Orchestration Techniques in Banjo Kazooie [PATRON REQUEST]

[@omnisel]

"and with the sleigh bells hammering away on all four beats just the way god intended"

[@mattbarker97]

I read this comment exactly as he said it in the video XD

[@HumorHouse42]

Amen to that :D

[@Andrew-vu9cr]

⊙_⊙

[@mrflamewars]

Banjo-Kazooie is crammed, stuffed, and stomped into a ROM size of 16MB. Superb Technical wizardry.

[@TehComs]

Same thing and perhaps more so with Tooie and DK64.

[@Kryptnyt]

They used the expansion pak, for what that's worth, eh? (Is that worth anything?)

[@sonic2batt]

@@Kryptnyt No, the expansion pack was used for DK64 because there was a RAM leak that would make the game crash otherwise

[@BoydTheMilkmanX]

@@Kryptnyt Yeah, as pointed out the expansion pack basically existed for an extremely easy to fix bug. It did nothing else and even then I remember looking at a break down and you could actually get away from leaving that slot on the n64 empty and it wouldn't matter.

[@kashjaxon4860]

InstaBlaster

[@thecianinator]

3:14 Kirkhope actually did that on purpose! He based the whole game's score on dissonant intervals, both as a challenge to himself and to symbolize Banjo and Kazooie's clashing personalities. He said that on Game Grumps.

[@bl0ss0mshum4n]

Omg

[@bettyunicorn6132]

Huh.

[@dr.happyfuntimes1214]

Cool

[@mahmusik1153]

@@bettyunicorn6132 GUH HUH

[@thadjarvis9514]

Wow that's amazing

[@stevend285]

"What appears to be a bee choir"

[@TetanicRain]

But...that’s what it is...

[@tylertimko3352]

It sounds like a harmonized choir, but instead of people, it’s a sound sample of some Bees!

[@TheRockon11]

So strange hearing these iconic tunes without a couple 'NEH EH EHs' slpurted out by the baddies

[@pixeldemon6173]

Those Robin hood looking goblins? I'll be hearing them until I die

[@Bugser64]

u mean "NYEHEHE"

[@Philip-zp5wu]

dude never stop making these videos

[@8bitMusicTheory]

That's the plan!

[@hansbrackhaus8017]

That's great, it means you'll inevitably, eventually reach Tim Follins work, hehe! Although I'm not sure if he's actually a great composer or just really good at wrangling 8-16 bit soundchips.

[@chestosneakoinc]

Dude just STFU!

[@TheGamerCreeper399]

CyberHax Inc Why? Don't like his videos

[@wizard1370]

ikr

[@EllieMcEla]

That doubling of a minor tenth is actually something that happens in real life. These are called inharmonic overtones and are very common in the marimba.

[@8bitMusicTheory]

I thought they might just be overtones so I wasn't sure whether to include them, but I figured since they're so clearly audible I might as well. Thanks for the insight!

[@ellipsis530]

Any marimba piece by Kirkhope utilizes this replication of inharmonic overtones. I remember playing BK on a crap tv as a kid and I couldnt hear the lower (core) notes of many melodies until later replays. Felt silly to realize I'd been humming the off pitch harmony of many melodies for a good chunk of my childhood!

[@msld_sound]

The marimba from the Roland SRJV-80 Orchestral ROM expansion is all over Kirkhope's work. It's wild

[@Symphorch]

I'm glad you already commented this. I was about to write the same thing, lol

[@claudvigilante]

I had a debate with my friends about what the marimba's relationship is to real life after reading this comment to them.

[@boomerbear7596]

Kirkhope is a truly brilliant composer. This game has some of the best music across all of gaming I think. The use of different instrumentation to reflect different environments makes the music just as immersive as the visuals.

[@seronymus]

Grant Kirkhope and David Wise easily among the top 5 gaming composers of all time. They enriched millions of childhoods with truly immersive experiences. We don't deserve more of their kind fire our generation of gaming.

[@wavelength3856]

You've precisely defined that intangible magic that I felt playing Banjo-Kazooie as a teen (and humming what I remembered of the melodies as a twenty-something) but could never quite understand. Thank you for that!! It's so cool knowing how he made the magic happen and I've got a whole new appreciation now for something I've always loved.

