How Is Zelda Breath of the Wild's Music This Good?

Get started on your piano journey here: www.betterpian...
Follow me!
Instagram: bit.ly/2WoR7W1
Twitter: bit.ly/2I02YAt
Facebook: bit.ly/2K4rHq8
TikTok: bit.ly/2X7pnlN

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

Hi yes you should go and join us on discord here is a handy dandy link dsc.gg/charlescornell

[@Steph_XPPP]

Hello

[@landonshaw1755]

hey there mr piano man

[@XEAZUR]

congrats on 1 million. I knew you could hit it!

[@vahekhachaturian2424]

You should check out Steve Cruickshank's channel. He does incredible negative harmony covers for popular songs.

[@randomboiyo6254]

Yo Charles, can you please take a look at the Nier Gestalt/Replicant and Nier Automata soundtrack?

[@leafpower7343]

Fun fact about Mipha's theme: the two repeating notes in her melody are the "Mi" and "Fa" of the key, MiFa, Mipha. Same is true with the theme of her younger brother Sidon, where his theme is "Si" and "Do"

[@PiercingSight]

I’m not sure that’s right. Her theme’s repeated notes are So and Le (the 5th and flat 6th of the minor chord). They’re only Mi and Fa to the relative major, which isn’t the chord being played.

[@jlhitz35]

@@PiercingSight They're Mi and Fa in a fixed Do system, where C is always Do no matter what key you're in.

[@felipeveiga5807]

@@PiercingSight So and Le are the relative minor of Fa and Mi they re the modal sensitives

[@PiercingSight]

@@jlhitz35 - That makes sense, but I’m completely unfamiliar with the “fixed Do” system. Do has always been tied to the tonic of the key in my experience. I guess we could say that they are Mi and Fa assuming Mi and Fa can be the 5th and 6th of the tonic.

[@johnbowlermusic]

@@PiercingSight en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solf%C3%A8ge#Fixed_do_solf%C3%A8ge

[@AlexMoukalaMusic]

The cool thing about Breath Of The Wild's soundtrack is that it does reference fan favorite themes at times, but it does it very subtly and by breathing new life into it. Rito Village for example is a massive reference to Zelda Wind Waker, but the original sounds almost like a complete different piece of music due to the difference in orchestration / instrumentation! Amazing how they can re-invent the soundtracks while not losing the points of origin, just kinda like the stories of the several Zelda games often share similarities between each other, all while often being very fresh experiences. Zelda rocks

[@Thorrison]

I had beaten the game and was finishing up sidequest stuff when I finally noticed the Dragon Roost melody in Rito Village. Blew my mind.

[@RyanLafford]

oh hi alex

[@hpsmash77]

why not do a video about it...

[@benedictprove3937]

@@RyanLafford oh hi ryan

[@nickwallette6201]

I like this approach a lot better than the Final Fantasy VII Remake's soundtrack. The latter is just "real instruments = better" mentality. I've always enjoyed the personality of each game console's hardware, and how it affects instrumentation. Converging everything into orchestral just homogenizes the entire soundscape of video game music to one trope. Nintendo used orchestral where it fit -- as the backing to an epic medieval fantasy. Big band jazz for Mario Kart. So on, so forth. I appreciate the diversity as well as the quality.

[@adamiotime]

I think the fact that the music is so heavily piano-focused is perfect for the vibe that BotW is trying to aim for. Some say that piano is the loneliest instrument, and it absolutely captures that lonely mood that Link must be feeling after 100 years asleep, exploring this wide expanse of a world in ruin, where all his friends have died.

[@gentlespirit4]

So painfully poetic and beautiful all at the same time. Brilliant! Have you ever considered being a writer? I must've read that at least twice. And it actually gave me a much deeper insight on why I love hearing quiet and soft piano solos so much. Thank you so much.

[@daytonbingham6381]

Yeah Adam, you would be a way cool writer.

[@quinnmarchese6313]

people who complain about this soundtrack are objectively wrong. whether or not you like the lonely instrumentation, its the most brilliant creative choice for BotW. its so perfect for the setting, and has just enough reference to the past that it feels unique and yet so inherently Zelda.

[@legrandliseurtri7495]

Well, in my opinion, the piano isn't lonely at all. A flute would suit that purpose much better, for example.

[@mankypancakes]

@@legrandliseurtri7495 you mean...an ocarina?

[@Inkyink]

I remember the first time playing Breath of the Wild I entered Rito Village like "It'd better be a Dragon Roost Island remix" and I nearly died of excitement and satisfaction when it not only was, but was also simply incredible.

