Princess like 3 months ago and I don't think I have recovered yet, I watched this whole video crying.

[@Loseirdo]

Farewell Hyrule King is another great piano piece. It starts very simply but gradually builds in intensity and complexity as it goes along.

[@KyleDavis328]

Such an amazing piano piece and also quite a tragic and beautiful lamentation

[@kylemckenzie2067]

That's exactly the piece I was thinking when he asked about other songs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6i8hY2Yh9CmpJo I learned Midna's Lament as a kid and this one (Farewell Hyrule King) was the other one I spent a lot of time working on

[@LuxLucidOfficial]

ZELDA let's GO! Charles covering childhood songs gives that extra special dopamine hit 🤩

[@LilJbm1]

What is his name Charles? Now I'm imagining my son growing up to look like this guy since they have the same name 😳

[@3DPDK]

? childhood ? That's ok. It's good to know that the younger generation still has an interest in good music, and Charles is an excellent teacher.

[@Caio_Sono]

In Twilight Princess time I was 13 I think. Would love to see him do Chrono Cross Scars of Time the same he did here with midnas lament.

[@kemanebel9018]

@@3DPDK Twilight Princess released in November of 2006. 18 years ago. I was 10 at the time. So, Yes, childhood.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

"Farewell Hyrule King" from the end of Windwaker would be AMAZING for you to go through.

[@AgentForest]

This moment of the game solidified it as one of my favorite Zelda games. So many of the games came with a plucky sidekick, but this game you had an impish little gremlin girl who teased you the whole time, and then she gets hurt. Suddenly the overworld/field theme shifts into this depressing, ominous, dark version of what it used to be, and you have to race across the kingdom to save her. None of the other sidekick characters made me feel that much concern. The song was flawless, and really helped convey how dire the situation was.

[@mjenner151]

Man, this section was probably the most memorable of the whole game, all thanks to this piece - love how they strayed away from the norm by playing such a sombre piece over such a thematically stressful section, really makes you believe that Midna isn't gonna make it 😢

[@rhystilshadowhelm]

sonova... Twilight Princess has such a deep, special place in my heart. As a musician having the Zelda franchise be my all time favorite franchise, the music always imprints on me. Just hearing Midna's Lament immediately transports me back to that time as a child, witnessing the events of the story for the first time where this music suddenly comes in and I'm just... tears. Streaming down my face while I wear a big, dumb grin just remembering it all...

[@A_Wild_Dyzzy]

This song feels like a stage of grief. Things aren’t over, but you still need to work through what has happened. And I think that’s such a powerful, complex emotion to convey through song. Beautiful.

[@basic_youtube_channel9493]

One of the best parts of Zelda music across the board is how easy and simple it is to learn, but how good and complex it sounds. When I first started learning violin, like when I was 10-11 the first songs I actually learned were eponas song, and the song of time. They were very easy, but yet so nice sounding having a lot of different tones. It's truly amazing how all of the legend of Zelda music is written

[@Leefonzell]

Midnas lament is the Hyrule theme in a minor key at half tempo. It’s gorgeous.

[@boodledemic6430]

I just finished another playthrough of Twilight Princess and I gotta say hearing the music makes me want to play it over again right now ❤ one of the best OSTs in the series

[@domoru5264]

Yeah I’m just now doing my second playthrough and I made sure to have a file saved where I could enjoy the music just will have to find a place with no enemies being rude and no screaming townsfolk

[@devinfrench4924]

I am not a pianist but i have learned most by ear, thank you for making this video, this makes me cry nostalgia

[@NahMan619]

Music is the most unique way to preview what’s in someone’s mind it’s all subjective but instead of simply telling you or showing you, musicians let you hear what’s going on up there

[@isabellasjazzjourney3624]

We just finished this game as a family. My eldest son was so taken by this song. It truly is beautiful! It's bittersweet just like Midna's story. This was a great video! You straightened me out on a few music theory terms I didn't quite understand but didn't realize I didn't understand. 😅 I enjoyed watching your breakdown of this song. Thank you for sharing.

