Listen to this Dynamic Arrangement of “Bolero of Fire” from Ocarina of Time
Posted on October 23 2021 by Sean Gadus
Ocarina of Time is one of the most iconic Zelda games, and a huge part of the game’s success is the music. The game is full of catchy tunes that set the tone for the grand adventure that has captivated fans for more than twenty years. Some of the highlights of the soundtrack are the twelve ocarina songs that Link can learn throughout the story. Six of those songs are associated with temples, when these songs are played Link can to warp to key locations across Hyrule. Despite the fact that these short songs are created from a limited range of notes, they have become hugely popular.
The second warp song usually learned by the player is “Bolero of Fire”, which can transport Link to the volcanic peak of Death Mountain. This arrangement of “Bolero of Fire” by remixer Evan Wardell updates the original tune, and it includes a more diverse set of sounds including brass, strings, woodwinds, and harp. The first half of this cover is a faithful arrangement of the original song. The second half of the piece is filled with new dramatic crescendos and added woodwind trills that keep the listener engaged. The ending of the piece feels like the conclusion of a symphony, with a grand build up and a final note that is held for several measures.
Much like the original Nintendo 64 song, this cover includes the iconic snare drum part that sets the tempo for the song. This snare part is actually a reference or homage to “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel, an orchestra piece that debuted in 1928. At some point during development of the the first Zelda game, Koji Kondo wanted to use a version of “Bolero” as a theme for the game. Fortunately for fans of Zelda‘s main theme, the composer was not able to use “Bolero” because it was still under copyright in Japan. Regardless, it seems like Koji Kondo has a real love for the piece!
What do you think of this cover of “Bolero of Fire” from Ocarina of Time? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: OverClocked ReMix: Video Game Music Community
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.
