Flute Boy’s Meadow – Romance in the Air

Considering you probably noticed the immense amounts of red, pink, and chocolate around over the past few days, I doubt I need to point out to anyone that Valentine’s Day was just last Thursday. In light of the official “romance day” celebrated by couples everywhere, today seemed like a good day to focus on a more romantic Zelda tune than usual.

Now, making assumptions about Link’s love interests is a larger can of worms than I ever want to get into (“Ilia’s Theme” was enough, thanks . . . and if anyone brings up Malon versus Saria I may hide). So, I decided to play it safe and picked a song that blatantly sells itself as a romantic theme. Its title, after all, is “Romance in the Air.” So if you can stand just a little more sappiness coming out of this weekend, go on and hit the jump to read more!

Track: “Romance in the Air”
Game: Skyward Sword (Wii)
Purpose: Character Theme, Exposition
Composers: Hajime Wakai, Shiho Fujii, Mahito Yokota, Takeshi Hama

The Point
This song plays in the early scenes with Zelda and Link in Skyward Sword. It was also used as the music for the “Romance Trailer” released prior to the game’s launch. This track brings to mind the pair of them flying around Skyloft on Link’s Loftwing, sharing thoughts and talking about things to come.

As made evident by its name and uses, the track’s primary purpose is to set the mood for scenes featuring this game’s Link and Zelda. As childhood friends there is certainly a strong connection between the pair. This song serves to solidify that connection, while adding a sense of romantic interest as well. During cutscenes that focus on these two’s relationship, this theme’s purpose is to bring out their feelings.

The Sound
This is one soft, sweet tune. Like the rest of Skyward Sword‘s soundtrack, “Romance in the Air” is fully orchestrated so its instruments truly stand out. A steady undercurrent of light strings forms the basis of this song and makes it feel lighthearted from the get-go. Though never taking center stage, they help keep a steady flow to the song and reinforce the flute nicely.

Speaking of the flute, that happens to be what makes this tune really work. Along with other wind instruments, the flute plays in soft bursts that compliment the strings very well at the beginning. As the tune continues, the flute begins to blend together and traces a happy tune that chirps, rises, and otherwise sings a sweet and happy song that is sure to bring a smile.

The Verdict
Okay, I will admit I am a bit of a hopeless romantic. Blame my girlfriend. Either way, I find the interactions between Link and Zelda in Skyward Sword to be exceptionally sweet. I think Zelda’s design in the game looks cute, for one thing. Additionally, the incredible detail put into her and Link’s emotions throughout the game really adds to the feeling that there is truly something meaningful here.

For this song to work, it needed to match up to that feeling. This is young love, a childhood friendship that became more over time. For such a purpose I feel the tune works excellently. Its light, airy tone accents the friendship part of the relationship excellently. Then, as the song rises through its crescendos and other high points, it starts to strike the right emotional spark that really makes the relationship feel like more.

So, how do you like this song? Did you enjoy the relationship between Zelda and Link in Skyward Sword, or did you have issues with it? Let me know how you think in the comments!
Also, I know I mentioned last week that I would start looking at Zelda songs I don’t like, but I forgot to consider Valentine’s Day in that matter. Next week, promise! See you then!