[@scalderiso]

Midna leaving at the end broke my heart

[@HondoJarrus]

The most incredible thing about "Midna's Lament" is how it recontextualizes themes and motifs from the rest of the game in one sublimely melancholy & urgent part of the game. Remarkable.😍

[@Mebibit]

this track is right up there with Majora's Mask's Clock Tower theme as far as my favourite piano pieces. That said, if there's any Zelda song I'd love to see a breakdown of is the "Final Hours" music of Majora's mask, it has some interesting sounding chord choices that has a haunting, depressing feeling that really sticks with anyone who has heard it ingame. Beautifully crushing with an undercurrent of urgency.

[@imreptar1435]

Yes please. MM songs (maybe nostalgia but I will pretend not) I would love to see!!!

[@natsuzkan]

My mind was BLOWN as a kid when I noticed that the mood of the Clock Town music was getting more ominous each day as the moon got closer

[@lexaray5]

Song of healing is absolutely gorgeous on the piano. It's my favorite to play. Neither hand is particularly hard but the desychronization of them makes it sounds really complex

[@officialmusictracks]

You can check an analysis and music visualization of that theme on my channel if you wanna take a look

[@jakob9937]

This video was so nostalgic for me, wow. I played this piece in one of my very first piano recitals almost a decade ago, probably around grade 3 RCM/ grade 8 in school. While all the other students played like Baroque (yawn), my teacher recognized my passion for romantic or emotional music such as this and encouraged me to play it, and ultimately everyone loved it. I hope this video inspires other young players to play what they love, even video game music! :)

[@studioMYTH]

One of my favorite youtubers talking about one of my favorite songs from my favorite video game. Hell yeah

[@fchsfchsa]

Only halfway through your video so far, as a music major and a zelda fan I absolutely adore your analysis of this piece-I love that you point out the Dorian mode isn't quite settled in concrete darkness. I'm sure this is very, very intentional as Midna's character conveys beautifully that twilight is not only at dusk, but also at dawn, the perfect in-between of light and dark

[@dabbingperson9236]

I love this theme. Shame it gets interrupted by enemies every 10-15 seconds.

[@cooldebt]

That's why I listen to The Consouls cover on repeat - no interruptions!

[@toolebukk]

Only if you move toward an enemy 🤷‍♂️

[@ScAr_wlvrne]

@@toolebukkwhich are along the path to Hyrule Castle…

[@brendangibson8200]

​@@Hellowrld2365 yeah, but then Midna suffers 😢

[@itsmehere1]

One of the most annoying things during that sequence, let the absolute banger play!!!

[@FarewellApollo]

The perfect piece of music in a perfect game. Absolutely flawless and I'm so glad you're covering it.

[@Dancarnate]

This track is so beautiful and melancholic. Another great inclusion, love that you covered this one!

[@shadowferny1]

Thank you so much for covering this song from one of my favorite zelda games!

[@Campusanis]

Fi's Farewell from Skyward Sword has a really pretty, silky smooth piano part. And I could never quite figure out what's happening in the strings, harmonically.

[@CalliopeFive]

I love the depth you've gone into with this one, discusing finger placement really helps me understand a song better ❤

[@HyruletheCheetah]

I have this song on my playlist and it so PERFECT with the ambient rain in the background❤ Definitely my favorite Zelda song ever

[@ltrigga219]

One of my absolute favorite songs in the Zelda catalogue, which is saying an awful lot. Love how you presented this.

[@LittleCrazyGamer]

I'd love to hear a breakdown of Tal Tal Heights from Link's Awakening! The chord progression sounds pretty unique and gives an almost iconic mysterious grandeur, and the melody on top is just fantastic.

[@HarrisonMcKee]

i really hope the Zelda movie has beautiful music like this. i hope you do a video for it someday ❤

[@endurethebeast]

So beautiful…here come the tears and memories. The nostalgia is absolutely unreal. 😭 Thank you.

