Donkey Kong Country Mega Medley on Piano

This medley is available on streaming platforms!
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iTunes: / the-donkey-kong-countr...
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Over the course of the next few months, along with my Chrono Trigger videos (premiering Monday, January 30!), I've decided to branch out a bit and record music from other iconic video games. I tend to be picky with the arrangements I choose for recordings, so the Final Fantasy Piano Collections and Opera arrangements tend to be my go-to. But what better way to feature some wonderful arrangers out there than a medley like this?!
In this medley, the list of arrangers for each theme is as follows:
0:00 Title Theme - Andrew Wrangell (Sheet Music Boss)
1:35 DK Island Swing - Latios212 and Maelstrom
4:03 Aquatic Ambience - The Deku Trombonist
5:59 Life in the Mines - Shima
7:56 Ice Cave Chant - Shima
10:00 Fear Factory - The Deku Trombonist
11:55 Gang-Plank Galleon - Yug Guy
13:42 The Credits Concerto - The Deku Trombonist
And let's not forget the wonderful David Wise (and Eveline Fischer) who composed the music!
Special thanks to Ninjafish for spending so much time to make this into a fantastic video. And thanks to JimmyOnGuitar for helping out with the percussion aspect!
I had planned to make a medley of ALL the Donkey Kong games, but it became too large and I have separated them into individual games. Donkey Kong Country 2 is on my list!
What other game medleys would you like to hear? :)
#donkeykong #donkeykongcountry

[@David3Wise]

Thanks for sharing Kara. Great to see these themes played on the piano. Thanks to the arrangers too. Also, thanks to Eveline ( Ice Cave Chant ) And the writing credit is shared for the title theme as it uses the original Nintendo Donkey Kong Theme. All rights to the compositions: Nintendo

[@KaraComparetto]

I’m so honored you saw this, thank you for your wonderful work David! 😍 and Eveline too :)

[@umadbro4493]

LOL God himself!!!!

[@davidpetch2649]

Bring on..the gems K.Rool returns , Stickerbush sympathy Forrest interlude.

[@umadbro4493]

@@davidpetch2649 my favs are gang plank galleon and snakey chantey, absolute bangers!

[@mattc664]

ps i think your that talented that you should perform these Donkey Kong country covers on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon🎹🌃🏙🌙 some day⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️another beautiful song this isn’t donkey kong country but have you heard the song White Hot 🥵 by Red Rider sung by Tom Cochrane it has a beautiful piano medley definitely an awesome song to cover if your interested that is⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫#Redriderwhitehot

[@HydefHyde]

The world may never truly know why David Wise wrote such beautiful and emotive music for a game about a gorilla trying to get his bananas back, but we are all better for it. Great performance!

[@lhinemesis6021]

get his bananas back from a crocodile.

[@Spokker]

He certainly wasn't monkeying around.

[@victoriangirl83]

🤣🤣🤣so true

[@steverobinson4030]

Every game deserves great music!

[@michaelrhudak]

Though don't forget a lot of DKC's music (including Ice Cave Chant) was written by Eveline Fischer.

[@Simmer1983]

I'll give this performance 5 bananas out of 5.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

I think it deserves DK's entire banana hoard!

[@Electrosa]

*Ohh, banana...*

[@KaraComparetto]

Gotta collect em all 😂

[@wertigon]

Whut, not golden bananas? :o

[@KlooKloo]

I give it a K-O-N-G out of K-O-N-G

[@raizero_8]

Title Theme [0:01] DK Island Swing [1:35] Aquatic Ambience [4:03] Life in the Mines [6:00] Ice Cave Chant [7:59] Fear Factory [10:00] Gang-Plank Galeon [11:55] The Credits Concerto [13:43] This game is part of my childhood, thanks for doing this! ❤️

[@2NDFLB-CLERK]

▪️ Edi wow. 🟥

[@googelle7555]

Fear Factory 🤘

[@kitnoCC]

@@googelle7555 Listening to that part right now and was looking for people who also enjoyed fear factory as much :)

[@eor9304]

Do DKC 2 music as well. This is so neat.

