Table of Contents
Intro
The music of the Nintendo video games are a rich and diverse collection. Much of their music has played a significant role in the company’s success and popularity over the years. Nintendo has always placed a strong emphasis on music, recognizing its importance in creating a memorable and immersive gaming experience. From the classic 8-bit tunes of the original Super Mario Bros. to the lush orchestral scores of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo’s music has evolved and grown alongside its games. Nintendo’s music has also had a significant impact on popular culture, with many of its most iconic themes and melodies becoming widely recognized and beloved by fans around the world.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on the music of the Mario franchise. Several of the Mario themes have captivated fans around the world. Let’s discuss some of the most popular songs and discuss why they are so iconic.
Mario Theme Songs
The Mario game franchise has produced some of the most iconic and memorable video game music in history. Here is a musical analysis of the three most popular Mario theme songs from the games:
- “Super Mario Bros. Theme” (1985)
The “Super Mario Bros. Theme” is arguably the most recognizable video game music ever composed. It was composed by Koji Kondo, who used a simple yet effective melody that became instantly iconic. The music is composed in the key of C major, with a tempo of 150 beats per minute. It features a fast-paced, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the game’s action-packed gameplay.
The melody starts with a repeating pattern of four notes that are immediately recognizable. This is followed by a descending chromatic scale that builds tension before resolving into a catchy melody. The melody is played on a variety of instruments, including the trumpet, flute, and marimba, giving it a lively and playful sound.
- “Super Mario 64 – Dire, Dire Docks” (1996)
“Super Mario 64 – Dire, Dire Docks” is a beautiful and haunting composition that was also composed by Koji Kondo. The music is played in the underwater levels of the game and perfectly captures the serene and calm atmosphere of the underwater world. The music is composed in the key of D major, with a tempo of 87 beats per minute.
The song features a simple yet beautiful melody that is played on the piano. The melody is accompanied by a soft, flowing arpeggio that creates a sense of movement and fluidity. The melody is also complemented by a gentle choir that adds a mystical and ethereal quality to the music. The song has a slow and steady pace, which perfectly suits the underwater environment of the game.
- “Super Mario Odyssey – Jump Up, Super Star!” (2017)
“Jump Up, Super Star!” is the main theme song for Super Mario Odyssey and was composed by Naoto Kubo and Shiho Fujii. The music is a departure from the classic Mario theme music and features a catchy and upbeat jazz-pop sound. The music is composed in the key of F major, with a tempo of 138 beats per minute.
The song features a lively and infectious melody that is played on the saxophone. The melody is accompanied by a lively rhythm section that includes drums, bass, and piano. The song also features a fun and catchy chorus that is sung by Kate Davis. The lyrics of the song are about Mario’s quest to save Princess Peach and are full of fun and whimsical references to the game. The song is a perfect example of how the Mario franchise has evolved over the years, while still maintaining its playful and fun spirit.
The music from the Mario games is a testament to the power of video game music. The songs are catchy, memorable, and perfectly capture the essence of the games they accompany. From the classic “Super Mario Bros. Theme” to the modern “Jump Up, Super Star!”, the music of the Mario games will continue to delight and inspire gamers for generations to come.
What Makes The Super Mario Theme Iconic?
The Super Mario theme from Super Mario Bros (also known as the Ground Theme), is one of the most recognizable video game songs of all time. It was composed by Koji Kondo for the original Super Mario Bros. game released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The theme song has become a cultural icon and has been played at countless concerts, weddings, and sporting events around the world.
So, why is the Super Mario theme so iconic? There are a few reasons we can think of.
First, the theme song perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the game. When you hear the Super Mario Bros. theme, you can’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline and excitement. It is a perfect match for the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay of the Mario games.
Second, the Super Mario Bros. theme is incredibly catchy and easy to remember. The melody is simple and repetitive, making it easy to hum along to and impossible to forget. This has made the Super Mario Bros. theme a cultural touchstone and a symbol of video game music.
