Tadtone Tuesday: “Astral Observatory”

Happy Tuesday, Tadtones! This week we will be lending our ears to one of the most enchanting themes in Majora’s Mask, the “Astral Observatory” theme. For many, the observatory is most memorable for the immediate impression of dazzling  lights colors accompanied by a celestial melody that embraced the essence of it all. Today, professor Shikashi will be sharing the spotlight with Termina’s finest Astral Observatory! Take the jump for more on this week’s Tadtone.

 

Although the observatory is brimming with some of the most fluorescent colors in the game, there’s no denying the ominous melody entwined the Observatory’s dreamy theme. The entire game revolves around a dark, formidable atmosphere, that conforms to the eerie feel of an impending doom. However, the Astral Observatory is the only location in the game that is isolated from unsettling outside world. It’s colorful, cheery, and innocent– even the music can be heard in major keys. What story is there behind the creation of this flamboyant star-gazing station? Upon entering the observatory after a grimy walk through the sewers, there’s an immediate halt in the game’s pace. Perhaps it’s safe to say that no observatory evokes as much mystery as the one in Termina. Coming here is inevitable and necessary for the player to advance further in the game, and it’s only required of you to visit just once (an absolute shame).

“Astral Observatory” was composed by Koji Kondo and written in the key of F major in common time. Interestingly, the theme retains a Baroque era sound with its celesta charm and harmonious arpeggios. Oddly enough, this tune doesn’t repeat in 8’s or 16’s like most songs do, it’s divided into 4 chord sections yet it’s also in 3 sets of 4 chord changes, which equals 12 chord changes before it repeats again. Funny, it seems to be an allusion to the game’s theme of time… Whether or not that was intentional or a coincidence on Mr. Kondo’s part is unknown.

Featured Artist – Smooth McGroove

Soundtrack Variations

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask Orchestrations (2000) + (2013 Club Nintendo Re-release)

Composed by: Koji Kondo & Toru Minegishi

Track # 25 – listen here
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask Orchestrations (2000)

Arranged by: Katsuya Takahashi / Keita Kikuchi / Masaharu Toyoda / Masahide & Yumi / Shoji Horikoshi

Track #4 – listen here
ZERO – Zelda Reorchestrated (2012, fan orchestration)

Arranged by: ZERO team

Track# 25 – listen here

Open Discussion- Share your favorite variations in the comments!

And there you have it fellow Tadtones, that wraps it up for this week. Do you enjoy listening to the eerie yet magical “Astral Observatory” theme? Know of any other noteworthy variations, remixes or covers? As usual, feel free to share appropriate links and discuss your favorite variations of this week’s Tadtone in the comments below!