[@loveyoursign2923]

😍😍😍😍

[@sarleonseverquestadventures]

The pink costume, the chewing gum, and posture brought on the spirit of Dixie Kong. I loved the percussive layers too, great work on this!

[@gabrieldeassispinheiro2723]

Mindblown! I had to read your comment to perceive it's Dixie's costume!

[@williamfoster4883]

Yeah, Kara definately spent some effort on the detail! 😊

[@jarerarebear1765]

Channeling your inner Dixie Kong, you got the pink beret, the ponytail, and the rock star energy.

[@nei_hmande2427]

Chewing gum anyone?

[@dmcmusiclover2995]

@@nei_hmande2427 And the earrings.

[@dmcmusiclover2995]

I’ve never seen Dixie Kong play piano, but she is a musician. I most certainly know that she plays guitar.

[@nei_hmande2427]

@@dmcmusiclover2995 nice nice!

[@jacobthompson4444]

Chewing gum too! I love that she blows a bubble at the end! Perfect Dixie characterization right there!

[@WillRose3]

This entire soundtrack is so good, but even as a kid I knew Aquatic Ambience was something special. Truly one of the masterpieces of all video game music.

[@nickparsons337]

Absolutely. When I got the game on release as a Christmas gift that year; I was so in love with that track, I would routinely backtrack to that first water stage and just let the music play. Sometimes I still do till this day. Lol

[@nintendude794]

My fave composition ever

[@Dargonhuman]

My wife generally doesn't like game music - she thinks it's repetitive and annoying - but she heard Aquatic Ambience in a KZbin compilation video and wanted me to hear "this gorgeous ambient music" and if I could find it to download. I couldn't help laughing when I told here what it was and where it was from (and that I already had it as an mp3). The look on her face was priceless. After that, and hearing some Halo music, she's a bit more open to game music.

[@zacharyhahn5740]

@@Dargonhuman That's awesome! I still frequently listen to DK music on repeat when I study. Also, Halo was the first gaming soundtrack I ever bought!

[@Hectik17]

around 95 i used to dub the dkc music to tapes from the snes when i was 7, i guess i just knew good music when i heard it

[@obitwokenobi9808]

I love how you're dressed up as Dixie. How adorable.

[@ducklaser]

4:03 I knew it was coming, but I did not expect my eyes to tear up immediately when those first few notes landed. Suddenly I was a kid sitting on the floor in front of the TV again, with my grandma in her chair behind me watching me play "the monkey" as she called it. Never knew why she liked watching it so much. She'd hear the familiar music and sound and come sit and watch, only that game, and I don't think she even really understood what a videogame was. DKC was truly something special. For a moment, you brought my baba back. Thank you.

[@randallhale7775]

That sounds so dope

[@lordnibbler88]

Aquatic ambiance will always calm and haunt me. Simply chefs kiss

[@MoncaiTheBig007]

Nose inglés 😭😭😭😭

[@MoncaiTheBig007]

Ah lol que trasfondo más lindo, a Nika's World lo recordaré.

[@ItsYaBoi888]

😢

[@frigginjerk]

It's been, what, 25 or 30 years since I last played this game, but it's crazy how quickly so many of these tunes came right back to me.

[@NgardSC]

I always felt "Life in the mines" was criminally underrated. I would spent days on youtube looking for a piano version which would do justice. After all these years, the quest is over : )

[@KaraComparetto]

Yeah that’s one of my favs in this medley too!

[@MLNDY360]

Agreed, my favorite song from the DKC1

[@MerlinsManor]

Is it just me or does parts of Life in the Mines borrow inspiration from Silver Bells?

[@mustafashaban]

Truly!

[@SheetMusicBoss]

It's really cool that you played our arrangement! Nice work! :D

[@KaraComparetto]

Ahhhh thank you!!! ♥️ thanks for the sheets!!