[@iaxacs3801]

Dude as someone totally not expecting Dragon Roost I stopped dead in my tracks for a good 5 minutes

[@autumnmusic22]

I deadass started CRYING when I got to Rito Village and realized what was playing. I stood there for like 10+ minutes just listening to it

[@KosTis]

I fell in love with hateno village's night theme since it reminded me of something early 20th century composers like Rebecca Clarke and Rosy Wertheim would have written

[@arcadia4691]

I ended up missing the obvious Dragon Roost Island reference, I loved it a lot. Wind Waker was a favorite next to BotW.

[@honeyappletoast]

Wind waker will always be close to my heart and my favorite zelda game of all time. Hearing dragon roost made me so unbelievably happy

[@hugogamboas.5550]

I really love the stables music. When you’re wandering around the world feeling like you’re lost or in danger and you suddenly hear it it feels like you’re suddenly safe and at home. I can’t really describe it but that’s the type of feeling I got from it.

[@lucasstrople4767]

I might be reaching, but the stables music sounds like an homage to Ocarina’s Hyrule Field theme to me. I think they may have matched the chord progressions at least. I know it harmonizes with Epona’s song when Kass is around, but I also hear Hyrule Field.

[@alejandropetit6573]

That's how I feel when I find Kass

[@iced327]

​@@lucasstrople4767 you're close! It's not the field theme, it's the Lon Lon Ranch theme. If you hum Epona's song over top of it, you'll notice it's basically the harmony to that track without the Epona melody.

[@GDPikls]

Agreed.

[@TheRythimMan]

When I first heard it I thought I could hear some of Lon Lon Ranch in it but it was so will obscured that I thought I was just imagining things... Until I found a stable with Kass and smiled the biggest smile.

[@mr_dances]

I'm so sick of people saying this game had no music. It's quality over quantity people.

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Many people just can't appreciate subtlety

[@br2k]

Seems to be a lot of confusion about Music v Ambience, and Soundtrack v Game Music The Shrines don't have "music," as much as they have ambient sounds. The Stables have a distinct theme, but you don't spend as much time at the Stables as you do climbing mountains, which are usually limited to environmental noises.

[@stilljustawalrus8135]

Exactly, botw has one of the best osts I’ve heard. It’s so sad that people don’t appreciate it. Just comes down to personal preference I guess.

[@metro6_769]

Can't agree more

[@Jorgejhms]

this game has both actually. Soundtrack is over 100 hours at least.

[@perfidiousprophet]

People were so mean to the soundtrack when it came out, but it's so magical? It's ambient but complex enough to encourage critical listening

[@napilopez]

People just weren't use to a Zelda game without the usual epic vibe and overt emotion. And admittedly, that's usually more my style, I like me some Tchaikovsky. But four years later it's obvious the soundtrack was perfect and integral to what the game tried to achieve.

[@fun7ime757]

Yeah this music is just pure magic

[@bagodrago]

@@napilopez I think people didn't like the soundtrack when it came out because they simply didn't notice it from how ambient it was, which is part of what makes it so good.

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Because for many people, their first reaction to encountering something different is to hate on it

[@nrauschermusic]

Fucking 👏 thank you 👏

[@ohdannyboy9675]

The guardian's song still sends chills down my spine to this very day.

[@mikevisby8744]

Yes! Whenever I hear it, I know sh*t is about to go down.

[@emerald54321]

Best alarm I have that actually makes me wake up instantly (with a heart attack).

[@mikevisby8744]

@@emerald54321 Yes, I used to use an alarm that was a nuke warning siren, but my wife at the time made me stop using it because whenever it woke her up, she would instantly panic.

[@Sigura]

It's not exactly the same but, listen to Angel Attack from Neon Genesis soundtrack. It's got the same vibe

[@french-ishtoast]

Hearing that song will always make me jump on the inside 😅

[@lukes.3679]

I hate the Rito Village - Night theme because it literally make me cry every single time I hear it, and my brain just goes back to playing and replaying Windwaker growing up and I can't function anymore because my heart feels so full of joy, and I just want to play the game but I can't and have to go take a walk to calm down.

[@poooperdoodle]

oh my god, me too! I feel such sadness when I hear it...dragonroost

[@CatalogK9]

It's so frustrating to get choked up by Zelda and Halo music from the nostalgia. Seems like such a silly thing until it happens to you and then you can't stop it. Guess I'm just the kind of person who cries over Link and the Master Chief now /shrug

[@OriginalLappen]

damn same

[@kik0le]

The Dragoonroost Island theme is my favorite track from Windwaker so I was so happy to hear that BOTW kept that theme. Needless to say, it's my favorite theme in BOTW too.

[@swordandsheild1]

You have a decent computer? Emulate it!

[@VagrantJavi777]

Rito Village Night is the most addictive song off the entire soundtrack. The way they did the introduction part, how its ascends is directly representing the Rito people ascending into the sky then spiraling back downwards. Absolutely nailed and absolutely beautiful

[@jucabnubster]

This game is filled with motifs of past games, yet filled with originality. It's a magical soundtrack that will always be among my favorites.