[@Quadr44t]

1:45 This is before I realised I was this much into music, but as a kid this was my favourite level. And those 4 different versions of the theme (as well as that the level is similar but altered) made it my absolute favourite level of this game. The music must have played a role here I think ^^ (Also, do one on Perfect Dark! Must be my favourite N64 OST. Tho, actually everything from Rare was really good)

[@oshahott2532]

Am I the only one watching who knows nothing about music, at least in terms of reading it, yet is still very intrigued by these videos?

[@CobraFlows]

Nop

[@Andrew-vu9cr]

No.

[@dmas7749]

i'm no musical genius but i do understand the basics

[@Aurora-oe2qp]

Well, reading sheet music is not even that important to music. I'd say I'm fairly adept at the rhythm, however not at the pitches as I use tabs for the pitches-I play guitar. I can still read the pitches, but slowly. The most important thing is just being able to see when the pitch goes up and down and about how much it goes up or down and so. Seeing where there's notes outside the key can be interesting too. This video is also mainly just about orchestration too and the notes themselves.

[@SinnohStarly]

Whooa, I had always hoped you would make a Banjo-Kazooie video one day! Your videos are addicting, so polished and constantly engaging and informative, not to mention your enthusiasm. Keep it up!

[@BetterThanUnson]

dudes a monster at composing. banjo kazooie has the most iconic gaming music ever.

[@JoshFreilich]

6:55 I'd call them Sergio Leone whistles, mainly because they were in "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly."

[@HCSR2]

Bet you didn't think one day this would be topical again

[@matthewpippin2502]

Banjo-Kazooie has never not been topical. Even before it ever came out. Pretty sure future society is going to be built around this game a la Wyld Stallyns from Bill and Ted.

[@Kaletiel]

7:04 these aren't "tribal calls", these are a pretty perfect imitation of the call of the Common Loon (the water fowl). The call of the bird is considered so iconic and synonymous with wilderness it's often a stock sound in film and game making for such environments.

[@scoopishere3011]

I don’t know a single fucking thing about music but I still love your videos. Even if I don’t understand a word of em’.

[@SuperSmithersGalaxy]

I was seriously randomly listening to the Banjo OST earlier and thinking about how I wanted you to do a video on it. My wish has been answered!

[@benhansberry]

I'd recommend picking apart the harmonies of these tracks too. The progressions from this sound track are some of the craziest, non-functional things I've seen.

[@videogamemusictranscriptio2054]

6:55 I'd call it a 'Cowboy Whistle' (just listen to The Good, The Bad and The Ugly or the theme from Red Dead Redemption). Love these videos by the way, keep making more of these! :)

[@Camolismo]

Exactly. It reminded me Morricone too -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/mme1fWltd7Knn68

[@fhqwgads5000]

Could also call it a yodel since it's imitating the vocal register change

[@nvdawahyaify]

It reminds me of a less intense version of tarzans yell.

[@seanm.3481]

It also sounds like Word Up, tgat 90's pop song

[@OhNoTheFace]

Always loved Click Clock Woods. I love when it seems the nature noticed the song and is singing along

[@NoApplePie4u]

Banjo's theme in Smash Bros is going to be FIRE!

[@Sly_Maverick_31]

The Spiral Mountain remix heard in B&K's reveal trailer is FIRE.

[@lutherh6090]

HailFIRE Peaks? Heck yeah!

[@Adamski20XX]

So fire that Gobi can be found hiding from Banjo there

[@benrjy]

I guess adding the bees to the instrumentation in summer really gives the piece that A-A-Bee structure

[@bobbleton6517]

I have just about 0 knowledge of music theory and a lot of what you say goes right over my head, but it's nice to get confirmation of just how perfect the soundtrack to this amazing game is. I have played through it numerous times throughout my life and I still think it's one of the best games ever.

[@Bobbeyjazz]

Thanks again for choosing my topic!! :D

[@davidgilani9052]

I'm so happy you suggested it! I loved the music of banjo kazooie growing up

[@joeynilsson7376]

I really hoped/wish he would've talked more about his composing styles and ways because I love them so much and wish I could make music like his!

[@brycerosenwald2915]

I watched this video a couple of times when it first came out. I was a junior in high school. Now I am going into my junior year of college and I still get the click clock woods theme stuck in my head at least once a week.

[@shrfboi9050]

Wow, I never realized how much Kirkhope loved bassoons! I mean sure, there are obviously more flute parts in most of his songs, but it's a bassoon for god's sake. It had a decent amount of melodies in Click Clock Wood, and even has the first melody (and others after that) in Tribalstack Tropics in Yooka-Laylee! As a bassoonist, my respect towards Grant Kirkhope (which was already very high) has increased tenfold.