[@AndresHernandez2]

No! They played MY arrangement sheesh 😒

[@og-om6we]

a well-done medley even Cranky Kong would approve 😄

[@KaraComparetto]

Maybe 😂

[@mustafashaban]

hahahaha! Good one!

[@WillRose3]

Secret of Mana would be another game with a masterpiece of a soundtrack that could make a great medley!

[@bigblueshoe777]

Yes!

[@KaraComparetto]

Yeah that’s a great series of music! I’ve never played the games though 😢

[@bigblueshoe777]

@@KaraComparetto Do it! Definitely worth your time!

[@WillRose3]

@@KaraComparetto I absolutely loved this game as a kid, playing co-op with my brothers and cousins. Re-playing as an adult in single player mode isn't quite as nice, but truthfully the music alone in that game is almost worth the play.

[@nickparsons337]

@@KaraComparetto From one musician to another (guitar for over twenty years) thank you for this. Your playing and sheer joy for the source material makes me smile. Please never stop!

[@TimothyEllis]

Just listening to this, I can tell that you aren't just playing music off a page, but feeling it in your bones. Love it.

[@Oakshield2]

DK always had the best water level songs

[@goodguycwyzz4768]

Aquatic ambience is such an amazing song and I can’t believe how emotional it sounds in the piano. You did a great job playing these!

[@nahomgirma5095]

Almost 30 years since the original Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo and people are still making wonderful remixes and different takes of it's soundtrack, like this one! This has to be some of the best piano takes of a classic game soundtrack I have ever heard! You are a legend!

[@KaraComparetto]

Oh wow that’s a huge compliment thank you!! ❤

[@mustafashaban]

@@KaraComparetto Well deserved compliment! Amazing job Kara!

[@unclejovan1913]

I absolutely have always loved the “Life in the Mines.” Ever since I was a kid playing DK.

[@mysterydrinks7741]

The SECOND the video began and I saw you chewing as Dixie I was wishing so much for that bubblegum bubble and you DELIVERED IT!!! Love all the details and everything in this!

[@KaraComparetto]

Of course I did! And after the video was done, I spat out that nasty gum 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mysterydrinks7741]

@@KaraComparetto I bet the gum was good! Strawberry the flavour? lol > I spat out that nasty gum That's commitment! hahaha Thanks for the awesome music and replying! Love everything! Like like like!

[@taconomicon2284]

Thank you for breathing extra life into Donkey Kong December with this stellar arrangement.

[@monkeydluffy4790]

Donkey Kong Country, Final Fantasy 6 and Chrono Trigger. My 3 favorite SNES games.

[@conniechang6001]

I second that

[@KaraComparetto]

Hm… honestly that’s a pretty great set right there 😂

[@brynnakelly3437]

My son and I are huge DK Country fans 😄 I grew up playing it and introduced it to him as soon as I could! Thank you for filming this, you play beautifully! I really appreciate your costume as well - super cute! My son says: “while you’re playing the piano, it’s so cute seeing the dog”

[@alifakhreddine998]

Aquatic ambiance is truly one of the most beautiful songs ever in a video game

[@raza5757]

1st Aquatic Ambiance I’ve ever heard on piano. Perfect ❤

[@KaraComparetto]

Seriously?! 😱

[@MarMaxGaming]

@@KaraComparetto🎉🎉 dude it was so good, so so good… 😢when you started creating base with your hand slapping I realized I was in for way, way more than your typical cover.. amazing 🎉

[@KaraComparetto]

@@MarMaxGaming yeah I can't wait to see what percussion I can do in the DKC2 medley haha!

[@luigiboyinblu]

Just amazed at the performance and art direction of this video. It didn’t need to be THIS good, yet it was. It just shows your love for these games and as a DKC fan myself I can’t help to get totally on board with this. Keep it up ❤

[@KaraComparetto]

Yeah I did go all out with this one- once I started, I had to make it the best I could do! Thank you and I’m glad you noticed!!

[@mintyaquagreen1675]

3:06 I still can't get over this cool part right here.

