What sort of relationship do video games and classical music share? Join host Liz Lyon for an exploration of video-game music and how it has developed a deep relationship with classical music.

Koji Kondo: Super Mario Brothers Theme — This was originally composed for the 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System video game Super Mario Brothers. Sound designer Koji Kondo says he found this piece to be the most difficult to compose. This version of the theme is performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

LISTEN — Koji Kondo: Super Mario Brothers Theme

Yoko Shimomura: Kingdom Hearts, Hikari — Yoko Shimomura is a Japanese composer and pianist. She has written for video games such as the Mario & Luigi series as well as Final Fantasy XV, but she is best known for writing the music for the video game Kingdom Hearts. Here is a popular piece from that game performed by the New Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra.

LISTEN — Yoko Shimomura: Kingdom Hearts, Hikari

Claude Debussy: Claire de Lune — Video-game music is often used to help set the mood and provide insight into the specific game. Those who know the game The Evil Within, a game for older teens and adults, also know that when they hear Claire de Lune, by Claude Debussy, within the game, safety is nearby.

LISTEN — Claude Debussy: Claire de Lune

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