[@OracleCura]

I've been writing music for a long time, been playing guitar for over a decade; I've always loved writing piano but never really learned to play it that well. I think I'll change that; this piece seems like a good place to start. This piece stood out for me when I was a kid playing the game, really cool mood.

[@ethancruz8296]

This was the first piece I learned that I felt wasn't for beginners and it was so satisfying once I had it down. It's so haunting and beautiful at the same time and it always gives me chills at that first chord change

[@matthathaway5015]

Zelda is so magical in part because of its music, so I’m thrilled to see this video!

[@enteiclause354]

I remember I played Zelda's Lullaby for my first recital many years ago. Eventually I quit the piano and it's been years since I've last seriously played, but this video has reminded me of those times and the excitement I felt playing a song that I loved. It really makes me want to try again, thank you so much ❤

[@zachrodan7543]

8:08 you know, that is a good point: midna's lament makes a concerted effort to not sound punchy.

[@johnnysocket76]

One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@swagger0im0lachskost]

It may be the perfect one, but the most beautiful sounding one will forever be the fairy fountain tale.

[@matthiasjones]

That opening explanation of chord naming conventions literally made stuff I tried to learn long, long ago *click*. Thank you, and thank you for picking this song in particular.

[@pvfreitassilva]

This song is my favorite from all Zelda series. It gives me so goosebumps and nostalgia... I'm glad you brought it to a break down, the way you show it is fantastic

[@shmoda6527]

Wow it feels like you made this video just for me! I got a keyboard last week for my birthday and this is the first song I've been trying to learn. It's not too hard like you said but it's been a bit tricky for me to stay in tempo without messing up and hitting the wrong keys.

[@SirCreepyPastaBlack]

I started with freestyling on a virtual keyboard in the mobile game Sky Children of the Light. I transcribed Haywyre's song Insight into it's 15 key range. I still struggle with keeping on beat after a year lmao The way you learn a song at first matters the most

[@boodledemic6430]

Happy belated birthday!

[@fjalar4856]

I played this on guitar at my grandmother's funeral. Thank you, it's a lovely ❤-piece of art.

[@Novarcharesk]

What does it sound like on guitar?

[@cbsanchez]

This was such a joy to watch and learn from you about one of my favorite songs of all time. Watching Aivi Tran's cover of this is what made me fall in love with piano all those years ago. Ocarina of Time Title Theme is another song that I think is PERFECT piece for piano. Would love to see you break this one down, too.

[@SirJerric]

I actually started learning piano with Final Fantasy IX "You're Not Alone". I love the combination of enthusiasm, professionalism, and slowing down to point out the practicalities of fingering. Great work.

[@ScottOshawott]

This song always makes me tear up. So beautiful and powerful, especially in-context. Also, thank you for showing the how-to stuff with the left hand parts. I have perfect pitch but have hardly practiced or learned piano, and I'm still trying to get used to the basics of playing. Seeing you demonstrate a couple ways you would play that is super helpful.

[@finalbreath15]

Zelda music is perfect. I love this one specifically❤

[@SerOuroboros]

I’m so happy this was covered. It was one of the first songs I taught myself on my keyboard when I was younger, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces on piano. It’s so simple and it’s perfectly portrays how you feel at the time; you’ve bonded with Midna and you’re desperate to get her help.

[@GriefBurrito]

I remember catching The Symphony of The Goddess where they had an entire orchestra perform the songs, and this one in particular was absolutely beautiful. One of the best live shows I've had the pleasure of seeing. Great video as always Charles!

[@yoitsadam2082]

one thing to note is that the melody used is the same as the hyrule field in this game

[@ZeferdensAccount]

Yes! A fantastic combination of the main Hyrule Field theme and Midna’s Theme! This piece is what made me want to take piano lessons!

[@davidsamford4711]

Hauntingly beautiful! Could you please make a video about The Boy And The Heron soundtrack. It’s gorgeous!

[@justelisan1766]

Zelda music is always amazing. Another Zelda piece I would love to see you take a look at is "Farewell Hyrule King" from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. So much emotion in one song.