[@codymitchell1992]

This video is amazing. I wish it was like 2 hours long! You are really good at analyzing the music. As an aspiring video game composer myself, when I stumbled on one of your videos, I knew I hit the jackpot. Can't say it enough. Your videos are the best!! Please never stop

[@consumeproduce]

grant kirkhope is a genius. period. and click clock wood is still my favorite videogame level and music in any game more than 20 years later.

[@shadowdeku6926]

This is nuts, I was just randomly searching for information on Grant Kirkhope's music writing techniques and this single video on the subject was published just 4 days ago. Thanks for the lesson!

[@ChrisDixon__]

I'm loving all of your videos, your work is highly appreciated! Also I love that for some reason your videos have a nice level of bass in the music you play (I'm listening with headphones) that I don't usually hear in other people's videos when listening to these same songs. It's a nice subtle but very appreciated touch. So pleasing. I don't know a damn thing about 'reading' music sheets lol but that doesn't take away from enjoying your information, knowledge and break downs. Keep up the fantastic-and educational-work!!

[@GB6__YT]

I could listen to over analysis of this gorgeous soundtrack all day

[@coastersplus]

I'm way too happy to find a game theme with clarinet in it.

[@TheGamerCreeper399]

coastersplus Rhythm heaven OST has clarinet in it. At least 3 games

[@billxrl4154]

coastersplus havent seen an ost with an oboe in it except from mario galaxy yet

[@morkmon]

coastersplus I really love the clarinet solo in Sim City 3000 - Broadway, it's so good

[@babithehuman2505]

What about "Clock Town" from Majora's Mask, the day 1, 2 and 3

[@mindlesswaffle]

I can honestly say that only a handful of games in my life have been so much fun to play as the first time I played Banjo Kazooie. I had such a great and fun time playing this game as a kid, and the memories make me happy. Thanks for the vid.

[@OdinComposer]

Man this has become my new favorite channel by far. I've been watching your videos all week waiting for the next one and here it is! Keep up the good work.

[@danielsjohnson]

I thought the bird noises being played during the full measure of rest in the Spring version was creative. The frog croaks in the Autumn version were creative to.

[@Yordleton]

Just a little fun fact, Kirkhope uses with tritone tonality to illustrate the differences and even the playful rivalry between Banjo and Kazooie. This is probably most notable in the intro where the movement from C major to F# major creates the call-and-response feeling, almost like dueling banjos.

[@LokNWykLeer]

Maybe Click Clock Wood was originally suppose to be jungle-themed, but they changed it, because it felt to close to Mumbo's Mountain?

[@CoolDudeClem]

8:49, that bee quior reminds me of the typical DE-tuned synthesizers I hear so much in modern pop music, seriously, that what modern synthesizers sound like to me, a swarm of bees, not melodic or pleasant to listen to at all. Synthesizers back in the 70's & 80's though actually sounded like instruments (well, electronic instruments, but still good instruments none the less).

[@highestsettings]

"old man yells at cloud"

[@SynphamyMusic]

This game is full of this amazing ear worm music. I've often found myself just humming Banjo Kazooie tunes even after years of not even playing it or hearing them

[@thedogskneecaps3292]

I love your videos, they're really interesting and informative, and fun :)

[@chestosneakoinc]

Idiot!

[@forcedemodo]

Literally all of these videos are better than the majority of books and websites that attempt to explain music theory...it's just the way you explain, edit, and present the material. Creative and informative without being overwhelming or over-analytical. Keep up the good work my dude! Love every second of your stuff!

[@Rubberman202]

I recall Grant Kirkhope saying the theme to Clickclock Wood was one of the first themes he composed for Banjo-Kazooie, and it wasn't necessarily for this kind of level. Maybe he envisioned more of a jungle-like level in mind when originally composing it?

[@HaOu1994]

That's what I'm thinking, too. If you look at the early Beta version (when Project dream became banjo Kazooie on the n64) you can see banjo jumping in a jungle-like area. Maybe he composed the spring version as one of the first melodies in this jungle area even before click clock wood was designed.

[@UnknownSpooky]

I'm pretty sure the minor tenth doubling in the marimba part of the Click Clock Woods lobby room is just a result of the overtones present in the marimba's low register.

[@faeriebeariesasmr3042]

As a Bassoonist, I heavily appreciate Grant Kirkhopes heavy use of Bassoon, you don’t see a lot of that anymore.

