Sheet Music: Super Mario Bros. Theme

TitleSuper Mario Bros. Theme
Alternate titlesOverworld Theme
Super Mario Brothers
ComposerKōji Kondō (1960—)
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyC major
RangeC4–C6
Time signature2/2
Tempo100 BPM
Performance time1:35
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (54 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (755 kB)
Date added2009-07-29
Last updated2009-07-29
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 15.6 (extremely popular)
Categories
Show-off pieces, Video game music

Performances

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Wednesday 29 July 2009

Tune of the Day: Super Mario Bros. Theme

World-famous video game music by Koji Kondo
Super Mario

This is the theme originally found in the first stage of the Nintendo Entertainment System video game Super Mario Bros.

According to its composer Koji Kondo, this theme took the longest of the six songs of Super Mario Bros. to compose. He stated that he would write one song, and the team would put it in the game. If it did not accentuate the action, did not time up with Mario running and jumping, or did not harmonize with the sound effects well enough, he would scrap it. He used only a small keyboard to compose the music. The first version of the theme he made was based on an early prototype of the game, which simply showed Mario running around a big empty area. Kondo described this early theme as a bit lazier and more laid back. As the game underwent changes, he realized that his song no longer fit, so he increased the pace and changed it around to fit better. In an interview, Kondo explained that when coming up with song compositions, they come to him during everyday activities.

The theme has a “latin” rhythm that may seem a bit irregular at first. Listen to the MP3 or to the MIDI track if you need help in getting a feel of it.