Composer Koji Kondo, the creator of the ‘Mario tune’, explains in an interview with NHK how this iconic music came about.
First version was rejected
The very first Super Mario Bros game appeared on the NES and left an indelible impression on almost all gamers. Both because of the graphics, which were a leap forward for that time, and also because of the legendary soundtrack. Koji Kondo says in the interview that he was inspired by the graphic beauty of the game. Games from that time mainly consisted of a small figure with a black background, according to Koji Kondo. With Super Mario Bros you saw blue skies and green fields. Reason to reflect this in the music.
The first version of the ‘Mario tune’ was rejected by Nintendo. They thought the atmosphere was strange and didn’t match the gameplay. Koji Kondo later agrees with them about this. While creating the second version, the composer tried to translate Mario’s rhythmic movements into music. This is how the melody was created that we can all hum along to.
After Super Mario Bros was released, Koji Kondo continued to work on the melody. The movements of Mario and his enemies change in every game. That is why the soundtrack always has to be adjusted slightly.
What do you think is the best Super Mario soundtrack? In addition to Super Mario Bros, he also wrote the music for Super Mario Sunshine or Super Mario 64.
