Koji Kondo (近藤浩治) – MuseScore

‘Gusty Garden Galaxy’ Music Theory: Chords, Melody & the Super Mario Movie

Kevin Johnson — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:48:01 +0000

"Gusty Garden Galaxy" is all over the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and for good reason. Composer Mahito Yokota nearly quit before writing it, after Koji Kondo rejected all his ideas. Here's the music theory behind Nintendo's most emotional theme.

As Zelda Turns 40, ‘Zelda’s Lullaby’ Is Iconic for a Reason: How Koji Kondo Turned 8-Bit Limits Into Strength

Kevin Johnson — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:48:10 +0000

First heard in The Legend of Zelda, the serene theme became unforgettable not despite early console limitations, but because Koji Kondo composed with them in mind.

Is the Super Mario Bros. Theme Jazz? Here’s How Its Harmony Works

Justin Beckner — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:00:03 +0000

More than a simple video game melody, the "Super Mario Bros. Theme" became iconic by pairing instant memorability with jazz-influenced harmony.

Koji Kondo (近藤 浩治) – MuseScore

‘Gusty Garden Galaxy’ Music Theory: Chords, Melody & the Super Mario Movie

As Zelda Turns 40, ‘Zelda’s Lullaby’ Is Iconic for a Reason: How Koji Kondo Turned 8-Bit Limits Into Strength

Is the Super Mario Bros. Theme Jazz? Here’s How Its Harmony Works

Koji Kondo (近藤浩治) – MuseScore