How Cuphead Arranges for Ragtime Orchestra

In this video I take a look at how Cuphead's "Inkwell Isle One" theme takes a dynamic roadmap and adapts it to both solo piano and full ragtime band arrangements.
PATREON: / 8bitmusictheory
TWITTER: / 8bitmusictheory
Background footage:
• The Music of Cuphead: ...
• The Music of Cuphead: ...
• Cuphead - The animatio...
• What Is Ragtime?
• Exploring New Orleans ...
• Swing - Best of The Bi...
• La La Land Movie CLIP ...

[@wohdinhel]

*trombone slide is very period appropriate*

[@LieseFury]

There's never a bad time for a trombone gliss.

[@Yikesmanteehee]

Lieselotte Aya true

[@Sidewinder_Circa]

wohdin As a trombone player, I can confirm that this is 125% true.

[@gayflower900]

Lieselotte Aya Perfect for dull parties

[@zacharywilliams2]

@@LieseFury especially when growled.

[@M1kaelJohansson]

Hey the tenor player in the big band that recorded Cuphead is my theory teacher! Andy Balentine. Great teacher edit: He played alto lol. Also got to study under Alex Dean, who played tenor in the big band, the year after I posted the original comment

[@rowanmiller7062]

holy crap that's awesome

[@mingoringo_]

Damn that's actually really cool..

[@Snavels]

Alex Dean Played big band, and Mike Murley solo'd. I have the vinyl records which give a list of all instruments and who played them EDIT: I've just checked again, I didn't check the other players, Andy did in fact play Alto for the band, my bad.

[@Snavels]

@@quave_ yes, I know that I'm 2 months late to replying to you, but I checked again, I have no idea why I only checked the tenor players, yes Andy Ballantyne was Alto 2 for the cuphead big band.

[@ericfourfour]

@@Snavels i definitely recognize Alex Dean in that footage. He was my small ensemble director 10 years ago. Actually recognizing a lot of people in that footage from the Toronto scene. Would love to go and see them at the Rex again once Covid is all over

[@wren_bean]

My voice instructor also teaches piano and she asked me, "Do you know anything about video game music? I'm having trouble finding pieces that my younger students are motivated to learn." I immediately sent her links to your videos.

[@sargentgullible2794]

One year later, how did that go for ya?

[@insaneintherainmusic]

So glad you got to talk about arranging! As you said, it's often overlooked in music theory learning, but is so important to keeping the listener's attention and guiding the emotional curve of a piece!

[@kristiankelloway127]

When homies collide

[@BirdUpFR]

Make more lofi my sweet daddy

[@blakebonecutter]

He has arrived

[@LastAmerican6]

insaneintherain got me into jazz single-handedly. Thanks for that!

[@Terilice1]

fuck your ego you think you think

[@Stenir]

And this is why, when people say video game music has no place being considered "music", that I say "quite the opposite". That, and I learned everything I know about orchestration, arranging, and composition from video game music. Probably explains why I just started supporting this series, as I only just found it. More. Lots more.

[@TracksWithDax]

Haha! Whoever said that has lived with their head in the sand since the advent of video gaming culture. Games like Destiny and Shadow of the Colossus have some of my favorite soundtracks - heck, even having seen WAY more movie that games I've played, between the two I have FAR more game soundtracks that land on my list of favorites than movie soundtracks. A lot of them are, of course, pretty complex, high-quality composition, arranging and performance.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

People that say video game music has no place being considered music are either the most irrelevant of snobby contemporary academics who are ignorant of what's happening in game music, or they're just ignorant of music in general.

[@1Thunderfire]

Video games on the whole seem to be ignored by academia regardless of its content; I certainly would have liked to look at them in more detail although video game studies are apparently slowlyl opening up now in journalistic circles. Then again, even in older disciplines like English Literature, anything not considered 'classic literature' tends to be brushed aside, especially Fantasy despite it being such a popular genre with very influential authors like J. R . R. Tolkein, J. K Rowling and my personal favourite, Terry Pratchett. It seems to be that anything 'popular' is not academic and therefore not worthy of attention. :(

[@natekite7532]

@@TracksWithDax I'm so glad that you mentioned Destiny here!!! Video game soundtracks in general are overlooked, but Destiny's soundtrack specifically I find gets no attention at all. A real shame; The Last Array, Eye of the Gate Lord, Cabal Stomp... The game's a mess for 80% of it's life but the soundtrack is on point.

[@highestsettings]

How many times has anybody actually said that to you, and how many times did you actually respond with "quite the opposite"? I'm gonna wager zero on both counts.

