The Legend of Zelda’s Overworld Theme Comes to Life With Six Unique Percussive Instruments
Posted on July 22 2020 by Kristen G. Rosario
It’s hard to believe that we are right around the corner from the 35th(!) anniversary of the Zelda series. Since its inception, the series has been one of the most recognizable video game series on the planet, and that’s due in no small part to its iconic music. The most recognizable music from the series is of course the original Overworld theme from The Legend of Zelda. This score has been remixed, redone, reworked, and reinvigorated using every instrument imaginable. But that hasn’t stopped new musicians from stepping up to the plate and delivering their own fresh take on this classic tune.
Musician James Beauton provides what he calls a “Six Percussionists” cover of the Overworld Theme from The Legend of Zelda. What makes this cover unique is how Beauton pulls it off. Using a combination of only percussion-based instruments, such as xylophones, drums, and even a gong, he’s able recreate the classic tune with vigor.
Beauton’s skill goes beyond just six percussive instruments, as as he has also performed a” Nine Percussionists” cover for the original theme of the Pokémon anime. More recently he has performed a Six Percussionists cover of the theme song from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Aside from providing percussion-based covers, Beauton is actually a professional musician and music teacher.
On his official teaching website, Beauton offers private lessons on piano, conducting, drum set, marimba, snare drum, timpani, music theory, and rhythm. He also offers audition/competition prep sessions for instrumentalists. According to the description on his YouTube channel, even though he has been forced to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s still providing online content for his students to improve.
What do you think of this cover? Will you be checking out any more work from James Beauton? Let us know in the comments below!
Kristen G. Rosario is an Editor who joined Zelda Dungeon back in September of 2015. His current goal is to become a full-time video game journalist, hoping to eventually gain a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. While he pursues that dream, he not only takes care of his adorable dachshund Angel, but also helps run a YouTube channel with his brother. The Zelda series is a quest he hasn’t fully completed yet, but hopes to get there one day.