[@dominicmanzella5493]

The song that rito village is based off of, dragon roost island from Wind Waker, is one of my absolute favorites

[@diegoarpino2080]

Same I love Dragon Roost.

[@Lolshi11]

Such an incredible melody. It works amazingly well with high and low tempo

[@adamhunter1724]

Yeah he doesn’t really mention it (perhaps because he hasn’t played), but it’s so much smarter than what he describes. They did more than create new sound ideas to reflect the landscapes. In many places, they used existing themes and ideas (Zelda’s Lullaby, Death Mtn, Temple of Time, Rito/Dragon Roost, even the main theme) and reimagined them so brilliantly that you may not even realize you’re hearing a theme you’ve heard for 30 years. This soundtrack is of the highest quality.

[@7eMiLi7]

wind waker has some of the best music in the whole zelda series, in my opinion. i love all of it

[@nintendude794]

@@adamhunter1724 true!

[@kzshuman]

As a game audio professional, I wish you would spend some time with a video game composer to learn about how they get this music to work in game. So much effort gets put into separating content into different layers and phrases in the engine so that it can react dynamically to player moments and ultimately flow in a manner that still sounds pleasing. The soundtrack versions are not how most people fall in love with the music, it's through those in-game experiences.

[@legoindiecomments1344]

I've been wanting to get into composing music for games for awhile now and I've participated in a couple game jams as a composer. Do you have any advice on how to keep progressing in this field, making connections and whatnot?

[@kolbjrnkjeka9199]

Marty O'Donnel has some videos on the topic on his youtube channel. Recommend a watch

[@kenziebailey9142]

semi-unrelated question - are you on the sfx/foley side of things or the music side? I do/have done sfx for short films/youtube for several years but the thought of translating what I do to games is just so insane for me to think about. So much of what I do is locked in time and game audio design is so situational, i've never understood how y'all do it. i guess this was less of a question and more of a 'thank you for your service'.

[@mikefearon3577]

The Doom 2016 soundtrack is the one I first really noticed it dynamically reacting to gameplay. It blew my mind.

[@RectPropagation]

Sideways had an interesting video about how the dynamic music in games means the player performs the soundtrack.

[@dbhlnn]

what I love about mipha's theme is that the melancholy is palpable without it verging on the overly dramatic. it's an almost submissive, defeated type of melancholy with a sort of "this simply is what it is" undertone and I think the B♭ really makes this emotion pop out where it could alternatively have gone a more dramatic route genuinely I have no idea about music but that's the emotion I'm getting and I have no idea if what I said makes sense to anyone else

[@navierstrks]

The chord progressions in Mipha’s Theme really lend well to tones of lighthearted love, turned sad and stricken with loss. Another great example of music bringing out the themes in video games. This track is so beautiful and almost always makes me cry. Thank you Charles

[@truecuckoo]

One of the best modern game soundtracks. Great video, man 🙏🏼

[@basicallyeverything6154]

The best

[@noahfrankel7966]

Amen

[@Oheyenne]

Dark souls 3 main theme The Witcher III Hollow Knight Dead cells Ori and you know how continues Yoku's island express Undertale Stardew Valley Tlou 2 (some songs, not all of them) Mario odyssey Super Smash Bros ultimate main theme Genshin impact DMC 5 Hades And I surely have forgotten a bunch of games right now, but, all of them, have way more iconic and unique BSO compared to botw, which is not bad, but not as good compared to others.

[@purplelord8531]

no way! it's you! I love your music

[@linkurl]

@@Oheyenne the musics in BotW weren't made to be epic and hiper memorable, we already had this in all the other games of the series

[@carolinea5792]

The opening of the Rito theme is especially fitting because it feels like the music is soaring high up into the sky, just like a bird (or a Rito) 🕊️

[@Psykel]

Agreed. Nothing was done by chance with this OST.

[@bryanquick3349]

each time i listen to the soundtrack, each song makes me recall the first time i saw a given zone or stable or village, or fought my first guardian. it's extremely evocative and the game is such a personal experience because of how you move through the world, and the sparse but impactful use of musical scores and themes is a big part of that experience. it's a wonderful game to go back and play in no small part because of how the music gets tied intrinsicly with your own experience of the game.

[@abit359]

I really love botw’s music and how incredibly heartfelt it feels at times. Like it really feels like the composers are right there pouring their hearts out into these beautiful ambient songs.

[@ciaranpatrick6859]

I really hate when people talk shit on this games soundtrack. Sure it’s a little more subtle but there are still great pieces. Also I think it fits the tone of the game way better than if they were all big and bombastic tunes like ocarina of time or something.