[@BronsonBurningham]

This is my current favorite video on the internet, I stumbled on it yesterday and was flabbergasted. I listened to it again this morning and just started sobbing. So many memories. So many good times and bad times. I am connected to a universe of passionate monkey lovers who celebrate art, games, and music, and I am very grateful.

[@LordNazerous]

Wow! This was beautiful! Praise God. I listened on earbuds while putting the baby to sleep. This was incredible. Thank you!

[@KaraComparetto]

Aww!!!

[@DreamDaddie]

A lot of childhood memories just came back to me from hearing this. Thank you!

[@HectorGarcia-if8ev]

I can also appreciate that she's dressed like Dixie Kong 🥰 lol

[@MrCollector]

Traumhaft , danke für meine Kindheitserinnerungen.

[@JLacan]

This was absolutely fantastic. Shared with my siblings, we used to play DKC1 & 2 on co-op when we were little. Playing this medley on repeat.

[@KaraComparetto]

Aw me too, with my brother!!

[@mycoinsyourpurse2244]

Ah. "Life in the Mines" gave me those tingly feelings. Thank you. And yeah, Dixie is the best DKC character :)

[@speez81]

Brings back a lot of memories especially the aquatic ambience.

[@strawhatandrew8341]

I love how you essentially dressed up as a human version of Dixie Kong.

[@jisatsu_exe9329]

The childhood memories this unlocked...🥹

[@MatoLabu]

I think my favorite music from this episode will always be Ice Cave Chant [7:59]... so amazing, I get chills every time it's crazy.

[@sunkillsmoon]

The pink Dixie outfit is so adorable and your playing is so freaking amazing . 10/10 thank you for such an amazing video !

[@KaraComparetto]

Thank you!!! ❤

[@MarMaxGaming]

We are definitely going to have this music around our kids! This is wholesome and epic as all hell..

[@jimmeyotoole]

This is incredible, huge nostalgic waves listening to this performance.

[@joolbits]

Another beautiful medley. Kara, I always love the passion you put into your music and your coordinated themed attire and decorations! And the pupppppy 🐩❣

[@KaraComparetto]

Oh yeah the puppy is the icing on the cake, eh? 😂

[@ContextSensitive]

I love everything about this

[@Anonymous_synopsis]

Give her 🌸🌹🌺🌻🌼🏵️💐❇️right now.... David wise an excellent composer for the DK SERIES... Playing this game growing up, to listen to the elegance she puts into her craft is amazing.... From the movements & the outfit, she is amazing 😢😢😢 I play the piano myself & sing so listening to her natural craft is so inspiring & a blessing to hear.. Thank you for the NOSTALGIA 💯💯

[@laranjashtear]

If DKC soundtrack got me so thrilled, I really don't know what to expect from your Chrono Trigger Medley, but I'm looking forward to it.

[@KaraComparetto]

You will be mind blown!! :)

[@VirgoTruck]

Absolutely wonderful, one of my favourite soundtracks and this was a delight ❤️ David Wise would be proud ☺️ bonus points for the Dixie Kong costume haha, hopefully we get a DKC2 vid in the future!

[@KaraComparetto]

You will!! 😊

[@VirgoTruck]

@@KaraComparetto yay! Can't wait ❤️

[@braidonsaelens5174]

I went diving in the comments specifically to see if this question had been answered. So glad to find this. Wonderful job (Aquatic Ambiance really hit)

[@lnearcloud1600]

im listening again, i can feel the peace on this music and calm, it take me to the past when i played donkey kong country

[@ssjscokou]

I don't know what it is about Kara, but she does it perfect.

[@Zaitann]

I really enjoyed this one. It such a pleasure to hear you play the music of our childhood. Thanks.

