Posted 2002-06-24, evaluated by djpretzel


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.
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Marscaleb
on 2020-12-09 22:07:46

This is good, but it also is showing its age.

Nearly twenty years later, I'd love to hear this one remade with some more modern sound-fonts (is that the right term?) that sound almost identical to a real orchestra.

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OA
on 2010-05-03 12:19:45

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.

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Crulex
on 2010-02-06 20:48:23

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.)

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42
on 2009-12-14 01:46:35

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? :

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Iridi
on 2007-06-08 02:45:34

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.

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ZBApoc
on 2006-10-19 17:27:01
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!

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mrp
on 2006-06-20 12:47:17

2:35 - 2:58 causes chills to go up and down my spine.

Wow... 10/10

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Dunther
on 2006-06-02 20:13:53

i wanna hear the second part!! :(

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Whitey
on 2006-01-27 23:28:33

hey prot are u ever gonna do part 2 or more? :(

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Bummer
on 2005-09-30 07:50:48

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)

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diamondfalcon
on 2005-04-04 23:55:26

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!

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DarkLink117
on 2005-03-04 16:54:36

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!

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Demko
on 2005-01-11 14:09:11

Many monkeys: Hu..huh...Ha..hack...brilliant music.

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Txai
on 2004-11-11 11:59:05

How incredible music!!! :o

First I listening the Opening Theme. Later the Ice music. And after, the Big Boss Theme.

Very good!!! A classic!!

Protricity has an orchestra in your house?

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Nintendo_Ace
on 2004-09-07 21:13:30

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

Sources Arranged (3 Songs)


Primary Game:
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Nintendo , 1995, SNES)
Music by David Wise
Songs:
"Boss Bossanova (Boss Tune)"
"In a Snow-Bound Land (Clapper's Cavern)"
"K. Rool Returns (Title Theme)"

Tags (17)


Genre:
Cinematic,Classical
Mood:
Energetic,Epic,Sad
Instrumentation:
Brass,Cello,Dulcimer,Harp,Piano,Strings,Trumpet
Additional:
Arrangement > Medley
Time > 4/4 Time Signature
Time > 6/8 Time Signature
Time > Tempo: Variable
Time > Time Signature: Variable

File Information


Name:
Donkey_Kong_Country_2_Simian_Symphony_Part_1_OC_ReMix.mp3
Size:
6,150,528 bytes
MD5:
fe4e9c51f5fb20d51c6580bc54feae88
Bitrate:
137Kbps
Duration:
5:53

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