Composer Giovanni Rotondo Announces Tracklist For Upcoming Tears of the Kingdom Fan Album, Needs Fans’ Help To Determine Cover Art
Posted on December 06 2023 by Heather Beard
Composer Giovanni Rotondo has taken on the endeavor of crafting an album based upon Tears of the Kingdom‘s musical troupe The Stable Trotters. We recently covered a lot of the details on his upcoming album here, but we now have some updates on the collaborative fan project and the results of the first audience polling initiative which helped settle on a final tracklist.
According to Rotondo, fans’ participation in the Stable Trotters project thus far has been “extraordinary,” and their input has “significantly” shaped the upcoming album. Through the project’s first “Choice Quest,” the community has helped decide on a number of tracks to be featured on the final album, and I’m excited to see so many popular tracks from across the Zelda series chosen. As Rotondo puts it, “Each piece reflects the collective voice of my fans.”
Here are the tracks selected by the community, along with Rotondo’s thoughts on each one:
“Korok Forest” (Breath of the Wild – Tears of the Kingdom) The Koroks’ home in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, this beautiful theme captivates with its meditative melodies and romantic harmonies. It aligns seamlessly with the Stable Trotters’ unique instrumentation and echoes their tranquil lifestyle. A choice surely to delight the great Deku Tree and all who voted for it!
“Field” (Link’s Awakening) – A splendid tribute to the original Zelda theme, this piece infuses a playful and whimsical twist. It embodies the spirit of Koholint Island, a place The Stable Trotters would undoubtedly adore. Their musical journey through this charming landscape is something both they and their fans would cherish.
“Sidon’s Theme” (Breath of the Wild – Tears of the Kingdom) – Reflecting the grandeur of Prince Sidon, now the revered King of the Zora and Sage of Water, this theme captures the essence of a character who embraces significance with grace. The beauty and memorability of Sidon’s theme align perfectly with his stature. In the hands of the Stable Trotters, this melody is set to be transformed into an even more captivating rendition, resonating with the depth and majesty befitting a king.
“Rito Village” (Day) (Breath of the Wild – Tears of the Kingdom) – Embodying the essence of pastoral tranquility, this piece is a perfect fit for musicians like the Stable Trotters, who revel in the simplicity of life and cherish the value of friendship. The gentle melodic contours and rich string orchestrations of Rito Village are ideally suited for the Trotters’ array of instruments, promising to bring out the warmth and camaraderie that this music evokes.
“The Wind Waker Symphonic Movement” (The Wind Waker) – This selection holds a special place in my heart, being one of my favorite chapters and scores in the Zelda series. It’s heartening to see my fans share this sentiment. The whimsical and adventurous spirit of this symphonic piece is a natural fit for the storytelling style of The Stable Trotters. Its translation through their unique musical lens promises to add an enchanting depth and joy to the album.
“Kakariko Village” (Twilight Princess) – This lyrical masterpiece from Twilight Princess beautifully demonstrates the seamless fusion of Zelda’s essence with the artistic flair of 1980s Japanese animation. It’s no surprise that it received the highest ratings, capturing the hearts of fans who recognized its timeless charm. In the hands of the Stable Trotters, I’m confident this piece will transform into an instant classic, resonating with a new depth and captivating new and returning generations of listeners.
To accompany the tracks that the audience has chosen, Rotondo has also hand-selected a few additional tracks to include on the album. Rotondo will be revealing those additional tracks over the coming weeks via his newsletter, and through us here at Zelda Dungeon.
Giovanni has graciously shared the name of his first hand-selected track, and he has given us the scoop on his decision to include it:
“Stables” (Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom) – This piece holds a special place in the hearts of Zelda fans, beautifully performed by the Stable Trotters in-game. In my arrangement, the essence of this beloved track is respectfully preserved, while also weaving in subtle nuances that pay homage to its evolution through the series. The arrangement blends elements from both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, capturing the spirit of the Stable Trotters’ performances. Additionally, there’s a hint of original interpretation, adding a personal touch to this well-known piece.
Additionally, Rotondo plans to offer fans a unique experience by hosting a live preview event of the some of the upcoming tracks. Fans will have the opportunity to hear the composer’s “Stables” arrangement and another surprise track, both presented in a virtual instrument format. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter on Rotondo’s website right here or join his Discord server right here in order to hear details on how to join in on the live preview event.
Along with the announcement of the tracklist, a new “Choice Quest” is now available. You can now vote for your favorite album artwork on Rotondo’s website:
In the upcoming Choice Quest, you’re invited to help shape the visual narrative of the album. You will explore various art themes, each offering a glimpse into different artistic possibilities for the cover. Your insights and preferences will be instrumental in deciding which artistic direction captures the essence of our project.
My personal favorite of the six different options is the “Stable” option featuring images of the stables that are found in Hyrule’s overworld. Other images include the Sky Islands, a few images of the Stable Trotters themselves, Link and Zelda, “epic” images of Hyrule, and The Great Fairy Fountains.
This collaborative fan project would not be possible without fans of The Legend of Zelda and lovers of music. Zelda Dungeon will continue to cover Rontondo’s Stable Trotters album, so be sure to stay tuned as we cover the details of this awesome project.
Do you have a favorite song from the tracklist? What other tracks do you think Rotondo selected? What album artwork are you hoping for? Be sure to vote on Rotondo’s website and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Giovanni Rotondo
Hi I’m Heather! I’m Senior Editor and Art Director at Zelda Dungeon and I’ve been a member of the ZD team since 2019. I am a graphic designer, artist, and nerdy mom to an awesome little boy. When my nose isn’t in a book, working on my novel or watching anime you can find me curled up with my cats Mandy-Lynn and Daisy Mae.
