Game Composer Breaks Down FINAL BOSS THEME from Zelda Tears of the Kingdom

[@DaviVasc]

They left so many references for us in this one! Speaking of Zelda music references, if you're a Zelda music mega nerd like me, you might wanna watch this video of me ranking every single Zelda OST: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHqscnx9nK9_h8U

[@korreollonborre]

I need to hear more TotK reactions (and breakdowns) from you. Some really intresting tracks would be the Demon King battle theme and Master Kogha battle

[@internettuffguy1197]

I'm high functioning autistic and notice all these extremely small details too, and it's like a waterfall Really enjoyed this video !

[@generaljimmies3429]

Technically Gannondorf's Theme was around since A Link to The Past but I'm splitting hairs here.

[@alextaylor417]

i really appreciate how nintendo composed this song for this fight. every note felt so scientifically placed. and then they surprise us with the song that plays during the Catch scene. im thankful that nintendo understands how important the music is for these games. Ive looked forward to the soundtrack for every zelda game since i was kid when windwaker came out and when BOTW was released i was underwhelmed with the score. TOTK ending from diving into the depths of ganon up to the catch was what i was waiting for. legendary soundtrack.

[@sslender07]

I don’t know how to explain it, but the catch theme seems perfect for a shirtless man catching a falling princess who was just a dragon way up in the air

[@xenomorph6599]

You gotta listen to the botw soundtrack more man. Its perfect for the game, and I'm usually a bombastic music person but God botw was my favoritte soundtrack until totk came out lol

[@michaeldelloro3148]

The botw is my chill soundtrack when studying.

[@alextaylor417]

@@xenomorph6599 its not that i didnt like it, i just wanted more loud songs from it if that makes sense. like the trailer soundtrack and beast ganons theme. theres some good stuff i just wanted more

[@Navman_]

5:50 I think you might be bang on about Link being the sax. In the 3rd trailer for TOTK, right after Rauru and Zelda acknowledge that Link will be their last line of defence, we get a montage of Link doing "Link things" and the sax pretty much dominates that segment.

[@minasthirith6314]

"Link things"

[@sandjgaez257]

Considering that “Demon Dragon” is my favorite song in the game, I’m so glad that you decided to cover this song.

[@DaviVasc]

It's one of my favorites as well!

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

1:55 Yeah, it immediately parralleled the first dive to diving towards ganon, to me. It gave me a sense of "Look how far you've come"

[@dravise2586]

The Erhu is a Chinese instrument, but TOTK uses the erhu to symbolize the divinity of the dragons, which is why they play whenever you're near or ride any of the dragons. The erhu in TOTK is played in a mysterious and divine yet calming tone to draw us in.

[@pkminpkmon]

The whole final last battle of ToTK, with Ganon, the Dragon fight, can the catch, might be my favourite moment in any media. So glad you covered this, great video!

[@adamsbja]

I love this one. You have Zelda's theme, Ganon's theme, the angry piano of the Guardian's/corruption theme, dragon's theme, and a bunch of other stuff all dancing around each other. Usually for a clash they'd be fighting, trying to overpower each other, it here it blends. When one has center stage others are weaving around it.

[@julesvanpraag3712]

I'd like to think that the part on 7:34 represents the sages, flute for tulin and sidon (rito and zora), brass for yunobo (goron), and violin for riju (gerudo) (and maybe also for sidon).

[@tenidranluxor]

I was wondering if there was some reference to the sages in this track. Intentional or not, this is my new headcanon. It works perfectly with how the sages are introduced in BotW.

[@EscheroOfficial]

So glad you talked about this one!! I never even noticed Zelda's Lullaby there at the beginning but it fits perfectly! I teared up when they referenced the main theme to Breath of the Wild, man. Thinking about those first steps I took out onto the Great Plateau with that sweeping melody over 6 years ago, and thinking about how far these characters have gone for each other to get to this momentous point... it just broke me. Genuinely such a beautiful, *beautiful* piece, through and through. A masterclass in musical symbolism, motifs, and orchestration.

[@elijahappelman1186]

This track absolutely blew me away when I first heard it. Something interesting to note at 7:18 is that Zelda’s half of the duet is singing the opening to the botw theme.

[@heyitsjoshmusic]

I only noticed this after listening to this incredible track on loop after playing the game, but in this final phase section, underneath the duet reprisal of the TOTK theme, the brass plays the BOTW theme again (9:51) and then Zelda's Lullaby immediately after (10:04). I love how finely tuned this arrangement is that the three major motifs of this Zelda duology can mesh together perfectly

[@BenthovenMusic]

9:51 Breath of the Wild theme played by the brass in the background. 10:04 And then Zelda's Lullaby being played by the brass as well afterwards.