[@Pearcinator]

Grant Kirkhope is amazing. His songs are immediately catchy and you can't help but enjoy it! The way he can twist one theme and give off a dozen different tones is incredible.

[@johndoh1000]

DO DIDDY KONG RACING MUSIC!!!!

[@blacklight7824]

This is great, your channel perfectly mashes together two of my favorite things - music and video games, thank you!

[@AlefSousa017]

Dude, i just found out this channel, and it's is already my favorite on youtube! As a guitarist who loves video game arrangements (and music theory, even though i'm a guitarist, hahah), this is the first channel that i see that combines the best of both worlds ! Thank you very much for your hard work on these videos and keep making them awesome as they are!

[@ClaudioRowe]

This channel is worth in gold, dead serious. Would love to watch one dedicated to Megaman's music in the saga. Will commend this channel for fucking sure.

[@hanaage6421]

This is great! Very interesting and elaborate breakdown, I always loved the subtle melody-shift during different parts of each level. Not to mention the sountrack compositions of Grant Kirkope which always are so charming and filled with personality. Really looking forward to watching your other videos now. Instant subscriber.

[@amyturkharp]

I always thought the underwater themes were harp solos and now I'm questioning everything.

[@danielsjohnson]

I remember hearing all those songs while playing Banjo-Kazooie on the N64. That was great music.

[@Lugbzurg]

I just find it funny how the first three seasons of Click-Clock Wood use wind instruments in their music, and then Winter just uses actual wind.

[@Alistairvlog]

At 10:30 during the autumn theme I think the flute chord is actually outlining a C7 briefly by playing G and Bb for the 4th beat of measure 349. Great work! Keep up the great channel.

[@MisterJack2023]

Amazing analysis of fantastic music. Only thing I wish you would’ve covered is the lobby remixes of the main grunty’s lair theme. For example, the grunty’s lair theme changes based on which world you are approaching. The same goes for Isle O Hags in Banjo Tooie

[@pianoguy222]

I love the introduction of different musical elements using different games as examples. But man, I could listen to you breaking down the orchestral choices of the different versions of Banko Kazooie level themes all day.

[@NickHoad]

I thought this would be about Gruntilda's Lair, but this is good too.

[@IAMYAMAMA]

Nick Hoad same here the fact that there’s sooooo many variations of one theme is wild

[@IAMYAMAMA]

One motif*

[@Yussnan84.]

And Kirkhope says he's not a good composer...

[@WadWizard]

Most artists dont think highly of their work, they know all the mistakes... well the good artists can see their mistakes.

[@hobbified]

He's a very... un-subtle composer :)

[@ClownDuck]

Wait, he DOES?!

[@spacesomeone]

If he's not, WHO IS??

[@mahmusik1153]

Modesty

[@sam_bamalam]

This brought back some MAJOR nostalgia and now I want to find a way to play this again. Great analysis!

[@KolozII]

Love the music in this game! Also, super cool to hear someone analyzing and breaking down video game music.

[@jacobniebloom]

very impressed with the thought that went into the content of this video.

[@ALKTnT2]

Pls take a look at Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. Real great music there.

[@TheUKNutter]

ALKTnT2 Definitely. The locrian modes make for great dungeon themes

[@pondwithducks3092]

YES PLEASE! There is such juicy stuff in those soundtracks.

[@biggus6633]

Why didn’t you use Gruntildas Lairs music as it changed as you approach a new world. The instrumentation is some much more diverse it’s amazing! I would have loved to know more about that.

[@themmangobois3530]

Big Gus it was like that in DKR too even tho it was scored by David Wise. Rare did the continuing instrument thing so well in the 90s

[@Sheerspeechcraft]

Kirkhope, god of leitmotifs

[@Sheerspeechcraft]

@Squirrel he sure does

[@rezahydra]

@Squirrel Both are amazing. I may be a bigger Kirkhope fan, though Koji Kondo is without a doubt my #2 contender, tied with David Wise.

[@MrDippydappy]

Your channel is one of my favourites on youtube. Great lessons, greta insight, loads of lols and great video game music :) keep it up fam

[@Designsy-wl9nr]

I am starting to understand more of what you say. But nonetheless, you have made listening to game soundtracks ridiculously more fun! Keep up the great work!

[@JaxsonGalaxy]

Pfft! What? No mention of the absolutely legendary hermit crab shell? As a young child that was probably the first time I ever noticed and appreciated orchestration. I freaking love TickTock spring, it's nice to see someone finally take the time to showcase it a bit.