Finally, the Super Mario Bros. theme is one of the first video game songs to achieve mainstream success. It was played on the radio, used in commercials, and even covered by famous musicians like the London Philharmonic Orchestra. This helped to establish video game music as a legitimate form of music and paved the way for future video game composers to achieve similar success.
The Super Mario theme is an iconic piece of video game music that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody, simple chord progression, and use of arpeggios have made it an enduring symbol of video game music and a beloved cultural touchstone. When you hear the Super Mario Bros. theme, you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia for the game that started it all.
Popular Chord Progressions in Mario Themes
One of the things that define a song is the chord progression that it uses. The progressions for the music in the Mario themes vary depending on the specific song and game. However, here are some examples of common chord progressions found in Mario video game music:
- I – IV – V – IV (C – F – G – F): This chord progression is commonly found in the Super Mario theme, and is used during the main melody. It is a simple and effective progression that creates a sense of energy and excitement.
- I – V – vi – IV (C – G – Am – F): This chord progression is commonly used in pop music and can be heard in songs like “Jump Up, Super Star!” from Super Mario Odyssey. It is a catchy and uplifting progression that creates a sense of joy and optimism.
- ii – V – I (Dm7 – G7 – C): This chord progression is commonly found in jazz music and can be heard in songs like “Dire, Dire Docks” from Super Mario 64. It is a mellow and atmospheric progression that creates a sense of calm and relaxation.
- i – VI – III – VII (Am – F – C – G): This chord progression is commonly found in minor keys and can be heard in songs like “Bowser’s Road” from Super Mario 64. It is a dark and menacing progression that creates a sense of tension and danger.
The diversity of progressions allows each game to have some variety in its soundtrack. Although the styles can be unique, they all share a common goal of creating memorable and catchy music that perfectly captures the spirit of the games.
History of Video Game Music
Video games have come a long way since their early beginnings in the 1970s. From the simple, monochromatic games of Pong and Space Invaders to the massive, open-world adventures of today, the video game industry has grown and evolved in countless ways. And perhaps no aspect of gaming has evolved as dramatically as its music.
In the early days of video games, music was a simple affair. Due to the technical limitations of the time, game developers had to make do with basic, synthesized sounds that could be played through the console’s speakers. This led to the creation of some of the most iconic and memorable video game themes of all time, including the theme from the original Super Mario Bros. and the opening melody from The Legend of Zelda.
As video games grew more complex and advanced, so too did their music. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of video game music, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day evolution.
The Early Years: Simple Sounds and Basic Tunes
The earliest video games featured simple, rudimentary sounds that were generated by the console itself. These sounds were typically produced using a simple tone generator chip that could create a limited number of tones and sound effects. Game developers had to make do with these limitations, creating basic soundtracks that were meant to be repetitive and catchy.
One of the earliest examples of video game music is the soundtrack to Space Invaders, released in 1978. The game featured a simple, four-note melody that repeated endlessly throughout the game. Despite its simplicity, the melody became an instant classic and is still recognized by gamers today.
Another early example of video game music is the soundtrack to Pac-Man, released in 1980. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Toshio Kai, and featured a simple, upbeat tune that played throughout the game. The music was designed to be repetitive and catchy, and it succeeded in its goal, becoming one of the most recognizable video game themes of all time.
As video games grew more advanced, so too did their music. The introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985 brought with it a new era of video game music, as game developers were finally able to create more complex and varied soundtracks.
The NES era: 8-Bit Classics and Nostalgic Tunes
The NES was a game-changer for the video game industry, and its impact was felt not just in the quality of the games themselves, but also in the music that accompanied them. The NES featured a custom sound chip that allowed for more complex and detailed soundtracks, and game developers took full advantage of this new technology.
One of the most iconic examples of NES-era video game music is the theme from the original Super Mario Bros. game. Composed by Koji Kondo, the theme was created using a limited set of instruments and had a distinctly 8-bit sound. Despite these limitations, Kondo’s composition was a huge success and helped to establish the importance of music in video games.
