ReMix: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest 'Simian Symphony Part I'

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Protricity goes orchestral! With two other DKC2 mixes to his name, Mr. Asulin seems hellbent on showing the world the glory (and flexibility) of Donkey Kong Country 2's soundtrack, which seems more than willing to accommodate his capable interperations. This is far, far different from his other two mixes, which were largely electronica and edgier. This is a straight orchestral arrangement of the game's themes, with booming brass, glissing harps, dynamic, breathing strings, and bombastic orchestral percussion. This is the first such piece we've heard from Protricity, and I think he comes through and successfully proves he can hack it. From the dramatic, minor-key entry with piano to the following peaceful harp and low strings interlude to the faster fanfare reprise that follows that, there's quite a bit of music here. Best bit is the absolutely beautiful ending with solo cello beginning with the exposed brass chords at 5'04" and the delicate chimes and harp bit that's added right before the piece ends. For that musical moment alone, this track's worth it, but there are quite a few more jam-packed in there as well. Criticisms? Only one really worth noting - the exposed sound that's added to the main motif in the upper register at 4'48" sounds like a cross between a muted trumpet and a violin, and is a bit (searches for adjective, comes up with onomatopoeia) "tweezy". The way in which it's used is totally appropriate - not the arrangement I'm knocking, but that specific patch is clearly not up to the high standards of the instruments surrounding it, and sounds sort of nasal. It wouldn't have made too much of a difference, but it does come in during what I would consider the "climax" of the piece. This is one questionable moment out of least a dozen enjoyable ones, though - I meant what I said about the last thirty seconds alone being worth the download. Recommended - look for part II sometime in the future.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.
Well it's been almost nine years; so I guess we probably won't get 'Part II,' but that's okay I guess. This arrangement can definitely stand on its own. When I downloaded this back in '02, it was instantly one of my favorites. All three sections are wonderful, but I have to say that the 'Ice Cavern' section is the best. When those snares come in circa 3:00, it's a blissful experience. Prot also shows his talent with percussion in the third section and rounds it off with a soft transition at the end.

- SubNormal J3 on March 20, 2011
Samples overall seem a little weak with different room sounds for each, but the arrangement ideas are pretty nice, and it's a medley without feeling like an excuse to string several different tracks together. Some nice ornamentation added, and the harp solo was pretty. Some of the dulcimer stuff reminded me of Suikoden, which is always a good thing, in my estimation.
Nice arrangement, this would be really nice if Nutritious or Bustatunez did some orchestra lovin' to the samples.

- OA on May 3, 2010
Sweet! I'm loving how this goes into three parts. It's almost like three Remixes in one! I can kinda hear the POTC stuff everyone else is talking about in my favorite part, the Boss Bossanova mix. From 4:14 to the end is just simply epic. It gave me chills. My only complaint is the echoing chime-like guitars in the Ice part of the mix. Not too keen on them. But then again, the positives completely outweigh my one small gripe. Right on, Prot! (I'm not even gonna bother asking about Pt. 2. If he does it, he does it.)

- Crulex on February 6, 2010
Wow, this reminds me of the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest soundtrack except filtered though Donkey Kong Country 2.
I also like how the mix is literally broken up into three "Acts". Sure it disrupts the flow of the mix overall, but it really adds to the experience that you're listening to this performed live, imo.
I really like this as a concept piece and like the orchestral arrangements. Very nice and recommended.
My only complaint is that since this is part 1, where's part 2? :<

- 42 on December 14, 2009
Not so bad, this remix of 3 songs is really good! 8/10
The original Ice/In a Snowbound Land is better but the Bossa Nova is a litter worse than in the remix.

- Iridi on June 8, 2007
mrp wrote: 2:35 - 2:58 causes chills to go up and down my spine.
Wow... 10/10

I'd like to add that 2:58 - 3:46 has this same effect on me. I've had this remix for a long time, but I guess I never listened to it up until 2 months ago while I was driving around and this song came up. Ever since, it's been one of my favorites!

- ZBApoc on October 19, 2006
2:35 - 2:58 causes chills to go up and down my spine.
Wow... 10/10

- mrp on June 20, 2006
i wanna hear the second part!! :(

- Dunther on June 2, 2006
hey prot are u ever gonna do part 2 or more? :(

- Whitey on January 27, 2006
Protricity actually goes orchestral, ah, thank you.
This is stuff that I would listen over agian and again and again and you get the picture...
It´s also great that Pro sticks to DKC2 with his remixes, soon there aren´t a track that´s not yet remixed. Anyway, for the mix, tremendously good with a whole buch of instruments, for every song change there are always changes in the instrumentpad. From the majestic philharmonic in the beginning to the quiet and noble harp at 1:38, that later gets company by a trumpet and a foreign stringinstrument. And then the rhytm changes again to the dark and evil K.Krool theme with some real good drums, strings and trombones I presume. The choice of the songs were great, "In a snow-bound land" sounds very beautiful with the harp and piano.
Protricity´s greatest orchestral ever, may be that this is his ONLY orchestral but that doesn´t mean that it sucks. FAR from it.
Great piece Pro-dude. 8)

- Bummerdude on September 30, 2005
I love the slow part, as well as the boss battle song. I give this song the highest ratings...I can't wait for part II, Protricity is awesome!

- diamondfalcon on April 4, 2005
one of my favorites - especially the third section, with the big boss theme and the ship theme mixed together. Heres to hoping that Part II comes out soon!

- DarkLink117 on March 4, 2005
Many monkeys: Hu..huh...Ha..hack...brilliant music.

- Demko on January 11, 2005
[b]How incredible music!!! [/b] :o
First I listening the Opening Theme. Later the Ice music. And after, the Big Boss Theme.
[b]Very good!!! A classic!! [/b]
Protricity has an orchestra in your house?

- Txai on November 11, 2004
Personally, I liek the ice theme best. trumept solo is NICE. I'm really looking forward to hearing part 2. whenever it gets finished

- Nintendo_Ace on September 7, 2004