Violins and Videogames: A Winning Combination

Andy Chalk

One Flag, One Fleet, One Cat
Nov 12, 2002
45,698
1
0
Violins and Videogames: A Winning Combination

The violin isn't going to top anyone's list of cool musical instruments but put one in the hands of Japanese violinist Teppei Okada and mix in some classic Nintendo game footage, and truly awesome things happen.

For all the time that I've been doing news here at The Escapist, I have never once described anything as "full of win." And I still haven't! But this is definitely as close as I've come in a long time: Teppei Okada's solo violin performance of music from classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, Tennis, Yoshi's Cookie and more are absolute works of genius.

It's not the first time that videogame music has been translated to a more classical format, but Okada has taken things a step further by performing in sync with gameplay footage and including the in-game sound effects in his music. That's right, it's all there and it really is as awesome as it sounds. The full collection of Okada's videos, which first appeared on the Japanese site Nico Nico Douga and are now on YouTube, have been conveniently rounded up by the good folks at The Kartel [http://www.thekartel.com/soullesswarrior/blog/2010/06/25/videogame_violinist_performs_the_super_mario_bros_theme_like_youve_never_heard_it_before], so give them all a look - and brace yourself for the win!

via: Game Culture [http://www.gameculture.com/2010/06/28/violinist-plays-game-themes]


Permalink
 

Jared

The British Paladin
Jul 14, 2009
5,630
0
0
I remember seeing this, its epic. I love it, he is very talented!
 

theSovietConnection

Survivor, VDNKh Station
Jan 14, 2009
2,418
0
0
Didn't Tom do this story already?

EDIT: Yeah, a little over a week ago

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/101497-Violinist-Orchestrates-NES-Music-Including-Sound-Effects
 

Johnnyallstar

New member
Feb 22, 2009
2,928
0
0
That's awesome. What is also awesome is the famicom right next to the TV, instead of it being on a wii.
 

Swarley

New member
Apr 5, 2010
615
0
0
The violin is such a beautiful instrument, and the guy playing it is very talented.
 

DeadlyYellow

New member
Jun 18, 2008
5,141
0
0
Nice pun there.

And yeah, seen this floating around. Still think I like the beatbox Mario more.
 

Cgull

Behind You
Oct 31, 2009
339
0
0
This story looks familiar, could've sworn it was done a week or two ago?

Either way, incredibly talented guy!
 

BlueHighwind

New member
Jan 24, 2010
363
0
0
This would have been better with two violins, because the sound effects don't replace the music, they happen in front of the music.
 
Aug 25, 2009
4,611
0
0
You might not say it but I will.

Made of win.

Seriously, that's such a bizarre thing to do, that the only way to do it is to do it so well it transcends hopelessly niche and comes full circle to unadulterated cool again.

That guy must get all the damn videogamer pussy.
 

Simalacrum

Resident Juggler
Apr 17, 2008
5,204
0
0
theSovietConnection said:
Didn't Tom do this story already?

EDIT: Yeah, a little over a week ago

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/101497-Violinist-Orchestrates-NES-Music-Including-Sound-Effects
Yeah, I remember seeing that too.

Escapist staff are ninja'ing each other now it appears :p
 

BboyTeddyBear

New member
Mar 8, 2010
56
0
0
Simalacrum said:
theSovietConnection said:
Didn't Tom do this story already?

EDIT: Yeah, a little over a week ago

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/101497-Violinist-Orchestrates-NES-Music-Including-Sound-Effects
Yeah, I remember seeing that too.

Escapist staff are ninja'ing each other now it appears :p
had to check the time stamp like 5 times cuz i swore i went back in time haha
 

HaloHappy

New member
Sep 7, 2008
342
0
0
Holy *beep* on a *beep* sandwich. This guy is hands down the greatest violin player I've seen.
 

Taco of flames

New member
May 30, 2009
228
0
0
Kwil said:
Has anybody bothered to think what exposure to this level of graphic violins will do to the children?
You have earned 3 cookies and 42 internets. Can I steal this quote for when I post this on Facebook?

OT: Tons of awesome things are happening today. I am very pleased.