[@alysupersmashshow]

Hey Benthoven, love your content and the song you played for deebeegeek, idk if it was for his intro, but nevertheless its amazing!

[@BenthovenMusic]

@@alysupersmashshow Much appreciated, thank you!

[@dudester5334]

Didn’t think I’d like this more than phase 2 of ganondorf theme, but here I am. I LOVE THE GANONDORF MUSIC AND BOSS BATTLE!!!!!

[@B-ot2xx]

I genuinely love how at the end of both of these games, the pianist sits down, and starts flip-flopping all over the keyboard. Demon Dragon is my favorite piece of music ever created. Thank you for going through this one!

[@rat_mikey]

Can't deny the game made me cry and the music had a lot to do with it.

[@speedude0164]

This song has almost a peaceful feel to it. It's as if it's telling you the struggle against the Demon King is over, and all that's left is to push forward one more time to defeat the Demon Dragon that replaces him and finish the fight for good. Perfectly represents the situation and serves as a very satisfying finale on top of that. Also, I love your interpretation of the saxophone and erhu duet representing Link and Zelda working together. Really goes to show how much goes into music composition that you don't think about.

[@IainNewtonDoull]

It's so good. Everything works together to tell you that you've already won before this fight even started. You got Zelda's Lullaby, usually a gentle piece, being blasted by the intimidating horns, so you know she's not scared. When the sax comes in it's very casual and relaxed, Link's not worried. And when Ganondorf's theme shows up it's really fighting to stay in there. First it has to sneak in off the back of the BotW theme instead of starting its own section by itself. Then you only get one loop of his full theme - after that it's just the chords weakly trying to stay around before it gets wiped out and we're back with Zelda's erhu. The whole piece is about Link and Zelda being so much stronger than Ganondorf.

[@gmayzes7268]

One thing i also noticed when Davi was talking about the positions of the Sax and the Erhu, like he said, they are both positioned right and left. But when the section with Ganondorf's theme starts, it seems (to me at least) that his instruments are positioned in front of you, or even above you. This perfectly resembles the order of the Triforce. Link and Zelda at the bottom and Ganondorf above them. If this is actually like I described it, then I have MAD respect for the composers

[@bigfootapologetics]

This song is so underrated - everyone noticed Colgera and missed this masterpiece.

[@tactical_slime4608]

The music engine they use to transition to different parts is amazing. And how they use it throughout the entire game since botw

[@rolop_1238]

9:47 the best part

[@andrikdj4153]

Indeed

[@nikhg7269]

I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure that the string melody that plays at the intro of the game and in this song represents skydiving, and actually plays in piano when you are about to land in normal gameplay So if you combine all the storytelling elements in the song, it's about (1) Link (2) skydiving with the help of (3) Zelda in (4) dragon form, at the end of (5) TOTK and the greater (6) BOTW story to fight (7) Ganondorf. wow 🤯

[@omodev]

I've been so excited to see you break down another song from ToTK! Demon Dragon is a really good one too! Can't wait for anymore you want to do.

[@DaviVasc]

Is there any specific track you would like me to cover?

[@omodev]

@@DaviVasc There's actually a few songs that come to mind immediately! Those being Sidon's Theme, Demon King Ganondorf, Dragonhead Island, and Hyrule Castle ( the version when you're on the floating castle ). I know it's not an exact song, but these 4 are just so good that I couldn't choose. 😅 But If I had to pick one, I'd really wanna hear what you have to say about Dragonhead Island! It's one of the most unique songs in the game.

[@Mikauo_Xblade]

@@omodev +1 for Demon King Ganondorf. It plays an homage to all the previous Ganondorfs which is great

[@goldlucario5371]

Do “the demon king’s army”!

[@natmanzoccothriftdiy1222]

thanks for changing the title and thumbnail my man! will be back to watch after I've beat the game 👀

[@rayrayg9]

Officially this is the "Demon Dragon Theme" when actually, it's "Zelda & Link's Song"

[@MateusSilva-fm2zc]

The sax references the skies and sky islands in general in TotK, which is where we listen to them most of times.

[@rubydoodles6381]

I have listened to this track dozens of times (it's a favorite study/drawing song) and I did not notice the Zelda's Lullaby in the beginning! This just made me love my favorite song from this game even more.

[@Sashin9000]

This was fucking great, this might my favourite theme in the game and I appreciate it having it explained. The idea that parts represent Zelda and others represent link and it's a kind of duet is really cool.