[@DancingDivinely]

Some of the best Video Game music

[@anthonyeasterwood532]

Glockenspiel + Tubular bells + Sleigh bells = Santa's favorite instruments (facts)

[@llamasarus1]

Fantastic break down but there is so much more to break down in this score

[@mutedajar9687]

14:23 I _really_ love that Cm-G-C7 progressions. It has one of those _feels_ to it.

[@breegull6467]

I just stumbled across this channel and I'm already in love with it. Instantly subscribed. The only thing that confused me: I've always thought the underwater arrangements use a harp sound, not marimba.

[@nicholastrombone9899]

You are one of my favorite channels keep up the good work love the vids man. :)

[@Xagzan]

Fun fact: Although the melody of Click Clock Wood sounds extremely reminiscent of the old ragtime song O You Beautiful Doll, according to Grant himself it wasn't intentional.

[@rickyjamson2368]

I'm guessing comment requests don't count, I'm just a high school senior who's trying to get a job but for now I can't do patreon xp. You deserve it tho. If I were to recommend a topic I'd love to see a vid on atmospheric music in metroid games. Lol keep up the great work my dude. Makes music theory class well worth it

[@joshburns1777]

Great stuff man. You present music theory in a really nice and approachable manner, and obviously put a lot of thought and work in to each one for the analysis, assembly of materials (do you have the scores or do you have to transcribe the excerpts yourself?), and editing. Keep it up!

[@chestosneakoinc]

It's literally been 10 years from now since I've beaten this game. Time flies really fast. lol

[@ayzack2361]

I have never played Chrono Trigger, and this is definitely making me want to. Great video man!

[@MusicalMatthew]

At 2:33 you have the harmony written for the marimba sound for Click Clock Wood - those are just the overtones, but good catch nonetheless.

[@pedrozzza]

You should do Spyro the Dragon. It was composed by a pop musician, so, it might be interesting.

[@seanrendall5495]

I've never had a better reason to be a patron... as soon as I have money. also I want to say, you're making me want to finally learn music.

[@ArtfulRascal8]

where have you been all my nostalgic adult life my friend? subbed and i absolutely will be subbing to your patreon.

[@Bambuzzsprosse]

What a cool video, thanks so much for this analysis.

[@PeachToadstool]

This was a very unexpected and interesting analysis of Grant Kirkhope's signature soundtrack. I'm working on a massive remix of Gruntilda's Lair and the information provided here could prove useful. Thanks!

[@scrowfunk8109]

This guy trying to attribute meaning and theory is funny to me because Kirkhope has gone on record saying he has no formal training and just placed notes around until he’s happy with the sound

[@VGMusicExplorers]

Banjo Kazooie is such an amazing game. My favorite tune off the soundtrack might be Freezeezy Peaks, pure bliss. Awesome video, man! :)

[@Pottinio]

I have to admit I don't really understand what's going on as I am not familiar with musical terms at all, but you still explained it in a way that I could follow. That was pretty interesting, keep it up! :)

[@stgoddv2525]

why the f*ck there is always, in any topic, of any kind, people that dislike???? how on earth can you enter to this video and then dislike it? it's about an extreme specific topic! If you are one of the people that would dislike this video please comment here your reasons so i can understand unkown forms of thinking and reasoning.

[@craigschaffert]

Thank you for this bit of nostalgia. Great expertise.

[@henryg.8762]

The spring theme is baller

[@607]

Wow, that's amazing!!! I've actually never listened to this soundtrack a lot... as it was annoying that it kept playing the same theme, but in a different arrangement.

[@MajorThird]

But are there sleigh bells?

[@SinnohStarly]

Tambourine, perhaps!

[@dreeg1896]

Yes

[@rogerfvb]

Freezeezy Peak would look perfect with the N. Sane Trilogy treatment... It kinda needs it.

[@ikari570]

Coming here after his reveal for smash!

[@QuikVidGuy]

major key harmonized with a parellel line a minor interval away = sinister, ominous, lurking so, minor key harmonized with a major interval = finding good in bad? a dreary setting that's actually better than it seems? the chromatic melody not only sounds very much like a game over (chromatic descent being death and all that) but also sounds like each one is trying to close the next. down, up, down, up

[@JojoJere]

13:47 Banjo is trapped in the boggrooms, He can't escape the igloo

[@brianhuhtala2002]

The melody wasn't doubled up a minor 10th in the foyer area of Click Clock Wood. The "marimba" midi instrument has overtones to it that sound more prominent the lower the written notes are.