[@PiercingSight]

Oooooo.... It's always interesting when doubling up a melody instead of harmonizing with it is actually the better choice. In fact, it's frequently the better choice, even if you've got a full band to play with. I've never actually given it much thought, though, which may be why I've been having such a hard time composing recently. I'm ALWAYS trying too hard to harmonize instead of unify.

[@8bitMusicTheory]

It's something I always struggle with, so making this video was kind of eye opening to me!

[@AP-su9oc]

Your profil picture is so cute

[@SaberToothPortilla]

PiercingSight It's a pretty easy thing to get caught up in. You look at a tall score and think, "I have an absolutely insane amount of independent voices, what do I even do?", There are times when, even though it's the more desired decision, doubling is actually harder than harmonizing more or adding more lines. You have to worry about registration, blend, etc. The stuff is really hard.

[@julianossa3578]

yeah, I agree. I've been writing something for a big bad jazz group and ive been doubling up on the same melodies instead of writing a harmony line for it. It makes it sound much fuller and often much more coherent than not doing it.

[@deadfishermen669]

PiercingSight I

[@cinnamonnoir2487]

Dynamic range may be the most underused tool in contemporary musical composition, despite its great potential effectiveness. Any given Beethoven symphony demonstrates how powerful dynamics can be. Very interesting video and graph.

[@josephunderwood1875]

I agree. Modern music has practically omitted dynamics entirely. Then there's rubato, form, motifs, and other musical tools that have been forgotten. A lot of modern music differs in texture and not much else.

[@theocaratic]

At least as far as "louds and softs" go, this can be partially attributed to car radios. Anyone who's tried to listen to classical music in the car can attest, it can be infuriating trying to listen to anything with a big dynamic range, because you turn up the raido to hear the soft parts, then proceed to be blasted by the loud sections.

[@DanielHoffmanddhoffman]

Check out David Byrne's "How Music Works."

[@user-dj6lj1dl1c]

Joseph Underwood could you please elabortae on what those tools consist of? Ive never heard of any of that

[@usernotfound6475]

It’s interesting because it’s practically, I would think, the most important part of music writing. Naming Beethoven is a great example since he generally wrote very basic themes and motifs. And the brilliance of his was his ability to make something more out of it with form.

[@stevenosorio6818]

As an arranger of ragtime orchestra and dance orchestra, this makes me quite glad to see my techniques being told by someone else!

[@SkyeTV22]

The Dark Souls of Musical Analysis

[@coastersplus]

Nah, I think that was his Dark Souls video :P

[@KuraIthys]

The dark souls of dark souls references? ;p

[@computre13]

Cuphead has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard

[@vivimannequin]

Let me guess....floral fury?

[@pianoboi4842]

@@vivimannequin Threatenin zeppelin gang

[@OmniversalInsect]

And they somehow managed to make it even better with the DLC.

[@JipBosch]

2:01 Piccolo... 🤣👌 Thank you so much for covering this score. Cuphead is an amazing masterpiece on many facets.

[@TylerInTraining]

A few years back I got to meet Kris Maddigan at MAGFest 2019 and even play with him and with other musicians on some of the Cuphead OST. I made a point to tell the man that over the years his soundtrack is going to have a profound impact on a lot of children in terms of musical influence and taste, exposing them to genres that they wouldn't have otherwise heard, much the same way that "Looney Tunes" and "Tom & Jerry" did that for me when I was a kid. He said he was just happy that there was any kind of market at all for this sort of music. lol

[@FinalGamerJames]

As someone who never really liked jazz or ragtime, Cuphead's music really grew on me, especially Sugarland Shimmy. Really nice to hear you discuss on this fantastically-talented soundtrack dude, great stuff :)

[@SnowheadBlitz]

"... it's tempting when you have 4 or 5 melodic instruments to voice everything in four or five part harmony... usually makes things sound muddy, or bogged down..." ... I will take note of this, as this could probably be used right if i knew what i was doing with it.

[@GameAudio1]

Great soundtrack and great vid. My one comment is the tuba IS playing at 6:25 when you say it drops out. In New Orleans they call this the "Big 4" - all the downbeat notes are subtle other than the beat 4 leading into the chord change. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

[@bettyunicorn6132]

He says the tuba plays quietly. But that is cool

[@GameAudio1]

@@bettyunicorn6132 you are right. He said the brass drops out except tuba. no idea why I heard it that way. my bad. But still props to the Big 4 :)

[@MisterAppleEsq]

Yay! Arranging is underrated.