[@BrokenSocialScene23]

Most people are used to having their senses bombarded (especially with looping music) during video games, so they expect an overwhelming score. But the whole philosophy of BOTW is about introspection, quiet discovery, lament, fractured remembrance, stagnated decay and slow healing. The score perfectly encompasses all these themes. It makes me sad that players can't be quiet with their own thoughts, and accused this soundtrack of being "bland" or "empty" when it's the furthest from the truth or reality.

[@joshuabutler6648]

People actually talk bad about this game’s music?

[@daejonmoody3304]

When I hear zoras domain i cried

[@NaikoArt]

BOTW was kinda risky in the sound and music department compared to typical AAA games, people are just not ready for it...in 10 years people are going to remember this pieces.

[@user-jb1mb5xh9t]

i played a lot of longer rpg games when I was younger, and you see this kind of subtlety in longer more complex games. it could be attachment to the world they created, but ultimately if you're playing a game for a long time the music will get annoying after time if it's not properly thought out >>

[@boltezt]

Noticed how you were playing the notes mi and fa during Mipha's theme?

[@LS95774]

@@camthesaxman3387 intentional for sure, another comment higher up points out how they use Si and Do in Sidon's theme

[@paulmertens5522]

Daaaamn

[@NaikoArt]

woah wtf

[@WyvernVin]

@@LS95774 There’s also Zora (Sol-La) and King Dorephan (Do-Re-Fa) in the Domains theme.

[@davidolinger3948]

@@WyvernVin who ever made the tracks for the Zora domain must have had a lot of fun lol

[@derf213]

I've seen this sound track get a ton of hate, and it's almost criminal. This is a sound track I have listened to for actual days. I'm still at a bit over 500 hours in game and still love the soundtrack to bits. The ost doesn't even do it justice as the music and sound effects are dynamic. I highly suggest taking a look at Scruffy's video on the game as well!

[@isviewer]

Where have you seen it get hate? Genuinely asking. When the game first came out I remember a lot of people seemed disappointed with the soundtrack, because it was so different and didn't have as many "bangers" as the previous games. But over time most people seem to have flip flopped on this and now I see nothing but praise about it, a lot of people saying retrospectively how it fits the atmosphere of the game perfectly. It is also currently one of the highest rated video game soundtracks of all time on RYM which is a notoriously nitpicky and harsh when it comes to user scores

[@derf213]

@@isviewer honestly, it might have changed. I was referring to a lot of people's criticism of it around launch. Since then I've mostly avoided it. Opinions might have changed and I just didn't notice

[@br2k]

I don't think people hated the *soundtrack* at all. What people didn't like was that much of what plays, especially in the first few hours of gameplay, is ambience. Yes, walking into The Temple Of Time and seeing it broken from your memories of OoT's Temple, the ambience and plucking of somber notes is perfect - but it's still ambience. The Great Plateau and Shrines (also early are most of the places outside of towns and off horseback) are just you, alone, with your thoughts as Link grunts up the mountain you've been waiting to for the weather to climb. Now that the game has been out for years, it's not as big a deal. But when you first played through the first new Zelda title for the new console, you probably didn't have a podcast or your own music playing because you wanted immersed in the new experience. Now we know what parts are quiet and manage that to our tastes. There's PLENTY to criticize in BotW, but I don't think the composition of music was ever in question. Nintendo's music is generally as reliable as their pricing.

[@dirtydan_BTK_]

Scruffy is amazing

[@derf213]

@@br2k I never even minded the ambiance. I usually do have something else playing, but it's easy enough to just loose myself in the ambiance

[@cydanite]

7:06 This feels like it could be a hypothetical Field-Golden Hour song. I can just imagine it playing while standing on a grassy hill staring at the start of a beautiful sunset. Great video!

[@itstudent8756]

The section from 7:07 is so amazing, got me smiling uncontrollably...I wanna get to this level of skill and musical knowledge so bad

[@juanguzman480]

watching this at night and it sounded so nostalgic that i actually cried

[@MySpark100]

Me too fam T^T I wish I had more than 24 hours in a day

[@superstorm393]

7:07 this whole improv part here... just moved me to tears. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL

[@CoffeeCode3D]

Right? That's was so good

[@chroniquephilousophique9983]

I was searching for this comment. Thank you human.❤

[@salemn7624]

That part had me getting goosebumps it had such a heavy feeling to it but so peaceful. Indomitable human spirit is so gorgeous

[@pablozanardi]

Same, it was too good

[@GardChan]

You should check out the Vinland Saga soundtrack if you enjoyed his improvisation, it’s the same kind of improvised style. I recommend listening to “Small Village” first :)

[@hellajanice]

Oooh would love to see you talk about “day” vs “night” versions of songs in video games if you haven’t already!

