Gerudo Valley– from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – is the next track on our greatest video game soundtracks playlist.
The music we select is in no particular order and we’re only including one piece from each game. This time it’s an obvious choice but one we couldn’t resist.
Track: Gerudo Valley
Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Composer: Koji Kondo
Year: 1998
The score for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an undisputed classic. From the triumphant Hyrule Field theme and twisted waltz of the Windmill Man to the delicate melodies of the Ocarina and the unsettling sound scape of the Forest Temple, Kondo’s compositions contribute much of the game’s epic scope.
It’s a score that fills in the gaps by adding texture when things look blurry and provides emotional heft when the Nintendo 64 struggles to give characters expression.
Gerudo Valley is not the most representative piece but it’s appearance shifts the tone of the game and introduces a little frontier spirit to Link’s first 3D adventure. We’ve chosen the live version of Gerudo Valley from the The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary: Special Orchestra CD. This particular version has a wonderful opening that builds and builds before breaking into an galloping arrangement of the melody that is epic and adventurous.
Listen to the other Greatest Video game Soundtracks on our list. And let us know if the comments if you have any suggestions.