[@wonsubon]

This track is absolutely gorgeous, I'm glad to see it covered!

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Huh, it seems like this Theme was way more fitting than I thought, it feels like a Entire Story was presented through this Theme.

[@risonosekai6472]

Finally! A track that can rival Dark Beast Ganon! (By the way, Ganondorf's second phase theme is also full of references and I think many people would love to see you analyse that too, me first lmao). Keep it up man, you did an amazing job with this one!

[@Tusike94]

Thanks, i love how you listen and analyse the music EXACTLY the same way as me (but knowing about music). It makes me enjoy your videos in a inimaginable way, keep going on! (Sorry about my english, im a spaniard :( )

[@morisketa-kun]

At last, a video that understood me how exciting and great battle theme. Which is strong but is also melancholic. Zelda, Link and Ganondorf had not been fighting together for a long time. Good job dude. Thanks

[@CJ-mk3nf]

YESSS the first music professional reaction to this wonderful piece

[@Leishtek]

Manaka Kataoka knew what the fuck she was doing when she was putting pen to paper in the studio. Having watched musicians and composers break down the various pieces, instruments, motifs, and linking them with events and characters in the game... even way back in the trailers before the game was released they were showing off her brilliance, but doing it in such a subtle way that not many noticed. It reminds me of Ramin Djawadi for Game of Thrones or Marcin Przybyłowicz and Mikolai Stroinski for Witcher 3, who weren't just sitting there pulling music out of their asses; they actually understood the story, characters, and themes they were writing for. It's musical brilliance and talent pushed into the stratosphere by passion for their craft.

[@arafat464]

I just finished this game. I've been waiting a year to watch this video. What an amazing game, and great video as always!

[@beary-boo3223]

I reaaaally really want to hear you go over the Ganondorf battle theme too. I'm not sure if you would have stuff to talk about, but I just really love it.

[@mecha8450]

I started watching your videos yesterday and man, you are so good! I myself am starting to compose videogame music, and I've already learned so much thanks to you. Please don't stop making these videos, your content is excellent!

[@Gaming_S0ul536]

If you notice previous to the boss fight, when the Demon Dragon appears from beneath Hyrule Castle m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXO8dI2Ohdmkj68 it plays a modified version of Trailer 3’s theme kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLQlpJ4pcx5q9k but slowed to about half the speed. More of a minor key and instead of the triumphant main Legend of Zelda Theme it transforms into Ganondorf’s 4 famous notes of dread and despair. Also the end 4 notes of the Skyview Tower activation theme m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qabEi3WOmbahitE are the same as this part of the Demon Dragon cutscene m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXO8dI2Ohdmkj68

[@spatate3050]

Loved totk, my favorite theme is from the fight before this one, demon king, i really liked how epic it was and it clearly was the cherry on top Good video

[@DaviVasc]

Thanks Spatate!

[@AstralBirthVoid02]

5:24 thanks subtitles, it was a great moment.

[@Marc-ek6gf]

I really love this video! Could you do the demon king theme too? I feel like there are a lot of cool hints in there, like the Ocarina of Time ganon theme and the calamity ganon theme, but I probably still missed some references.

[@ComboFood]

This in my opinion is the perfect final boss theme

[@Axelpvz2030]

TLOZ has some good themes overall, but this one, idk if is due to the arrangement of things, the multiple subtle motifs, or just the cinematic ambiance of the fight, but man they know how to play with your feelings, the theme goes from serene but encouraging, to a small feeling of dread with the ganandorf motif, and man, at the last hit, with the bloodmoon and the sky turning red, as you dive for the final dive it really makes you feel not like you are beating the final boss, but like you are really ending things, the melancholy of remembering the road, the burning desire of ending your foe once and for all, and the feeling of hope knowing your ordeal is almost to an end, all those feeling manifested on just few seconds, this theme is really a master piece

[@minetendo33]

Seriously I love watching you get super excited about everything 😂

[@TheDiggus]

Oh damn, I totally didn't recognize the erhu in the dragon themes. My late grandpa learned to play in his retirement, what a great instrument.

