ReMix: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 'A Storm in the Desert'

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Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998, N64)
ReMixer(s): Tyler Heath
Composer(s): Koji Kondo
Song(s): 'Bolero of Fire', 'Windmill Hut'
Posted: 2004-04-08, evaluated by the judges

Unknown is quite prolific, which in and of itself wouldn't be impressive if he wasn't able to keep up consistently high levels of quality the way he does. This Zelda 64 arrangement takes very minimal themes and turns them into an epic orchestral sequence that oscillates between grandiose pushes and delicate piano melody for a bit then goes into more percussive territory with a distinct snare and cymbals and a strong french horn presence. Generally emphatic brass in this piece, and what I especially dig are most of the transitions, which are dramatic and don't try to hide the fact that they're there, but at the same time are natural and click - even the unorthodox, tempo-fluctuating ending is pulled off with overall smoothness. Shariq writes:

"Ah yes. The first of the Artifact of Power series. Great interpretation of the melody, great development. The way you move from melody to melody is excellent, and I like how you've taken tiny ocarina songs and developed them into a full orchestral piece. Excellent work."

This is definitely heavy on the arrangement, and quite creative in that sense as it goes in new directions but never sounds like it's stretching or meandering, which is also impressive given the amount of material and the non-repetitve, segmented structure, bearing resemblance to an overture of sorts. Great stuff from Unknown, who's amply proven he can combine arranging skills with mixing skills and come up with a finished product that's both polished and interpretive.

― djpretzel

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

When that brass comes in, its like getting kicked in the face, and then having to thank someone for doing it.

- Snow Taradien on May 3, 2012

This is an amazing mix! I really hate to use this word, because of its over-use, but there is simply no other word to fully describe this song... it's truly epic.

- Ragnarock on September 22, 2011

Nice pacing and transitions, decent samples, and good dynamics make this a pretty good listen. The themes are well-integrated, and there is a pretty good emotive feel as well. I like this one. :-)

- OA on August 16, 2010

I registered just to say this...i actually cried in the beginning. Mind you there is nothing wrong with that. It was AMAZING. I could feel all the emotions put into this. Just great work all around. Keep it up!!

- Sanryu3451 on May 28, 2010

Of all the surprises... This was something unexpected but definitely not unwanted. The Windmill Theme (believe that's it in the beginning section) always made me want to dance and jump around and be merry (and generally annoying), but this... it makes me kind of sad. Like there's a person that this song is about and she's just died.
Nice, epic feel, and a very good job on a source (among many) that has yet to leave my conscious brain.

- HitoriJaNai on December 1, 2009

Really great job, lots of strong symphonic junk going on up in here. Especially like french horn part

- Nohbody on April 3, 2007

Very very nice! The remixer uses several of my favorite themes from the OoT, and gives them an awesome orchestral treatment. An awesome remix of awesome music from an awesome game. Good work, keep it up!

- ph0sphorousgobu on December 25, 2006

This mix is seriously awesome, as is the entire Artifact of Power series. I wish I could hear a real orchestra play through these tracks.

- Spoom on July 13, 2006

A while ago this has been my favorite Remix, meaninjg that I usually listen to it until it drives me crazy. Me, a big Jazz/Soul/Classic fan, loved this song. Keep up the good work.

- Acamada on July 13, 2006

hahahahahah
yeah, I little foresight on my part when choosing a handle might have saved us all a few headaches.

- Tyler Heath on July 7, 2006

Walter_Sullivan wrote: i'm sure it's been mentioned before, but if it hasn't, the music was made by a man named Tyler Heath.
so go ahead and pay respect by replacing his "unknown" with his name.

His ReMixer name IS "Unknown".

- Liontamer on July 7, 2006

i'm sure it's been mentioned before, but if it hasn't, the music was made by a man named Tyler Heath.
so go ahead and pay respect by replacing his "unknown" with his name.

- Walter_Sullivan on July 7, 2006

This is great! Definitely on my top ten favorite songs of OCR!

- Zombie on June 1, 2006

This remix is the smoothest most calming song ever. It flows through my heart and leaves a tear in my eye. I could imagine a grand symphony playing this wonderous piece.
In general this remix is so good that if it wasnt on a remix site im sure it would be mistaken for a grand orchestral piece.
Congradulations on your grand song and keep then coming!

- Mechasonic4ever on May 31, 2006

I remember way back when I used to be in a concert band and played Robert W. Smith's piece called the "Tempest" and "Furioso". I used to think that nothing can top those pieces of that kinda genre.
But this work of art simply amazes me. I've played almost every Zelda game and ended everyone one of them except "4 Swords, Minish Cap, Twilight Princess (not even out yet =P), Oracle of Ages/Seasons and Windwaker2 (also not out yet)"
I'm a huge fan of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask so I must say,
That this piece is definately something I've been looking for, for the longest time. Thank you Unknown for providing the fans out there with one of the most cherished and loved songs partaking the series in OoT. Each bit of the song captured the moment and emotion of the tale of the Hero of Time.

- shenroc on February 22, 2006