“Gerudo Valley” from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, composed by Koji Kondo (近藤 浩治) and arranged for 16-piece brass ensemble by Daniel Romberger.
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Performed by The Game Brass and friends, featuring:
🎵 John Robert Matz: Piccolo Trumpet in A
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🎵 Avery Yonehiro (jazzthatbrass): Trumpet in B-Flat
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🎵 David Ortiz: Trumpet in B-Flat
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🎵 Matthew Gagliardo: Trumpet in B-Flat
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🎵 Robby Duguay: Flugelhorn
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🎵 Matt Brockman: Flugelhorn
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🎵 Danny Flam (From ConSoul Big Band): French Horn
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🎵 JohnStacy: French Horn
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🎵 Lauren Stacy: French Horn
🎵 Daniel Romberger (DannyMusic): Arrangement, Video, Trombone
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🎵 Eric L.: Trombone
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🎵 Allison Martin: Trombone
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🎵 Lisa Liz: Bass Trombone
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🎵 Abigail Lannan (GoofyEuph): Euphonium
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🎵 Isaac Smith: Tuba
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🎵 Alex Hill (TankTopTuba): Tuba
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🎵 Thomas Kresge: Mix, Video
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🎵 Henry Faber: Logo Design
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Watch more game soundtrack covers performed on brass here: • Game Music on Brass In...
Notes from Daniel about this arrangement:
Gerudo Valley is one of the catchiest and most iconic themes from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and I would say that this arrangement is probably the most stylized of any of the tracks of Horns of Hyrule. The source material is well-known for its rhythmic Spanish guitars, which is a very different instrument combination compared to this 16-piece brass ensemble. Thus, the first challenge for me when arranging this piece is "how do I preserve the energy and feel from Gerudo Valley without having dedicated rhythm instruments."
The second challenge comes from the chord progression; though the melodies change, Gerudo Valley uses the same four chords on repeat throughout the entire piece. However, a goal that I had for all the Horns of Hyrule arrangements is that I want each piece to have a satisfying emotional arc which would resonate with an audience regardless of whether or not they're familiar with the source material. Thus, the second challenge is "how do I create a dynamic arrangement when the source harmonic material is comparatively static."
Before trying my own hand at this arrangement, I remember listening to other covers of this theme that use different instrumentation, including the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary orchestral CD, and paying close attention to how those versions answered these questions. I approached preserving energy through asymmetric rhythm -- for example, the opening riff is notated in 15/16 and makes frequent use of a 4-against-3 polymeter, and there are many other rhythmic variations and syncopations throughout the piece.
I also tried to play to the distinct strengths of this brass ensemble. Using two flugelhorns (special thanks to Matt Brockman!) increased the brightness of the ensemble in a way that reflects Gerudo's desert sun. Unisons sound powerful on brass instruments, especially when horns and trombones are involved. And Isaac and Alex are both phenomenal tuba players who were able to handle extremely challenging fast passages in tuba's lowest register!
This video is the last from Horns of Hyrule, and I just want to say that arranging these tracks and putting together this album has been a dream project come true. Zelda is a franchise that's stuck with me for most of my entire life, and it means the world to have so much incredible talent lend their abilities to make this project a reality. Thanks for listening!
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