[@artsyebonyrose]

one of the most amazing pieces of music oh my gosh

[@MW-bs1nb]

you should react to descending into gloom's lair, that's a soundtrack playing a dynamic build-up on the way to the final boss and it changes the closer you get, it has so much power

[@Aya_Albion]

Great video as always! This video is full of your love for the Zelda games . It really made me happy to watch it. I love this epic fight and the music that captured all the beauty of the Zelda games. It felt like a beautiful culmination. The references and instrumentation were so brilliant that it took my breath away. Just remembering the fight now gives me goosebumps. Absolutely stunning!! The Zelda games have always had a special place in my heart and always will. Thank you, Davi. I really enjoyed this :)

[@alejo0121]

Demon King Ganondorf Battle Theme also has lots of references, it sounds darker than the dragon phase and I love it too. Nice catch of Zelda’s Lullaby, I didn’t notice it until you mentioned it :o

[@nick.mccray]

When you made me realize Zelda’s Lullaby is in the beginning of the song I literally started tearing up

[@Me-pl2ng]

Fun fact : During the fight between link and the sages vs the demon army, at one point the music transitions to dramatic descent, the ost in skyward sword of the demon army trying to slow you down for saving zelda in time

[@B1GD0N]

I agree with you that the sax themes might relate to link, or at least I have now come to associate it with link. The sax to me also represents the sky islands, since it prominently plays when sky diving and in the sky islands.

[@reidleblanc3140]

I noticed all the references when I played! Zelda’s instantly, calamity ganon beast form in the piano immediately after.

[@gooseguyfilms4460]

It should also be noted that this song is almost a remix of the actual main theme. The duet you kept referring to plays in the actual main theme.

[@t3hfluff]

Ahhh another amazing breakdown Davi!

[@EED1_evilsbane]

Incredible breakdown videos thank you so much

[@ScS-g1o]

You should really check out the rain world sound track at some point, it sounds so unique and other worldly and I think you would have fun trying to analyze it. Some recommended songs include: Random Gods ELSE I through VII (maybe react to them all at once?) Sundown (menu theme) Deep lights Slaughter Old growth Black moonlight Stargazer Emotion thread Silicon Really any song would do, this soundtrack is beautiful and seriously needs more attention

[@rob9999]

I believe the sax is the melody from BOTW. Which is very rarely referenced in the game, but is multiple times in the ending of totk.

[@Tooberculosis]

10:18 the pianos here kinda sound like the classic Great Fairy theme as well

[@ditty-bop]

You should go over more of the cinematic mini-pieces such as all of the sage themes and the final catch sequence

[@jonson856]

For me this is another hidden gem that Link and Zelda are a thing in this game.

[@tentatrises5475]

Such an amazing video! I would love to hear your opinion on one of the other boss theme, or even the dungeons they are filled with so much references or great feelings!

[@bradencosier80]

I need to play through this game again. Such a masterpiece!

[@DaviVasc]

I'm planning on 100%ing it later this year

[@XxguaxinimxX.]

Indeed, I think I remember that Ganon part in LttP as well!

[@draggysstudio9750]

This music is certainly my favorite among the botw and totk, i'm so glad you did this video

[@delphidelion]

IIRC the original name of Zelda's Lullaby is Crystal or something like that. It was the song of the sages' descendants.

[@fable23]

This really is one of the standout tracks in the game. It's so haunting, yet hopeful, powerful, yet subdued. It holds so many musical ideas, it effectively serves as both a boss theme, and a thesis statement for not just this game, but the BOTW/TOTK duology as a whole. BTW, I really enjoy your videos. I do feel like they are missing a little something however. Nothing major, I just feel like a brief summation of your thoughts and feelings at the end after the song has finished would help to wrap the video up as a whole. Transitioning straight from the last notes of the song to your outro feels a little abrupt, imo.

[@trompettegilles9502]

I've been wating for this react ! Such a masterpiece song, one of the best in the game Also, is this really a sax on the left ?? I was thinking that might be a clarinet

[@grianjuju9438]

My man check out Hylics 2 soundtrack, masons and chucks music is muah, chefs kiss

[@S.I.L.]

Kinda reminds me of the Spirit Tracks final boss. In gameplay the bosses also die in a similar way. I suppose demon kings are fated to have their forehead ornaments broken and bodies exploded.

[@kaseymathew1893]

Ya know the "Dragon Ambiance" that plays when you're near one of the dragons? I've noticed hints of Zelda's Lullaby in the music playing near the Light Dragon . . .

[@DaviVasc]

Oh I never noticed that!

[@ZeroJump]

Its very broken tho

[@ChipipoydotcomdotPH]

The part after the ganondorf tone is sounds like the blood mood theme

[@HeatherSulu]

The erhu isn't only Zelda, it's dragons in general Meaning the last bit, with the diminished erhu piece references ganon dragon

[@goldlucario5371]

You should break down “the demon king’s army” - what a track!

[@reidleblanc3140]

The sax is playing the BOTW main theme. It’s definitely Link.

[@ChipipoydotcomdotPH]

Have you already talked about majoras mask clock town tower battle theme? That music hypes me up bruh

[@MasterBryan99]

Nice video! Now review the Hyrule Castle theme from the Sky please.