[@AlexPies1]

Xenoblade Chronicles 🥰

[@CRT.v]

@@AlexPies1 I will never tire of the Xenoblade OST. Both the original and Xenoblade 2/Torna have amazing, diverse music that I love listening to while driving, cleaning, taking a bath... Had a hard time getting into X gameplay-wise, but from what I've heard, the music is great in that one too!

[@adamushu]

@@CRT.v xeno X's music has highs and lows, but the highs are damn high. Im pretty sure the soundtrack was done by the same person that did Attack on Titan's soundtrack, and as such the music is at its best in its loud epic tracks. I reccomend checking out the song CodenameZ.

[@darudesandstorm244]

@@adamushu hiroyuki sawano! Absolutely phenomenal composer.

[@CRT.v]

@@adamushu thank you for the info and the recommendation! i just looked the song up and holy shit! that's getting added to my "Time to Get Psyched" playlist!

[@aswinbeats]

Am I the only one who likes the “Memory” theme the most? Every time Link remembers a “memory” I get goosebumps

[@aIkaIi]

Underrated piece. It captures that broken memory...but slowly coming back together and then dun nununununuNU *link remembers*

[@NaikoArt]

IKR IS SO GOOD!

[@crimsonrainsoughtgege]

Yesss it’s especially good during the cutscene where Zelda is attacked by Yiga soldiers, makes me emotional

[@genderenigma8276]

It's like when you're trying to remember a dream. The harder you try to remember, the further it slips away... until you finally grasp it and everything floods back.

[@theroyaljules39]

My favorite is the dragon theme. So beautiful and majestic!

[@dvcphung]

I wish he covered Kass' theme as well :(

[@jo_naash]

And the horse riding music and the stone talus theme, both are excellent

[@BonaparteBardithion]

@@jo_naash And, if we're doing combat, the absolute mood that is the Guardian Stalker theme.

[@otterscotch5830]

@@jo_naash and the mulduga theme. It’s hard picking a favorite from that game, but this is definitely high on my list.

[@DragonPanda4]

Hey that's enough for a part 2?

[@jo_naash]

@@DragonPanda4 Yes

[@inthenight7546]

Miphas song always pulls my heartstrings every time, i can hear the sadness and sacrifice in her song and it always manages to just make me tear up as if i lost someone close to me

[@maxm745]

The Temple Of Time theme when you are on the starting area is such a great deconstruction of the original melody. It's my favorite in the game by far. Such insanely deep changes

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

I would've really liked to see your reaction to the Main Theme, that shit reliably gives me goosebumps every time

[@jenniferchough]

And dark beast Ganon theme and hyrule castle theme etc etc

[@poooperdoodle]

same!!! chills abound

[@apoxfox]

7:05 felt like an entirely new Breath of the Wild theme

[@jaredponder4149]

Honestly i'm flabbergasted by how effortlessly he pulled a breath of the wild ambient theme out of thin fucking air

[@DLCarries]

They need to sign him up for the next game coz he did that too easily 🤣

[@apollyonn2447]

7:08 straight up just sounded like you ripped it from the game. Completely captured the feeling the music BOTW brings in your mind and heart

[@CRT.v]

It started extremely BotW, and morphed into something I could easily see in BotW and a Xenoblade game. Amazing.

[@darudesandstorm244]

@@CRT.v sorta reminded me of a really stripped down version of a couple songs from FF7 Remake, too

[@RandoPassingBy]

@@darudesandstorm244 Same

[@miguelcarneiro8074]

That moment where you just freestyled was incredible, soothed me to the core.

[@ErickGameplaysN64]

Fun fact: Mipha's and Sidon's themes are essentially the same, except one part goes with the notes Mi-Fa for Mipha's Theme and Si-Do for Sidon's Theme

[@RJSF9]

It's a brilliant musical reference. Mipha's theme plays around the 3rd and 4th (Mi and Fa), Sidon's around the 7th and root (Si and Do). King Dorephan's name plays on Do and Re, but I don't know if there's a musical reference there. And Zora (Zola or Sola in Japan) references the 5th and 6th (So and La).

[@bigfeller7952]

from 7:07 to like 8:33 made me feel so calm omg, charles you are a mastermind at the piano holy shit!

[@mirkwoodelf1787]

I’m a classical composer, and these breakdown vids actually give so many ideas. Thanks, Charles, mwahahahaha

[@hyrulefunk]

The improv at 7:08 is one of the absolute most beautiful things I’ve ever heard on piano.

[@Frietuurs]

Calm down.

[@thighgraine]

@@Frietuurs let people enjoy things

[@kaninekodiak]

@@Frietuurs go to therapy, work out your crippling fear of showing emotion

[@Jimmy5208]

If you made an hour long recording of that kind of mellow improv of you "exploring the chords" I'd buy that in a heartbeat. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@iarmandov2]

As a clarinet and oboe player, the first time I heard the rito night village theme, I almost lost it! It was beyond amazing and it sounded so beautiful!