[@ianomalley6100]

Teared up when ambience came on. Music never really made to be played by human beings. You did an amazing thing

[@ianomalley6100]

Oops I teared up at fear factory too

[@KaraComparetto]

Aww hahaha thank you 🥰

[@ImpactGameStation]

We Irish appreciate David Wise's work for sure ❤️

[@TheRansoing]

You have newfound respect from at least one drummer for those flawless single-handed quadruplets (DK Island Swing)

[@KaraComparetto]

Oh yeah that was tough! I admit I tried to do both simultaneously and it was impossible for me 😂

[@TheRansoing]

@@KaraComparetto sneaky! I had just assumed you performed the parts simultaneously, because everything else you do is amazing

[@ronaldreis8242]

"Simple", beautiful, heart touching. Thank you!

[@carljohnsonmv]

The emotion behind those notes is something wonderful, great job!

[@Franky23899]

Qué maravillosas melodías, y qué tierno que va vestida como Dixie!!!!!

[@aloysiuswhiteboat2934]

The outfit and that touch at the end gave me the biggest smile I've had all day. Thank you.

[@KaraComparetto]

awww thank you that made me smile!

[@nights2747]

Listening to this put my brain into a relaxed and euphoric state I don't remember the last time I felt so at peace. Nostalgia and the sound of your piano is such a powerful force I almost can't bear it.

[@KaraComparetto]

🥰🥰🥰

[@Jose-oz1uc]

No me acordaba lo maravillosa que era Life in the mines 😭 y en piano suena mejor aún!

[@MalandrosNyclo]

So much nostalgia. Beautifully done!

[@Droothr]

Outstanding! 👏 Thank you KZbin algorithm for putting this in my feed! I sincerely hope that a Diddy's Kong Quest medley is in the future... 🤞

[@KaraComparetto]

Yessss! :)

[@blakfloyd]

This made my day and your Dixie outfit is absolutely adorable.

[@rydell6899]

I just found your channel, Kara, I'm really stunned by your artistry. You are so talented, the way you use the instruments, and your videos are shot and edited so well. I love the cosplays, it's really fun to see and hear the love you breathe into such great music!

[@KaraComparetto]

Thank you, so glad you found me!!!

[@gahendrix1]

New level of professionalism...Play piano and chew gum at the same time!🤣🤣🤣 It was great , Kara. You should feel good about yourself and your performance Can Hardly wait for the next release.😍😍😍

[@KaraComparetto]

I can’t wait either!! Thank you Gary!!

[@MeinLieberScholly]

Sehr melancholisch gespielt. Es weilt zum entspannen ein. Sehr hübsch auch die Frau! Danke Frau Comparetto dafür!

[@stuartmarsh5119]

The Dixie Kong outfit in the thumbnail sold me ahahaha

[@CaptainAstronaut]

Amazing as always!!

[@salmonkindalikeme9316]

This is amazing, thank you!

[@seanlinn2840]

The music was so good in that game, I remember writing songs to it when I was like 13. Thank you for those wonderful skills

[@handles438]

Really nailed her Diddy Kong "stage exit" didn't she?

[@AmbrosiousFlume]

OMG, I love the added percussion. Thank you for this. ❤

[@mustafashaban]

Yeah that was an amazing touch and so accurate!

[@ArchGeek]

Another great performance Kara! You can always count on the Scarlet Pianist to deliver! 🦍🐒🍌🐊 👑

[@gabrielhersey5546]

Thank you soooo much for this wonderful look at my childhood. All the feels.

[@douglasleblanc6358]

Love the Dixie Kong attire! Looking forward to DK2! Edit: The bubblegum pop! :D

[@KaraComparetto]

haha! Yes I'm hopefully going to start posting the series in December!

[@marcelolorca2488]

Parte de mi infancia en 15 minutos de piano ❤ Magnífico!

[@Truttle]

The Mines theme translated really well!

[@MaddSeazyn]

Other Iconic Games also eh? The most fought over list in 2023 coming up. Absolutely stellar as always Kara.

[@Elwood128]

How does she make every cosplay look so elegant? 😍

[@raffyvalky4527]

Iove these medies! Can't wait for the Chrono trigger soundtrack!