[@JoakimKanon]

Really liking the accents on the woodblock part. Very tap dance solo-esque. 😍

[@bettyunicorn6132]

Me love woodblock

[@radioactivejackal]

Just wanted to let you know I appreciate your work and analysis so much. Also, could you take a look at some of the crazy almost a-tonal themes in Majora's Mask? I think there's a lot to be learned from Majora's theme and the ost in general. Anyways, thanks for doing what you do, your videos are both genuinely entertaining and educational.

[@Woedenaz]

I agree with looking at Majora's Mask. I think one thing that would be interesting from Majora is looking at how the Song of Healing is used and arranged differently in various parts of the game. Or perhaps even how Stone Tower music changes from Normal to Inverted. There's some seriously cool shit going on with the music in Majora's Mask. Nothing quite like any other Zelda game. Edit: Also interesting to consider how Clock Town's music changes the closer you get to the final day.

[@AceAttorny]

There we go! Can't say we didn't expect this, but that doesn't mean we didn't want it!

[@Bankai2169]

Seeing you talk about these ragtime arrangements, I must say you're quite the "Entertainer." Cuphead is the type of game that will toss you around like a "Maple Leaf" in a storm. Every time I died, I was left screaming "Great Scott (Joplin)!!" Great analysis!

[@MisterAppleEsq]

Nice!

[@aripent]

Fuck you

[@Bankai2169]

Ari, don't worry about it. It takes a while to get into the "swing" of these puns, but once you do, you'll be on a (Jelly) roll.

[@givecamichips]

Why not Great (James) Scott, the guy who wrote Great Scott Rag?

[@Goalieguy-rq9cu]

You just ruined my day.

[@RetrOchannel]

I was literally listening to the Cuphead Soundtrack when I was sent this notification!

[@TaberIV]

Your videos go almost entirely over my head but they're so pleasant to watch I don't mind lol

[@steveypeppers9324]

Ive been binge watching your videos. I finally found a channel that explains ny two loves, music and video games

[@aidanoleary6514]

This script was incredibly well organized and along with the visuals made the content easy to understand and fun :) My brain just clicked into writing mode for a moment from my Ap language and composition class and I realized that this writing was reeeeeally effective at conveying its idea and I’d like to say well done! It’s made me think about how I can better organize and structure my sentences in class so thank you, and might I add, people loveee learning new topics when it’s this well laid out and I am no exception, thank you.

[@somethingidontknow3964]

Piccolo and flute in this style is such a wonderful change of pace away from classical pieces and marches.

[@CarlosMedina-jc3nu]

I don't mind you talking about the same element or style or technique in two different videos, that gives us more examples on how to use the various things we learn from you.

[@Manas-co8wl]

You're right that there's not much out there in terms of arrangement. I'm glad there's a bit here and I'm coming back again later

[@madweenerdog8403]

I've been studying to the cuphead soundtrack lately and remembered watching this video a way long time ago because inkwell isle 1 on piano reminded me of it. I really love both styles its arranged in, so thank you for doing them justice

[@nicolle2126]

in retrospect, this track sounds so full even with it's very whimsical tone. i think i'm falling in love with the soundtrack all over again. Thanks for the analysis

[@urbis779]

If you ask me, Kristofer Maddigan is an amazingly talented genius, who put in so much effort to create one of the best and most impressive musical achievements in all of gaming.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Videos to check out: Why does Mario music sound "Fun"? Analyzing The Sax Solo From Dolphin Shoals.

[@zeromailss]

Can you talk about the music in NieR Automata plz?

[@WhaleNamedJonah]

MeowAlien にゃあエイリアン I second this motion enthusiastically! It isn't my favourite ost ever (that would be NieR Replicant/Gestalt) but it's fantastic work all the same.

[@cmanor00]

Do Furi first

[@meemo4556]

Become a patreon and hell do it probably

[@nintendude794]

THIS CANNOT CONTINUE THIS CANNOT CONTINUE THIS CANNOT CONTINUE

[@krealyesitisbeta5642]

i second that!

[@Xbman123457X]

This music just makes me happy. Wonderfully written/arranged pieces and very accurate to the style of the era.

[@mugflub]

You deserves so many more subscribers. Such phenomenal production, narration, content, everything. I'm not a musician and I love these.

[@alanshewitt]

Nice Terry Waldo cameo/feature. He’s the real deal for rag/stride piano. Super nice guy too. His jam sessions at nyc’s The Rum House are pure joy.

[@Bramhallthefifth]

this gonna be good

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Piccolo? I'm pretty sure you mean *T H E P I C C*

[@tristanpaquin]

Thanks Doc

[@Shawlings]

How does Kan Gao use such simple melodies to carry such deep weight in his games To the Moon and Finding Paradise?