[@spoulter5751]

OH MY GOSH. Finally. I just got his game yesterday. The music is THE BEST.

[@prod.inParadise]

oh really? awesome :D, hope you enjoy it

[@monkeyman1ooo183]

Have fun! It's definitely one of my favs

[@nebricback1430]

Your gonna he a so much fun!

[@firstnamelastname4824]

I'm jealous. I wish I could erase my memory of this game just to experience it all over again

[@rhettmitchell]

I’m so jealous

[@chinlessjimmy]

That improv you did was entrancing. It's absolutely my most favorite sound and vibe in relaxing, laid back music.

[@SylveonSaber]

ah~! I heard Mipha's theme and almost started crying, that just gave me all the feels!

[@kashimakes1670]

dude, ive been playing piano for 8 years, and i couldn't imagine how you can play all of these things so beautifully. this makes me jealous and very heart warming to me of how well you play. this makes me happy

[@enochgraham4957]

Breath of the wild was the first Zelda game I ever played, and it was a masterpiece. Going back and playing the other games was a lot of fun, and I loved their music, but after going back to botw one more time, I realized that the true magic of it was the organic blend of music with the events of the game. The music both reflected and guided my feelings at any given moment, and I think we can all agree that that's what made it so special.

[@stevemat1105]

Wow! I wish you analyzed the BOTW Hyrule Castle theme- both the interior and exterior versions are complete masterpieces, with the exterior theme being more militant while the interior theme is tragic. Maybe that’s for another time though ;)

[@empanada65]

Yes. Nobody talks about it and it’s one of my favorite things because the change is flawless and caused by something as simple as walking through the door.

[@eligordonguzick9490]

The inside one is especially amazing

[@totestazz24]

This soundtrack fully immerses yourself into this game. Add the incredible graphics and storyline it makes BotW one of the best zelda game in it’s history. There is just something about this soundtrack that makes your heart flutter.

[@Psykel]

I’ve been playing them since the start and it is by far the best one IMO. I need to get it for my Switch since I haven’t played it since I got rid of my Wii U. Here’s hoping the sequel is presented at this year’s E3!

[@grassporridge]

soooo true. i think i've spent more time pausing the game and just stand to overlook at the scenery and cry along with the background music, than playing the actual game

[@orlandoavogadro]

After the video on Studio Ghibli's music, I was personally hoping for you to do one on BotW's music. As always, great content man

[@dapperdavid3193]

I do love whenever they use classic zelda music and motifs that they fit into the rest of the score perfectly, it never seems out of place. A long way for me to say that the pulling of the Master Sword theme in this game is fantastic.

[@graysonhelsel2927]

One of my favorite things about some songs (especially BotW’s music) is when you listen to the chords of a song and you can still hear the medley. That to me is how i know if a song is good.

[@JenimerIsAvailable]

Literally just made his own addition to the soundtrack halfway through, absolutely one of my favorite soundtracks of all time, so glad you went over this!

[@Frostblight415]

Final Mipha’s theme is one of if not the best songs in the Zelda universe I love that Charles reacted to it

[@Jason-ir5ig]

It's so refreshing to hear genuine praise of the soundtrack. As time went on after the game released, more and more long time fans of the Zelda series were tearing the music apart because of its differences from the previous games.

[@gaybowser3647]

1:13 makes me SO HAPPY every single time. That chord progression was so flavorful and I always have to just sit back and let the music of Rito Village wash over me when I hear it.

[@razbuten]

Yes.

[@pavansuhr1860]

How am I the first to like your comment

[@bigman3274]

balls

[@mcfloridaman2192]

How he just completely improvised is amazing it was so beautiful that is my goal for piano

[@Minecraftgnom]

6:44 So you really just gonna leave us hanging with that one chord impression and make a random improv? There are so many great moments in that theme, man! D:

[@jonathancullis9155]

And there is still so many completely different themes from the rest of the soundtrack. I think botw deserves another video.

[@bmurftheanomaly1696]

Watching your facial expressions for the love of sound is epic. This soundtrack and game is just simply amazing

[@liamabbott4528]

Holly shit, once 7:00 started, I completely forgot what I was even watching. The vibes were just that strong.

[@justadude117X]

What song is that??

[@liamabbott4528]

@@justadude117X it's all improv. It's not a song

[@michaelbouschet5634]

8:33 correction: I could just sit there all day and listen to *you* go on and on and create these beautiful soundscapes

[@Thorrison]

Oh HELL yes I'm glad you're doing this.

[@aelelrjamot]

Fr

[@DefenestrateYourself]

You aren’t

[@cameronogilvie1075]

This video deserves a part 2. So much more music to dive into!