[@hugocaufriez416]

YES TOTK MUSIC AGAIN

[@IvoryMadness.]

This ost is really good!

[@DaviVasc]

It is!

[@yourweirdplant]

Legend of Zelda never fails with it's music Also, please do Coalescence from Risk of Rain!!

[@Miss_Trillium]

The Sax referring to Link makes sense, cause he can Get It

[@enderside]

I just saw your video of reacting to Bergentruckung (asgore soundtrack) and i just wanted to recommend you lisening @KaruOfficial version, is a orchestra style and i swear is the best one ive ever heard, alr, thank you for reading if you ever read this, but when will you make undertale ep 2 on your second channel :(

[@samuelminick4594]

Would’ve been poetic to have Link’s sax come from the left and Zelda’s ehru come from the right, representing their specific partitions of the Triforce

[@aaaaaaaaaa190]

Your accent sounds like a brazilian person, are you from Brazil? (Manda salve se for) GREAT video btw

[@fernando98322]

The sax melody comes from the main theme (I agree that it represents Link), listen after 1:10 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHyveXedl7l3Zs0

[@James-nj5ks]

I don't expect you to see this comment but I highly recommend looking into Godfrey, First Elden Lord OST in Elden Ring. Given how good you were analyzing Mohg and Godrick, I am interested to see how you would Critique Godfrey's theme.

[@theStridingRebel]

I need to figure out what leitmotif is used for the main part of the final section of the theme. It sound so familiar but I just can't place where it's from

[@evanwilliamson8338]

Please don't put spoilers in your thumbnails! I know it's been a few months since the game came out, but I and many others have yet to reach the end. Thanks!

[@KGhaleon]

Game's been out for 3 months, you're a bit late to complain about spoilers lmao

[@mumboexeyeye4240]

@@KGhaleon Some folks have other stuff going on. Between work and other responsibilities, I only finished the game about a week ago. People may not have been able to buy it on release, too. It's just common courtesy not to post ending spoilers.

[@DaviVasc]

The title and thumbnail have been changed. Thank you for the feedback.

[@RanRan_11]

@@KGhaleon You do realize that the game is so popular that even disregarding the people who are busy and can't play the game, there're still new players that wouldn't want to be spoiled.

[@KGhaleon]

@@RanRan_11 You could beat one temple per week since release and you'd still beat the story twice. Dude already changed the thumbnail and title so I dunno why you're still bitching.

[@tuberobsessor]

While the previous thumbnail already did its damage, I appreciate changing the thumbnail for spoilers.

[@Severencir]

i am actually pretty convinced that the beginning of the trailer 3 song is heavily inspired by the dragon theme. it is certainly different, but i can't help but feel how the main rhythm is there

[@ninpro188]

It's the same melody that plays during the cutscene where Zelda turns into a dragon! Still looking for references to that Sax solo in the 3rd trailer tho XD

[@tenidranluxor]

After seeing and hearing the trailer dozens of times, I was certain I had heard the theme when Zelda turns into a dragon before. After racking my brain, I was delighted to find it in the trailer. Amazing how they dangled it in front of us.

[@juliajohnson2285]

Would love to hear your analysis of the track as Link is diving to catch Zelda at the end of the game!!!

[@HayLeesHomeMade]

Me not even finishing botw: I'm ready to be spoiled but also i have no idea what is happening so

[@zahids786]

The sax is referencing g botw music also

[@olivergreene7770]

hi Davi Vasc suggest a hollow knight sound track called "hive knight" from gods and nightmares DLC also you never went here in your playthrough

[@why_4]

I have an idea Please Hear Me Out how about Frostpunk OST especially the track 'The city must survive"

[@alendib5369]

7:30 this is Ganondorfs theme just faster not breath of the wilds theme. This has been ganondorfs theme since a like to the past

[@timmy3441]

It's both. The timestamp you linked literally has a reference to BotW's main theme which immediately leads to Ganondorf's theme haha.

[@Joe-yx1gq]

Sense Pikmin 4 Came Out I Hope You Can Do a Music Review Of The Final Boss Of Pikmin 2 The Titan Dwevil Boss Theme Cause I Think The Music Might Suprise Some Players Of How Good it is

[@AlexRonai]

I ask once again if possible to do Volo's theme from Pokémon Legends Arceus or The Gensokyo's the Gods Loved from Touhou 10 Mountain of Faith

[@valalkuino3123]

The face of that dragon looks like Godwyn’s malformed face in Elden Ring, they look terrifyingly similar 😮