Analysis #2: Gourmet Race & Fountain of Dreams

I mentioned in my first post that the Kirby series is one I hold very close to my heart, and that the music is incredibly memorable. As such, I think it’s about time I tackle what is debatable the series’ most famous and beloved theme, “Gourmet Race”. I will also be taking a look at the Super Smash Bros. Melee arrangement of the theme, “Fountain of Dreams”, and how orchestration and arrangement can give a song a completely new feel.

Beginning with some background on “Gourmet Race”, the theme is used in Kirby Super Star’s mini-game of the same name. In the game, Kirby races through several varied stages against his nemesis, the hefty King Dedede. Given the two’s affinity for all things food, Kirby and Dedede must collect as much of the yummy stuff as they can along the way, as the amount of treats they can cram in their gullet will add points to each tallying at the end of the race, which could very well turn the tides of victory. For the race, composers Jun Ishikawa and Dan Miyakawa were put to the task of writing a theme that gave the tone of a high-energy romp. In the powerful and fun key of E Flat Major, “Gourmet Race” relies not only on its melody to keep the blood pounding, but its strong brass and bass sections as well. From the triumphant beginning to the bridge to loop it around, the theme has easily become one of Kirby’s most memorable.

One of Nintendo’s most popular franchises, and perhaps the one that brings the most hype before each release, is Super Smash Bros., the other brainchild of Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai. In this series, all of Nintendo’s iconic characters come together for a fast-paced, competitive, and high-stakes battle royale. Each universe is represented by characters that enter the fray, the stages they will fight on, the music behind each battle, and many other homages. When developing the stages that would represent his baby, the Kirby franchise, in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Sakurai decided to do something bold. One of the stages, Fountain of Dreams, wasn’t even one recognizable from the series. It was a completely new stage based on elements seen in previous Kirby titles.

He got the arrangers together and had a full orchestra create a bombastic, grandiose rendition of “Gourmet Race”, now titled “Fountain of Dreams.” This new version starts with a mellow string and woodwind section, but soon begins a full-on assault with the bass-piano and blasting brass and upper wind sections. After the familiar melody runs its course, a bridge of quiet, pensive, jutting strings and flutes leads into the next section, a sweetly played viola and cello section.

So, what’s my point? The two pieces are, for all intents and purposes, the same song. However, it goes to show that differences in arrangement can make for two very different songs in emotion, direction, pacing, and overall aesthetic. “Fountain of Dreams” is one of my all-time favorite pieces of music, and I’m glad I’ve been able to share why with my readers.