[@najrenchelf2751]

This soundtrack is like crackling bonfire, warming my soul... wow. 🥰🥺

[@Ismael-kc3ry]

Perfect way to describe it

[@Jessica_Jones]

The music was a HUGE draw for me when I first watched my husband playing the game. It was the first one where I was not only NOT annoyed by the same repeated theme over and over (looking at you, Monster Hunter) but it was also gorgeous, as was the scenery. I would actually just sit and relax on the couch with him while he played, lol. Once I got to see some of the puzzles, I was pretty sold on it. First open world game I've ever tried and it's been the best experience!

[@jacobtaylor2259]

The section where you just sat there and improvised literally brought a tear to my eye because I enjoyed it so much. You're so talented and I thoroughly enjoy your videos

[@britt72]

Dude! I just realized what your channel is. It's like those shows where someone goes to a gourmet restaurant and eats the most amazing meal and you can see it in their expression, but you're not there to experience it yourself. Except with music (and your channel)...we get to experience it at the same time. I don't know the music in the technical way that you appreciate it, but I can appreciate it all the same. Seeing you call a piece of music "beautiful" around the same time my brain did the same, is super dope! On a side note, I did a quick dive in your past videos and I don't see anything about the music in the Pixar movie "Soul". Seems like it would be right up your alley, unless my search-fu is weak. Either way, looking forward to more content...subbed! :)

[@DaTravBoo]

Mario Odyssey is another game with a brilliant soundtrack. Such good stuff. So many great soundtracks in video games.

[@felipegodoy5342]

It would be fun to see him react to them

[@suena7288]

The cafe version of the super mario world song is way too good

[@lordfarquaad1319]

Yet I still haven't played it surprisingly

[@jackthecommenter2768]

OH NAH THAT ONE SOMG WITH THE red dressed lady is so good

[@adams3616]

@@jackthecommenter2768jump up superstar?

[@pantsmctrust4116]

Still pushing for that Donkey Kong Country 2 analysis. David wise is amazing and he uses some amazing techniques with the limited SNES hardware!!

[@arooo666]

YES

[@cooldebt]

Oooh YES! Some great music there like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5aTqISVqryCq8U and kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3uykoydlL51sJY

[@kponski]

Your bit there at 7:40... It was beautiful. Had to close my eyes and replay it *daydreaming*

[@IAmTheRiverKing]

I also love that there are a few parts in the game that *do* have classic zelda music in it, either 1:1 recreations with more fitting instruments or new unique songs with a tinkle of an old song in it just as a tease. But the fact that these are so rare makes them so much more special and your instantly like "oh my God, that was zelda's theme" yada yada.

[@TheEggoEffect]

Something I noticed a few months ago listening to the Field (Night) theme with headphones is the same high piano note panning from right to left before fading away, almost as if you were adventuring at night and heard some small critter moving around in the distance. Later on in the song, a sound effect plays that slowly crescendoes before abruptly stopping, as if you had a suspicion something was creeping up behind you before turning around and seeing nothing there. The Field (Night) theme makes the whole nighttime adventure atmosphere feel so much more real and immersive. It’s also worth mentioning the homage to the overworld theme from the original Zelda in the Riding (Night) theme. My favorite song in the game, however, is the full Tarrey Town theme. For those not aware, (spoilers ahead!) the Tarrey Town side quest consists of finding people from all the different races around Hyrule to build a new town from the ground up. The Tarrey Town theme begins as some ambient piano chords with an English horn playing the main Tarrey Town melody, but it’s clear that there’s something missing; the music feels empty and incomplete. As you recruit people to help build the town, new instruments and the main melodies form their towns are added to the mix; a trombone from the Gorons, a sitar from the Gerudo, a clarinet from the Rito, strings from the Zora, and finally bagpipes from Hateno Village. By the end of the quest, the Tarrey Town theme has evolved into a beautiful medley of the game’s town music, reflecting how Tarrey Town itself is a medley of different cultures from across Hyrule.

[@realtalk13]

the fade in of silk sonic leave the door open had me ROLLING

[@jameszinn4298]

bro same hahahah

[@ni1ix]

In the rito village soundtrack it dawned on me. This feels like a ghibli song to me, I thought! That's why it sounds so beautiful!

[@LS95774]

Pretty fitting for the game that was visually inspired by ghibli films, eh?

[@HolarMusic]

7:09, omg, he just improvised that on the spot, what a mad man

[@fortanimal9476]

Rito Village is one of my favorite songs from the game, its just so good dude

[@heyitsDevriss]

I love how they weren't allowed to explicitly use old themes so they hid those melodys randomly throughout the game

[@phoenix9531]

Im sure it wasn't that they "wherent allowed to"

[@blazefactor6849]

@@phoenix9531 They explicitly set a rule for themselves that they couldn't outright use old themes.

