ReMix: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 'Aquescent Symphony'

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Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998, N64)
ReMixer(s): Theophany
Composer(s): Koji Kondo
Song(s): 'Serenade of Water'
Posted: 2004-04-02, evaluated by the judges

There's news regarding the most recent ReMix (and its removal) available on this thread in our forums that most should find unsurprising at this point in time. Moving on, we've got a very subtle, peaceful, understated submission from newcomer Theophany that mixes a babbling brook, very believably articulated, flowing harp, flute, and swelling pads into a sort of lyrical interlude that captures the spirit of many parts of the original Zelda 64 experience. Louder piano comes in midway and towards the end that gives a more pronounced, epic feel which juxtaposes nicely with the serenity of the harp and flute. Vigilante writes:

"the dynamics in this mix creep in and out like the tides, which fits right into the aquatic theme. Two distinct moods are represented here, the bright and lighthearted flute/harp duo, and the forboding strings. The contrast is really quite effective and beautiful. I wish it were longer."

This is a piece that clearly succeeds without super high-quality samples by using what was available very adeptly - dynamics, intonation, articulation are all very honed and clearly the focus here, as well they should be in an intimate, relatively sparse arrangement of this nature. The water might have been a little hackneyed, but it also works, and furthermore is a sound found often in the game itself, so there's that tie-in as well. Had the N64 delivered on the amazing boasts the Big N was making about "better than CD-quality sound" at the time, this would have been the type of track I would have expected to hear. Good, deceptively simple first submission, bearing repeats and certainly well-suited for the (hopefully) better weather I'm expecting ahead of us this Spring.

― djpretzel

Discussion: Latest 15 comments/reviews; view the complete thread or post your own.

I love this mix because it's just so flavorful. It's like having one's own personal private solo concert out in some Japanese water garden. The atmosphere is so rich and textural; I mean I can almost actually trace out the flute in the air at times.
I also love how a small 20 second clip was expanded into a three minute mix. LoL.
Needless to say, this is a really cool mix that shouldn't be missed.

- 42 on December 29, 2009

A pretty relaxing mix- the water works well, and the general sparseness works to develop a very specific mood. The samples aren't stellar, but they are pretty well used, and the SFX come in at just the right moment.
relaxing.. i can just sail away... ^____^

- OA on November 12, 2009

This is a great example of an arrangement where you take such a small source, and stretch it out by playing around with it and making it flow like slow moving currents with 150 year old turtles.

- Neblix on August 10, 2009

This remix was ok, the instruments went well together and I heard the remixed tune more towards the middle of the song. What I could say to improve it is the flute sounded a bit too active at times for a soft song and hear more of the game's tune throughout the song.

- Pysis on March 18, 2009

If I remember correctly, this is the first OCR that I downloaded and I was immediately stunned by its beauty. The sound of the water at the beginning immediately draws you in and the first sounding of the flute makes sure you stay there, haha. And for the rest of the mix, the dream-like quality keeps you mesmerized and meditative until the very end when it fades with such magic. Yup, I second previous comments. This is great to wind down with after a long day. Keep it coming!

- lady zelda on March 3, 2006

I'm impressed with this. I'm a lover of everything ambient and soothing and this hits the spot. Although the sounds themselves aren't of the highest quality, you have succeeded in creating a really pleasant and absorbing soundscape.
The flute, of course is charming but I found myself loving the fading string chords best. Good job with the water SFX as well.
This is a must-have for lovers of anything ambient or relaxing. It also reminds me of some works on the "Heroes of Might & Magic II" soundtrack, which is excellent.
Very nice job.

- mv on April 13, 2005

Wow this is so beatiful! It's just... Beautiful!
I love the string pads
But what I really dig is the acoustic piano, especially when it first comes in around 1:18, athen again at 2:48, I'm just lovin' it!
Nice flute solo

- jordex on November 18, 2004

[b]Ohhh, My... Gosh!!! I love this song, it's so Beautiful!!! Water is like my Ultimate and most Fave. Element.... So I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!! How much better can Music Get!!!![/b]

- Enzan on October 31, 2004

:puppyeyes: duuude... i dunno what to say. Absolutely beautiful in every way. I was hit with a brick wall of nostalgia listening to this work of art. its like finding your soul mate :oops:
Beautiful, period.[/code]

- TherIsOnly1 on October 7, 2004

This is a beautiful remix...perhaps the most emotional I've heard on the entire site. A lot flows into this (no pun intended -.-). It's not only a very relaxing ambience, but the way the flute and piano and lyre (or assumed third instrument ^_^) fits seemlessly together at times to add a blend that's not hard on the ears is a very nice touch -- an especial favorite to those who like the serenade of water piece from the game.
Hope to see more work from you soon ^_^ styles and music like that should never fade away.

- Random Fox Thought on August 30, 2004

Beautiful...just beautiful. First things first: the bad stuff. The only thing I [b]don't[/b] like about this piece is that from 0:14 to about 0:54 (40 whole seconds!) you don't realize it's a remix of the Serenade of Water. It sounds nice, yes, but it just doesn't sound like Zelda. The rest though; the gentle harp, the relaxing ocarina, and even the trinkling water, is freaking awesome. I really like the piano chords at 1:20 and how it deviates into some new chords at 1:27. That's just genius. This is my first ReMix I've heard from Theophany, but if I hear any others, and they're half as original and beautiful as this piece, even they would be guaranteed-playlist-worthy pieces. Great stuff.

- Millman on June 15, 2004

Oh my god. I've been dreaming of a Serenade of Water remix for as long as I can remember. It was always my favorite Ocarina song and now to hear it redone so beautifully...it just makes me smile.
Hearing that first flute rise...goosebumps. Seriously. I think this captures the feel of the Serenade beautifully, especially that harp and when the piano comes in...
God, this is so awesome. I've always wanted a Serenade remix and finally, here it is. And it's gorgeous.

- Zarla on April 12, 2004

Very nice calm, soft melody. The change at 1:19 was added to the song very nicely, as well as a couple of other changes. This site needs more ocarina song remixes, they're really great.

- Impossible on April 8, 2004

This one was very relaxing like everyone before me said. Infact it was so relaxing that I almost fell asleep. So this is definately not one you would want to play in the car while you are driving late at night.:) Anyway, it was very well done. Good job.

- JesseFK on April 6, 2004

This is a very beautiful song. Took me a bit to recognize the song, but it's very moving.

- luminaire23 on April 6, 2004