[@Deaq2]

This is exactly what I was looking for, I have trouble with creating intensity and anticipation. I wasn't creating enough dynamic with the instruments or having too large chords. Tried to fix it post production. But that is was not the cure. So thanks again!

[@pjotrkolster]

I just stumbled across this. The fact that you talked about arranging and ragtime (my favourite genre ever) was really great! You're my favourite music channel now. Subbed immediately!

[@Torthrodhel]

I did a list of my favourite songs from the game once and this one made the top 5 I think. Really lovely track and plays so soon, giving the game an awesome feel right from the beginning area!

[@andrewh25]

Please, do this forever!! Lol. I'm am eternally grateful for your effort and quality!!! I always leave your videos feeling inspired to create. Thank you 🙌🏻

[@jho2000000]

I would love if you could go over any of this topics: - Nier automata/ OG nier ost (how different arrangements and instruments can change how we percibe a song different versions and moments for example in layer form with quiet/medium/dynamic/8bit version or arragements cold rain/spring rain). - Why learning about music theory makes drakengard 3 last boss/song easier (or at least be acomplished without cheating by using video/audio guides)?

[@Mackenziersg]

One of my favorite videos that you've done. That line where you say "But you can hardly even hear it so who cares?" hurt me very deep down, though. Us trombone players pride ourselves on those counter melodies that nobody can hear! lol

[@partystar91]

I love this track, makes me feel so happy and summer-y inside!

[@GlennMagusHarvey]

Thanks for this video! Like you say, arranging (and instrument choices) is rather neglected in music theory, so it was great to see you covering this.

[@emmbeesea]

This is right up my alley! I arrange VGM for a symphonic orchestra and chorus as well as a jazz band. The arrangement really does depend on the instrumentation and different techniques are necessary to make sure all parts are covered in a reasonable fashion. Great video!

[@AugustBurnsSam]

Do you arrange for a university or something?

[@emmbeesea]

AugustBurnsSam, yes! I arrange for groups at the University of Maryland.

[@aaronatkinson3050]

The art style and the music is what me want to play it

[@ivyssauro123]

arranjing is super super important, I always come back to this video for some wisdom Some games soundtracks, like Dark Sous for instance, would benefit insanely with more well thought out arrangements, the pieces that actually get interesting arrangements (Firelink Shrine, Gwyn's theme, Majula Theme) are the one people remember the most.

[@herohalv4543]

i love this series because i get to listen to songs that i (usually) already know, but actually *listen* to them; with intent

[@souljemexpress5609]

I just discover this your channel, as a bassoon player and adore Cuphead's music. Thank you so much for the covering the orchestral themes in this game. Subscribe :)

[@RainbowDemon]

THERE’S A BANJO!!??

[@VectorVlogs]

Do one on the Metroid Prime series and/or the use of choirs in Video Game music

[@CesarDainezi]

3 is the magic number for humor. You died 5 times in the intro, I almost quitted the video.

[@41-Haiku]

I think four would have been the appropriate amount of stretching it.

[@Sonicfan640]

That's true and all, but you can always skip the intro.

[@tomc.5704]

Humor, as with music, is about playing with the audience's expectations. Rule of 3 isn't just "stop after three times, cause it gets old"--the best jokes will use the first two times to set your expectations, and then give it a new twist.

[@riddleiddle]

He is making the point that deaths in Cuphead are excessive, so it makes sense to repeat the joke more than three times. Also, things are more complex than that, you can't just fit everything into a rule.

[@audvidbros]

My dear boy, have you played Cuphead?

[@joaoluis87]

Loved the piccolo reference there. Well done, sir!

[@Kntrabssi]

8-bit, have I ever told you that you're my favorite channel on KZbin?

[@rtsoldat]

i understand nothing about music but fuck it i enjoyed the hell out of this video

[@JMUSICEnsembleOfficial]

Is that Terry Waldo?? I would have never thought I'd see Terry in a video game video! If only you all could come to the Rum House here in NYC on Monday nights to hear his solo piano set live with horns!

[@linkVIII]

Once again I want to thank you for sharing adam neely's channel.

[@serpentmaster1323]

Im no patron, but i really want to hear you talk about this with the relationship between Kirbys epic yarn and its source material

[@antioch3784]

That piccolo joke was on point

[@LinearRealism]

Inspired my first ever ragtime piece for piano! Thanks for the awesome content!

[@Alzzarla]

Ohhhhh, I needed this right now! Perfect timing, thank you!

[@rebeccapaiottidasilva4054]

Why does this music make me feel like I’m walking past a popcorn stand at Disneyland

[@-overdooo-]

I absolutely love your videos. They're so education and entertaining. Keep it up.

