Many of us have never known a world without The Legend Of Zelda. The world has seen 30 years of this insanely popular video game series – the multi-faceted saga of the young adventurer Link, destined to save the worlds of Hyrule – and entire generations have grown fulfilling his remarkable quests. The sweeping scores and soundtracks have made those adventures the unforgettable experiences they are in the minds of those inspired by them, so to witness the majesty of a full symphony orchestra and choir perform some of the most iconic moments in video game history was an experience too rare and remarkable to miss.
In that classic hyper-earnest enthusiasm Nintendo’s renowned for, the event was peppered by a series of short and sweet vignettes led by video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and his fellow creatives on a giant screen behind the orchestra, explaining the musical imagination and intent behind some of the series’ biggest titles. As the music’s wistful whims overtook the enormity of the hall, footage from the games themselves played behind the orchestra, supplementing the worlds we were whisked to.
It goes without saying that the abilities of the hundred-odd professionals on stage were indefatigable. The beauty, excitement, thrill, sweetness and emotive nuance of each moment was captured perfectly by the orchestra and choir, each with a sincere smile and genuine respect for the material. It’s not until you’re confronted with the talent of world-class musicians that you truly notice the sheer complexity and intricacy involved in the composition of the Zelda universe.
Everybody’s favourite Ocarina Of Time got a deservedly huge focus, and you could feel the warm radiance beaming from the faces of each person when the swelling jaunt of the Hyrule Fields leapt into action. Likewise, the contrast of Majora’s Mask reverberated around the room with a cool tenderness, and it was genuinely moving to witness the deep echo of an absolutely flawless choir performing the hymn-like Song Of Time. You never realise exactly how deeply you feel an experience like an old video game until you hear that nostalgic sliver. Suddenly, you’re back in that dungeon, shivers of adrenaline trickling down your spine.
Nintendo’s latest venture Breath Of The Wild also saw an appropriate amount of attention, and it was easy to see why – the lush, gentle overture of its tender-hearted universe is set to be an instant classic, with that same in-built child-like wonder that animation companies like Studio Ghibli or Pixar manage to conjure. Wind Waker, A Link Between Worlds & Twilight Princess all got their dues, showcasing the diversity and thematic shift of the series. There really is no one way Nintendo makes a “Zelda game” – and it’s that continued commitment to the franchise’s creativity that has seen it endure for over 30 years now.
Where Symphony Of The Goddesses really shone, however, was in its treatment of games made in a time of true technological limitation. It was nothing short of beautiful to revisit the memories and emotions of titles like Link’s Awakening – a title on the Game Boy made way back in 1993 – and seeing it finally provided with the symphonic majesty that adventure has always deserved. Hearing those simple bit-crushed MIDI tones explode into a gorgeous, overwhelming arrangement was a reward for those who could see the grandeur in that tiny little package so long ago, and a testament to the unbridled imagination contained within its limits. As cliched as it sounds to say, there’s really no more appropriate description than magical.
Highlights: Majora’s Mask, Link’s Awakening, A Link To The Past, and witnessing the swelling hearts of thousands of excited fans.
Lowlight: Literally none.
Crowd Favourite: Ocarina Of Time.
