Listen to this Cello Cover of the Original Zelda’s Dungeon Theme
Posted on March 23 2020 by Sean Gadus
The cello seems to be a choice instrument for many fan arrangements and remixes inspired by the Legend of Zelda series. Many covers that use classical instruments are fascinating because most Zelda games do not have fully orchestrated soundtracks. Skyward Sword, released in 2011, was in fact the first Zelda game to include an orchestrated soundtrack.
This cello cover by Edward Kim is a great example of how musicians can re-imagine songs that weren’t originally able to use real instruments. The Dungeon theme, which first appeared in 1986’s The Legend of Zelda, is one of the earliest Zelda songs. The NES had an extremely limited amount of sounds that it could produce, but fortunately the Dungeon theme has been covered many times since its original release.
Overall, this cello arrangement carries a sense of foreboding and mystery that feels perfect for a dank dungeon. There is a simple but constant piano part that creates a sense of creeping tension, as if something is sneaking up on Link. Combining the piano with the cello melody creates a rich arrangement that oozes with suspense.
What do you think of this cover of the Dungeon theme? Let us know in the comments below?
Sean Gadus is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon. His first Zelda game was Ocarina of Time, and he loves all of the 3D Zelda games from 1998-2011. The final battle of Tears of the Kingdom is one of his favorite final battles in the entire series. He wants to help build a kinder, more compassionate world. You can check out his other written work at The-Artifice.com.