[@CausticSalsa]

The tip about the chord configurations above an octave was so helpful to a piano theory novice. These videos are awesome. It's also always great to see love and interest for something you love.

[@pharmdiddy5120]

This is one of my favorite pieces in one of my favorite video game moments. Great video! Saria's song is another perfect piano piece to work on some basic hand independence

[@nathanwall37]

Long time piano and video game player. Glad you covered this piece - so beautiful and haunting. And man, it's such good practice to analyze and understand theory and technique like this. Your chops grow or they atrophy - there's no in between.

[@biCARRIEous]

Thanks for reviewing what is by far one of my favorite songs ever! ❤

[@scalderiso]

It's such a great peace, sad and melodic

[@iciclepdot]

This is my favorite song to play on the piano in general. One of the best video game soundtracks of all time.

[@TrateMusic]

Right around 4:00 THANK YOU that makes perfect sense. I'm really trying to crack down on my theory and you're always so good at making simple explanations and examples. Great video as always!

[@MageofBean]

Love this song so much! The first Zelda song that I learned on the piano was Queen Rutela’s Theme. That one was a great beginner’s piece and is quite beautiful! It’s another that has more movement in the left hand than usual and a fairly simple melody.

[@TheSckVs]

The delay part sounds exactly, even the timber, like some of Chrono Trigger songs... both games and their OSTS are masterpieces. Thank you for such great content, as always.

[@hanason3082]

Thank you for addressing the left hand part. It was very helpful.

[@IvadNagrom]

The zelda piano book was one of the first I purchased when I finally felt comfortable with piano (i was a cellist growing up then switched to voice for university). This piece was the first i tackled and felt good doing so. Your whole process was exactly my mentality that made this piece “click”. Such a worthwhile exercise that still sounds SO GOOD

[@ElTioPental]

Man thanks for making this breakthrough of my favorite zelda song, its sad and beautiful and fits perfectly with what is happening in the game, koji kondo is an absolute genius creating this "simple" yet powerful tune that continues to strike a chord in my chest as the first time i heard it.

[@jupiter-menagerie-art]

Twilight Princess has been my favorite LoZ game, I'm so happy to hear you talk about this song!

[@hannalot_]

This video has made me so happy, Twilight Princess is my favourite and I love your breakdowns

[@MoltenSnowball]

Absolute stunning piece of music

[@jedvalenciaa]

having been picking piano back up over the past year and investing in one - AND being a big zelda fan, this was veeeery lovely to see show up on my feed. there are sooo many good songs in the zelda franchise that i’m super keen to learn. love your videos, charles! keep em coming!

[@Makocat]

I've been replaying this game lately and boy is the music fantastic and got me to play piano all those years back. But this is the one song that started it, and helped me learn to use both hands while playing. I never ended up learning this one song, but I learned so many over the years. I never did it outside of it being a hobby, but one day I'll tackle this song again and learn it finally. Just the fact that me self-teaching piano with this song and learning to use both hands with it despite never fully learning it goes to prove your point. It forces you to use your left hand so much without being too much, just difficult enough to make you get out of the comfort zone.

[@RetroBreak]

Making me want to learn piano! Would love to be able to play this and other Zelda tracks, just finished replaying Twilight Princess and love this track so much :D

[@matcauthon6697]

Twilight Princess was my entry to the Zelda franchise and I've been playing Midna's Lament for years. I LOVE that you've broken this down on your channel! Here's the fingering I use, for a focus on getting the 5th finger back to where it needs to be for the next chord: D: 5 4 3 1 2 1 (short, index finder crossover) 5 4 3 1 4 2 1 (long, ring finger crossover) E flat major: 3 2 1 3 2 1 A flat major: 5 3 2 1 3 1 A dominent 5 3 2 1 3 2 🗡🐎🛡

[@BraylinJones]

FINALLY!! I’ve been waiting for you to cover this one. This is my favorite Zelda track

[@overdrive112]

my fav zelda and one of the best tracks in the series. thank you for covering it!