Another iconic NES-era video game soundtrack is the music from The Legend of Zelda. Also composed by Koji Kondo, the music of The Legend of Zelda was designed to be atmospheric and immersive, drawing players into the game’s fantasy world. The game’s main theme, which plays during the game’s opening sequence, has become one of the most recognizable video game themes of all time.
As the NES era continued, game developers continued to experiment with music and sound design. The soundtrack to Mega Man 2, released in 1988, featured a wide variety of musical styles, from heavy metal to jazz, and was praised for its complexity and depth.
The 16-Bit Era: More Complex Sounds and Lush Orchestration
The introduction of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990 marked a new era in video game music. The SNES featured a more powerful sound chip, which allowed for even more complex and detailed soundtracks. Game developers took advantage of this new technology to create music that was more orchestral and immersive than ever before.
One of the most iconic examples of SNES-era video game music is the soundtrack to Super Mario World. Composed by Koji Kondo, the game’s music was more orchestral and melodic than the 8-bit sounds of the original Super Mario Bros. The game’s main theme, which plays during the game’s opening sequence, is still considered one of the greatest video game themes of all time.
Another iconic SNES-era soundtrack is the music from Final Fantasy VI. Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, the game’s soundtrack featured lush, orchestral arrangements and was praised for its emotional depth and complexity. The game’s main theme, “Terra’s Theme,” has become one of the most recognizable pieces of video game music ever composed.
The 32-Bit Era: Cinematic Scores and Full-Blown Soundtracks
With the introduction of the Sony PlayStation in 1995, video games entered a new era of music. The PlayStation featured a CD-ROM drive, which allowed for full-blown soundtracks with high-quality audio recordings. Game developers took advantage of this new technology to create music that was more cinematic and immersive than ever before.
One of the most iconic examples of PlayStation-era video game music is the soundtrack to Final Fantasy VII. Composed by Nobuo Uematsu, the game’s soundtrack featured full orchestral arrangements and was praised for its emotional depth and cinematic quality. The game’s main theme, “One-Winged Angel,” is still considered one of the greatest video game themes of all time.
Another iconic PlayStation-era soundtrack is the music from Metal Gear Solid. Composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, the game’s soundtrack featured cinematic orchestral arrangements and was praised for its use of leitmotifs, musical themes that were associated with specific characters or events in the game.
The Modern Era: Interactive Music and Adaptive Soundtracks
As video games have continued to evolve, so too has their music. The introduction of new technology, such as streaming audio and dynamic music systems, has allowed game developers to create music that is more interactive and adaptive than ever before.
One example of this new era of video game music is the soundtrack to Journey, released in 2012. Composed by Austin Wintory, the game’s soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and electronic music that is designed to evolve and change based on the player’s actions in the game. The music is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, creating a truly immersive and emotional experience.
Another example of interactive video game music is the soundtrack to the game Fez, released in 2012. Composed by Disasterpeace, the game’s soundtrack features a unique blend of chiptune and electronic music that is designed to change and evolve as the player progresses through the game. The music is tied directly to the game’s puzzles and environment, creating a truly interactive and immersive experience.
Conclusion
Video game music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early days of video gaming. From the simple, synthesized sounds of Space Invaders, the iconic Super Mario Theme, or to the cinematic orchestral arrangements of Final Fantasy VII, video game music has evolved and grown in countless ways. With new technology and new ways of thinking about music and sound design, the future of video game music looks brighter than ever. As gamers continue to demand more from their gaming experiences, it is clear that music will continue to play a vital role in the world of video games.
Additional Reading
Now that you’ve learned about the great Mario themes, check out our other articles.
Do you also use orchestral strings or woodwinds instruments in your mixes? Read our article about the 10 Best Orchestral VSTs and 10 of the top Woodwind VSTs.
Interested in finding a solid midi controller for music production? Read our article about the 6 of the best midi controllers. Also, here are 9 of the best microphones for musicians and 9 great headphones for music production.
Breve Music Studios publishes music to Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and more. Follow our pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.
Listen to our ensembles: Breve Orchestra, Breve Music Ensemble, Breve Low Brass Ensemble, Breve Woodwind Ensemble, and Jermaine Harris on Spotify.