[@ArthurWM9]

Incredible video! As someone who dreams of being a composer, I gotta ask: How do you recommend one starts studying music in such a way as to be able to apply all this to making their own music? Do you have any tips, courses, books, whatever? Again, very nice and insightful video!

[@baconofwar6619]

I've been waiting for you to do this since your Dolphin Shoals video!

[@ramyar_abdullah]

I love a man who knows his stuff

[@MyloTratia4354]

1:47 Did anyone else think those 2 notes were a smug smiley face before realizing they were notes?

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

I could see it.

[@ProToTypeBeatmaker]

Many thanks for this great video my friend! I've learned a lot of new things as well as I've been assured of things I've had in mind.

[@kamesanj0]

Subscribed, love the dissection of Cuphead’s music. Great artistic content all around.

[@maxdarlington4867]

I just love this channel, its perfect

[@diogopiresdecarvalho3243]

Oh dude I was going to suggest this. Thank you so much!

[@SQUAREHEADSAM1912]

Is it just me, or does “inkwell isle theme 1” sound just like the “Sunflower Slow Drag”

[@jimmyjim9935]

Thank you for another informative video. Loving your work so far keep it up!

[@SirRichard94]

Outstanding video dude! Your editing was on point!

[@reddyaquaria689]

Where has Cuphead been all my life

[@Plot52]

“But this trombone has this counter melody line but you can barley hear it so who cares?” I laughed so hard

[@danieljimmyolivaresfiguero3741]

😱😱😱 This video is just what i needed!! 👌 , im learning a lot with yours videos, you are a God. Thank you a LOT for sharing your knowledge 😀 im waiting for the next one 😆😆😆

[@MagicMaster667]

I love the improvisation bit. :-]

[@mdmac991]

The beg.of ur cuphead vid is so hilarious dude SOH.

[@superhetoric]

god bless the black musicians of the past, which jazz would be non-existent without 💖

[@kyrieespayos2580]

1:47 that note knows this video is gonna be good

[@TheVoxxification]

30 seconds in "HA HA GET IT, CAUSE CUP HEAD IS HARD! ANYONE WHO CAME FOR MUSIC ANALYSIS HAVE FUN HAIVNG YOUR TIME WASTED CAUSE CUPHEAD IS HARD!"

[@skaterdude7277]

That bone solo gives me phat pheel.

[@MisterRorschach90]

I knew I should have been playing this game.

[@capnmojo]

All the people complaining about the intro, saying you have to stop at 3, are probably also mad when the tonic doesn't follow the dominant.

[@largebreakfast]

Alright that Piccolo joke made me laugh

[@chevrite782]

I got to meet and work with the lead trumpet player. Jason Logue, hes a genius!!

[@Goalieguy-rq9cu]

You should do a video on Kirby's Epic Yarn, speaking of piano pieces.

[@TheJesusSixSixSix]

More on arranging!

[@no_notes1229]

Could you do something with F-Zero X for a Nintendo 64? I remember playing this game a lot when I was a kid, and the music was really key to me loving the game. This was really before it was easy to download or just play music on KZbin, an md I became desperate to find the music to play on my MP3-player. I still think back to this game as one of my clear favourites of all time, and the music is still central for that long lasting love. And the music is very different from other gaming music - at least typical Nintendo music. It is all out rock. And I remember being disappointed when the follow-up game, GX, turned away from this style. The X game still has a strong cult following, and would love your analysis on what makes this music so catchy and fitting for the game, even though rock music usually sounds really lame when not played with real electric guitars and drums.

[@LowReedExpert1]

The comment at the very end reminds me of the time I arranged my own song and had the first time the melody was played be voiced across the whole big band... Ah, good times, good stupid times

[@littlelamp100]

another great analysis, well done mate

[@sleepCircle]

absolutely fascinating

[@Karthadasht]

Hi i recently discovered your channel and it seems amazing ! Can you talk about Matt Uelmen and his work in the Diablo series ? Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@peterritchie7382]

I loved that game and beat it after a thousand tries but I never want to play it again.

[@andres8284]

Hey, I love your videos. Its always fun to see people so dedicated to something. I think, could you do something on earthbound?, maybe you could talk about the different sound effects or anything you want. Please!

[@zacharybrendlen9018]

Good work! I was wondering if you ever touched on theme and arrangement as part of level design? For instance, mega man x (like most mega man music) is "whatever man's stage", but the music is also tied into the level and the boss (electric boss is electric, fire boss is fire, wind boss is airy, etc). How does a music piece generate a feel or encompass an atmosphere? How do you correctly associate a theme to an intended design?

[@aoldatabase548]

great video!