[@ZeldaMcFly]

I would love to hear you talk about the changes between the original lost woods soundtrack and the new version in Twilight princess. I love how the once bright and happy tune becomes mysterious with just a few harmonic changes. The melody doesn't even change

[@spyroclone152]

Might I recommend checking out a piece called "Panacea" from the videogame Hyper Light Drifter composed by Disasterpeace. It's a nocturne that pays homage to Debussy, but also has some modal jazz chord progression techniques. It's also very beautiful and impactful, so I think it would be a fantastic piece to analyze from a music theory perspective.

[@PiercingSight]

I second this recommendation! Also, I believe it was mostly improved, at least thats how it feels to me.

[@seanthomson6676]

No way!! Started learning this song a few weeks ago! It’s certainly the most technical piece I have learned so far. Can almost play it in full it’s just on e part at the very end I mess up! This video really gave me a better understanding of the piece.👍

[@lastnamefirstname8655]

thanks charles! the zelda series has many great and beautiful pieces of music!

[@cftvdata]

This is right up there with Tal Tal Heights and Dark World as one of the best pieces in the entire series. I'm not a keyboard player but what a fascinating breakdown regardless!

[@JPBrooksLive]

I wasn't so sure about this game when it came out until I got to this point.... It cemented Midna as the best companion and is part of why Twilight Princess is still my favorite Zelda game!

[@mokey33]

PLEASE do more videos on zelda music there's so many great songs to choose from!

[@zeldaworld7]

I learned and started piano because of koji kondo and Zelda music specifically. The ocarina of time opening theme was the first song I ever fully learned. Midnas lament will always be a favorite of mine!

[@Mmariustyle]

this piece has literally been getting me obsessed since the game came out

[@emefcue]

I love when you cover zelda music!!

[@jason-composer]

This actually is the first piece I learned on piano, I love legend of zelda music because it was easy and segwayed me into playing more piano pieces :)

[@lanhikari4930]

I really love the way you listen to, experience, and breakdown videogame music Charles. I’m really hoping you do a track from one of the Xenoblade games one day. I think the jazz inspired Torna Battle theme or Brilliant wings from XC3 would really make your day!

[@Dylanthestudent]

New subscriber here Thanks so much for taking the time to explain things like fingering and chord names Charles, and even showing the notations!! Glad I subscribed

[@UnderAvg]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING VIDEO. I NEED TO SEND THIS TO EVERY ONE OF MY NERD FRIENDS WHO ARE TRYING TO LEARN PIANO

[@davidandrewthomas]

This 6-note arpeggiated left hand is hard for me at this speed right off the bat, especially the Eb major chord, but it’s not too bad slowed down and it still sounds really good slower too! It’ll come with a bit of practice. What a beautiful piece of music! Great use of dorian mode to give the scene that haunting, pensive mood, and the chord changes deviating from that really communicate conflicted feelings of alternating hope and worry. Great writing. Absolutely beautiful

[@gavinsaxey]

I love the videos on nostalgic video game music. Super Mario Galaxy would be another great one to hear!

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

AMAZING breakdowns on this channel.

[@classicsbycandace]

I played “Midna’s Lament” on the piano for one of my friends the other day. It’s so mesmerizing. Great video, Charles! 💯💙😎🙌🏽🎶🎹#LongLiveVideoGameMusic

[@KadenMacKay]

I almost couldn’t believe you were covering my favorite game, the score of which I’ve studied quite a bit! I’d recommend listening to Twilight Princess (and playing the game itself) to anyone; Toru Minegishi’s use of motifs in various contexts is brilliant

[@bathron1822]

I would love it if you did a whole series of Zelda deep dives. This was one of my favourites to play for years!

[@SpinAroundU]

Yeah this was one of my teenage art shock. This melancholic piece contrasted so hard with the sentiment of urgency, and yet fit the scene perfectly. I made a save right at this point in the game so I could "feel" that mesmerizing tune again.