[@Jona_The_Than_D]

Hmm, yes. Zelda music is good -Me, who has never played a Zelda game a day in my life

[@kingsleyabrokwah3930]

You are missing out, my friend.

[@CapoElChivo]

@@kingsleyabrokwah3930 a lot of times when ppl say that its just personal opinion but this time it is objectively correct 😂

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

You really should give them a try

[@ekathe85]

I play Link to the Past at least once a year.

[@joelcomer]

Oh man you need to play one I recommend wind waker

[@Iguessimhere154]

I really love how BOTW's music is much more calm and ambient. As much as I love the triumphant and bold music from the epic battles to get to the main goal, the music from this game instead makes me remember the little nuances that I did along the way.

[@Chubby_Bub]

I think also the minimalism of the field soundtracks make the themes for locations and battles that much more effective. And all the tracks are equally memorable.

[@sergeboisse]

Thank you for displaying the chords names on the video. This really helps to try playing it again.

[@LuminalOwl]

When I heard all of these songs you played, it brought me back to when I was playing the game and just taking a listen to the music. The game is true art, in its visuals and audio. I am truly glad I picked it up, played it, and beat it.

[@gabrielrodriguez8019]

Finally one of the best soundtracks for ANY GAME

[@tcrump212IsLmbrJck_t]

1:17 - had me snapping at my screen!!!! YAAAAAAAAS CHORDS!!!

[@TheRealShedLife]

I'm so glad that you point out the amazing music of certain video games. Video games are interactive art, and I play to experience the artists' palette. But I also play them to hear the music.

[@ShadyNetworker]

4:20 is what I came for! I contend that this is one of the greatest tracks of both BotW AND TotK!

[@gabrielstruve3609]

This is incredible. Hearing you sit down and just explore a soundtrack like this and talking about what you love is something I really can't take my eyes off. Nice job man

[@emerald3616]

People were so mean to this soundtrack. The criticisms given made it sound like they all thought the soundtrack consisted exclusively of the Fields Theme. They'd talk about how it was just some random low chords with high note motifs played randomly, which to be fair isn't _entirely_ wrong because there is a degree of randomness in-game when it comes to how much time there is between motifs but it's still a gorgeous piece and definitely not representative of the entire soundtrack. Although, I can somewhat understand how they came to that misconception because it is the most common theme you will hear, but that doesn't change the fact that the criticisms were largely baseless.

[@MrVisualHigh]

Not baseless at all, if you spend 99% of the game exploring the wilderness then that's the music your going to judge it on. The game had some great tracks, it's just a shame they chose to play them for us so scarcely.

[@seacrezt]

Honestly there is nothing more beautiful than watching someone play a piano with so much emotion

[@jgestenson]

I'd love for Charles to look at Earthbound's soundtrack! There are so many songs with such interesting chords and progressions, all with such a limited sound chip. One of my favorites is Happy Happy Village because it has some of the juiciest chords I've heard right in the intro!

[@rufflesthefrog]

Man video game music like this get me all in the feels. Reminiscing on the game. On where my life was in certain moments. On where my life is now…it’s just amazing. Xenogears is another score that I’ll draw from

[@sleezler67]

I get chills every time.

[@nathanwafflart4199]

I’ve never gone from vibing to giggling furiously as quickly and suddenly as I did at 8:06

[@davidzeez]

Same heh

[@SunsetMap]

This OST just really brings out the game without losing protagonism.

[@VergeRafael]

Hearing Mipha’s theme broken down like that choked me up quite a bit.

[@godes43]

The funny thing about you mentioning in 3:50 that they didn't want to rely on old Zelda games music, is that Rito Village is actually a new version of the Dragon Roost Island, from The Wind Waker. Other themes such as Zelda's Lullaby can be heard when riding horses, but it's integrated in the theme in a very subtle way, brilliantly

[@fritomartino]

6:47 this is one of the things that I love so much about piano. It's left to your own creativity, and the possibilities are nearly infinite.

[@MATTierial]

God, Mipha's theme is so beautifully heartbreaking! It's absolutely perfect for her story. And, I honestly can't think of a single piece of music that fits better than this song does here.

[@Bubble_Cat]

7:03 I would totally download some music from you if you made some open-ended music like this. This is amazing!

[@ben-tendo]

Your ability to sound-read music the way you can, in a pitch perfect way, is something to be insanely envious of. Your pieces on music like this and Wii Sports etc is gorgeous, and I wish I had this ability to head and play the way you can. Keep up the amazing content. :) I suggest looking at Super Mario Galaxy if you haven't yet... Wind Garden (Gusty Garden Galaxy) is considered one of the most melodically perfect themes in any video game.

[@joeycrunch]

2:53 serious chills at the Rito Village - Night track!!! ✨😌✨ especially as the wind chimes come in at 3:03 💙