The iconic Super Mario Bros. theme has achieved a lofty recognition, being added to the National Recording Registry for the first time in history. The US Library of Congress has highlighted the tune as “probably the most recognizable” video game theme song of all time, and is part of the class of 2023 for the registry.
The First Video Game Song to be Recognized
The Super Mario Bros. theme has become the first video game song to be included in the National Recording Registry of the US Library of Congress. Composed by Koji Kondo, the theme has become an iconic tune since its first release in the 1985 game of the same name. It is mentioned as “probably the most recognizable” video game tune in history, and has been recognized by the Library of Congress as part of the class of 2023 for the registry. It joins other noteworthy music pieces like Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ and Daddy Yankee’s ‘Gasolina’ in the registry.
A Big Honor for Nintendo and Koji Kondo
The recognition of the Super Mario Bros. theme is a significant milestone for both Nintendo and Koji Kondo. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden stated that the registry “preserves our history through recorded sound and reflects our nation’s diverse culture.” Over 25 recordings have been added to the registry this year alone. This inclusion in the registry highlights the impact that Super Mario Bros. and its iconic theme have had on the world, solidifying its legendary status. Kondo has had an extensive career composing video game music, and is known for his work on the Mario series and The Legend of Zelda franchise.
Music in Video Games
The recognition of the Super Mario Bros. theme by the Library of Congress illustrates the growing significance of music in video games. Games are a unique medium for music, as they allow composers to create a completely immersive experience for players. The Super Mario Bros. theme, in particular, has an element of nostalgia that makes it memorable for so many gamers around the world. Gaming music has come a long way since the early days of Pong and Pac-Man. Today, video game soundtracks are orchestrated and cover a wide variety of genres, from classical to hip-hop, and everything in between.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The newest film adaptation of the video game franchise, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has been breaking records since it premiered in theaters last weekend. It features voice acting from Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy, who play Mario and Princess Peach, respectively. Kondo also assisted on the movie’s sound production. The film has already amassed a whopping $377 million in the global box office, surpassing records set by other video game movies and animated films alike.
Conclusion: The Power of Music in Video Games
The inclusion of the Super Mario Bros. theme in the National Recording Registry is a significant milestone for video game music. Composed by Koji Kondo, the tune has become an iconic part of gaming history and pop culture. It is a testament to the power of music in video games, and how it can create a memorable and immersive experience for players. The addition of the Super Mario Bros. theme to the registry acknowledges the steady growth and development of the gaming industry, as well as the creative and technical talents of video game composers like Kondo.