[@KaraComparetto]

I’m so excited 😍😍😍

[@Fiddledo]

This is so well done! I just finished the first DKC game for the first time a few weeks ago and I'm almost done with DKC2. I've listened to the soundtracks for a long time but only recently gained a fond appreciation for the OSTs. In my opinion, both DKC1 and DKC2 are some of my favourite game soundtracks of all time (I can't wait to play DKC3. I'm actually not too familiar with its OST). I love your medley and I sense you really appreciate the games and its music. Keep up the incredible work!

[@alexander2685]

She totally needed me like sias sidekick dancing like a ape.

[@oscarhele4587]

Absolutely perfect, hugs, Montevideo-Uruguay.

[@haggenfar]

4:03 that got into my ears and went out through my eyes

[@gonzagalaw]

Aquatic Ambience is superb; otherworldly. Shades of Chrono Trigger for that piece and, to a lesser extent, Life in the Mines? I was thinking Chrono Trigger and Donkey Kong Country were rather close in terms of their releases; looks like Donkey Kong was 1994 and Chrono the following year. Different composers but both SNES.

[@KaraComparetto]

Huh interesting 😱

[@HatMachine]

David Wise in the UK and Yasunori Mitsuda in Japan, both pushing the boundaries of what the SNES hardware could do.

[@Darkstar263]

That was amazing 👍 My favourite parts were Aquatic Ambience, Fear Factory and Gangplank Galleon.

[@evansaberon4752]

The memories that come up. Good times and good tunes. Awesome

[@fightingbob]

Made me cry. Reminds me of my childhood playing this game. Love it!

[@wguardia2709]

Featuring: Kara Kongparetto 🤣 There's a bunch of potential medleys I can ask for: Terranigma, MegamanX and Tales of Phantasia... one can dream, you know 😍 Edit: it was quite fun being at a premiere after a long time! 😭 Awesome as always Kara, and can't wait for DKC2! ❤

[@conniechang6001]

I agree, mega man x would be cool

[@KaraComparetto]

Ahahah thank you Willy!!❤

[@Elhenricus]

Que bien tocas el piano ❤💜❤💜

[@itycagameplays]

DKC has one of the most beautiful sountracks ever made.

[@Spacemutiny]

Loved this! Being dressed like Dixie Kong was a nice touch! 😂

[@WillRose3]

What other game medleys would I like to hear? The wonderful purpleschala has pretty much done the entire Final Fantasy Tactics soundtrack, but I'm always down to hear other interpretations! kzbin.info/aero/PLp-SYUSsVXsbH35VfVaxYWWRPpDJGmhKC

[@alinaitzal1173]

Hear Hear... But as an Otherwise ignored piece I offer the Main theme from Parasite Eve.

[@KaraComparetto]

Hahaha hers is so epic you don’t need mine! 😂 I do love to play some tactics stuff on streams though :)

[@Orpheusftw]

That Dixie inspired outfit is pretty cute.

[@oakworm5526]

Really triggers the nostalgia. Cute pooch

[@benthornton5105]

Donkey Kong Country is my other favorite game, Thank you for playing the music, Kara.

[@butthemeatwasbad]

You know, I'd argue DKC1 has just as strong of a soundtrack as DKC2, but I think the love for Stickerbush pushes this game in the shadows of 2. Thanks for playing these great tunes!

[@KaraComparetto]

Yeah I won’t leave that one out of the DKC2 medley!! I’m glad you enjoyed this!

[@crazymariobr]

Great! Simply great!

[@darkshibe2267]

Bravo. Had to put my heart on my chest and close my eyes when Aquatic Ambience came on.

[@cjlcorndog7271]

I'm convinced this was just Dave's life work up until the point he was offered the DK job. Then he replied with "oh I got something for you alright"..

[@edwinalexanderguzmanmartin5069]

You Kara, you are master of DK & piano too. I remember my high school golden days.

[@williamgomes8445]

Just perfect! Great job! 👏

[@Kryxx07]

Just beautiful.

[@maxadrums]

This is absolutely amazing. Heck!