Name: Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 23 Appassionata, Movement 1 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont @ClassicalEntertainmentSystem
Uploaded: 2026-09-25T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 23 Appassionata, Movement 1 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont

Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 23 Appassionata, Movement 1 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont

Classical Entertainment System 2026-09-25 | Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 23 Appassionata, Movement 1 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont

Vivaldi - The Four Seasons - Summer, Movement 2 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-09 | For this short and morose movement, which contains a few outbursts marked "Presto e forte" (the first of these occurs at 0:16), we have this description:

"The fear of lightning and fierce thunder
Robs his tired limbs of rest
As gnats and flies buzz furiously around."

The Four Seasons
Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "Summer"
II. Adagio e piano - Presto e forte

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=u94iuYBZ5xo

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=wKpXVwIQIEA

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=h5aZqzFaPis

Egypt National Anthem - Bilady, Bilady, Bilady (Final Fantasy VI Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-08 | As requested by Pete-tf6vl, here's the national anthem of Egypt with the Final Fantasy VI soundfont.

Bilady, Bilady, Bilady

Country: Egypt

Composer: Sayed Darwish

Soundfont: Final Fantasy VI

Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 2, III. Sarabande (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-07 | Aside from perhaps the introduction to the first movement, this Sarabande presents the slowest music in the suite. Because of this, it may not exactly be the most "dance-able" piece, but it's certainly not lacking in beauty.
I'd even go as far as saying that it contains a certain quality of emotion that isn't present in either the dance preceding it or any of the ones that follow.

Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067
III. Sarabande

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

I. Overture: youtube.com/watch?v=pWYYQ8uI2hI

II. Rondeau: youtube.com/watch?v=bsnMLaBsAX0

Fire Emblem version: youtube.com/watch?v=6aDmwT1r70Q

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=RwK0gp7oz5s

Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, Movement 3 (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-06 | The finale of this sonata brings us back to the light-hearted tone of the first movement.
Only at the very end do we get a tiny glimpse of the nostalgic world from the second movement (5:31), but Mozart immediately casts this aside with no difficulty.

Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, K. 330
III. Allegretto

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=4CiHkoyaz5w

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=1khXqia2t8g

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=hNcOtZtDfnw

Touhou version: youtube.com/watch?v=UehtSmEkTYk

Bach - Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Movement 2 (Final Fantasy VII Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-05 | Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
II. Adagio

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Final Fantasy VII

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=J3mCG2R4OII

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=duWzdLY_kJU

Schubert - Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, Movement 3 (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-04 | Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, D. 664
III. Allegro

Composer: Franz Schubert

Soundfont: Mother 3

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=mrIB-YRMxSg

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=LPw3cp9aTOU

Bruckner - Symphony No. 7 Lyric, Movement 3 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-03 | Rather than fully dispelling the somber mood we heard in the Adagio, this scherzo partially sidesteps it instead. Set in the key of A minor, there's plenty of rhythmic drive here, but the overall character is still quite serious. The trumpet fanfare heard at the outset calls to mind a military call to arms. It, along with the ostinato figure played by the accompanying strings, serves as the basis for much of the scherzo's material.
As is usual in Bruckner, the elegiac Trio section is noticeably slower (3:19). Here, the tone becomes introspective and even moving. Once this middle paragraph is concluded, and after a sizable pause, the Scherzo section is given an exact repeat (5:07).

Symphony No. 7 in E major "Lyric", WAB 107

III. Scherzo: Sehr schnell – Trio: Etwas langsamer

Composer: Anton Bruckner

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=gTo8pYVOvpY

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=dB-RVHQFuI8

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=v8dVLICIvmE

Denmark National Anthem - Der er et yndigt land (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-02 | As requested by theroadrunner556, here's the national anthem of Denmark with the Pokémon DPP soundfont.

Der er et yndigt land

Country: Denmark

Composer: Hans Ernst Krøyer

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Mozart - Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat, Movement 3 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-07-01 | Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, K. 417
III. Rondo Allegro - Più allegro

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=kOO-X1DFeWk

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=QwjiZQqRgng

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=Yy9gC-bQZIk

Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, Movement 2 (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-30 | The middle movement of this sonata is quite different from its outward companions. Despite being in a major key, there's a degree of soft sadness to this music, almost like the feeling of looking back on happier days.
The middle section, in F minor, is markedly more troubled (1:53), being the only instance in this sonata where the minor key dominates.

Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, K. 330
II. Andante cantabile

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=4CiHkoyaz5w

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=-TIROx2jSxY

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=CH2vnebycl0

Touhou version: youtube.com/watch?v=EJCZp0OOWFo

Bach - Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Movement 1 (Final Fantasy VII Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-29 | As requested by GraVity, here's the first movement of Bach's Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 with the Final Fantasy VII soundfont.

Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
I. Allegro

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Final Fantasy VII

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=cZee3ZepQSI

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=duWzdLY_kJU

Brahms - Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Movement 3 (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-28 | Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120
III. Allegretto grazioso

Composer: Johannes Brahms

Soundfont: Mother 3

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=EpVSFvZD6Cw

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=QOMLX2wCbCg

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=pipYp2VMAqw

Vivaldi - The Four Seasons - Summer, Movement 1 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-27 | As requested by almond berry, I'll be covering Vivaldi's Summer Concerto with the Pokémon BW soundfont.

The Four Seasons is a very popular piece of music, well-known for how each of its four concertos depicts four corresponding poems based on the seasons.
Despite what our modern ears would expect from a "summer piece", this is anything but "sunny and cheerful". On the contrary, it may be perhaps the darkest of the four concertos, focusing on the harshness of summer and its consequent perils.

The stanza this particular movement represents is this:

"Under a hard season, fired up by the sun
Languishes man, languishes the flock and burns the pine
We hear the cuckoo's voice;
then sweet songs of the turtledove and finch are heard.
Soft breezes stir the air, but threatening
the North Wind sweeps them suddenly aside.
The shepherd trembles,
fearing violent storms and his fate."

The Four Seasons
Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "Summer"
I. Allegro non molto

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=WfnO_OADSBc

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=1wHiOFJLfAs

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=UV6WqAILRgs

Israel National Anthem - Hatikvah (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-26 | As requested by Squall Rowlandson, here's the national anthem of Israel with the Mother 3 soundfont.

Israel's national anthem is special in the way that it's one of the very few anthems to be in a minor key, giving it a very different character from most of the others.
Coincidentally, it's also one of the most beautiful of them all, having a solid, emotional melody that never falters from beginning to end.

Hatikvah

Country: Israel

Composer: Samuel Cohen, original melody from "La Mantovana" by Guiseppe Cenci

Soundfont: Mother 3

Earthbound version: youtube.com/watch?v=Cyl74dTZWQo

Pokémon DPP version: youtube.com/watch?v=6iJvOlXQ2-4

Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 2, II. Rondeau (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-25 | The six movements that follow the overture in this suite are a collection of rather short dances of various types, this Rondeau being the first of them.
But a lack of length does not equal a lack of quality whatsoever here. Most of them, certainly including this one, are actually pretty catchy!

Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067
II. Rondeau

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

I. Overture: youtube.com/watch?v=pWYYQ8uI2hI

III. Sarabande: youtube.com/watch?v=B7CiUBsx44U

Fire Emblem version: youtube.com/watch?v=NKLtj2tb3w4

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=hit8t4XO084

Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-24 | The most famous of Liszt's 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies, No. 2 has remained one of Liszt's most beloved and frequently performed works despite the fiendish difficulty that's naturally expected from Liszt.
It can be divided into two very distinct sections, the "lassan" and the "friska", both being parts of the traditional Hungarian folk dance known as the csárdás.
The lassan is slow, stately, and quite somber; the friska (3:35), on the other hand, could not be more different. It at first remains within the same atmosphere of the lassan, but gradually builds up energy and speed until it reaches its playful main theme (4:27), which many will recognize.
This Hungarian Dance ultimately concludes with a proud return of the lassan's principal theme (7:38), now in the major mode.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor, S.244/2

Composer: Franz Liszt

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=ViXRogtJnBs

Mozart - Requiem in D minor, III. Dies irae (Kingdom Hearts Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-23 | As requested by Squall Rowlandson, here's the Dies irae from Mozart's Requiem with the Kingdom Hearts soundfont.

This short but powerful movement depicts the "Day of Wrath" with one of the few examples of Mozart's D minor fury in full display.

Requiem Mass in D minor, K. 626
III. Dies irae

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Kingdom Hearts

Final Fantasy VII version: youtube.com/watch?v=8Y-W64BLXhY

Majora's Mask version: youtube.com/watch?v=tjvfgqifgCs

Schubert - Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, Movement 2 (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-22 | Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, D. 664
II. Andante

Composer: Franz Schubert

Soundfont: Mother 3

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=mrIB-YRMxSg

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=jqxV0OUL3iM

Bruckner - Symphony No. 7 Lyric, Movement 2 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-21 | Taking a page from the slow movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, this Adagio unfolds as a series of variations on two alternating themes, though with considerably more liberties taken. That's where the similarities end, however, as the general mood of this piece is different altogether.
The first theme is dark, somewhat mysterious, and essentially Brucknerian in every way; the second is a thoroughly human expression of Bruckner's faith, a common element in his slow movements.

The nature of this movement seems a little clearer after knowing that it was written In anticipation of the death of Bruckner's greatest musical idol, Richard Wagner. In fact, the passing of that composer reportedly occurred while Bruckner was in the middle of writing this Adagio. Thus, it has always carried a connotation of mourning. I would argue that the contrast between the two themes presented here, namely solemnity and hope through faith, is crucial and relevant to the piece's apparent subject matter.
Nowhere is the message of hope in the face of adversity clearer than in the movement's climax (15:31), which is surely one of the most breathtaking and effective movements in this symphony, and maybe in all of Bruckner's music.

Symphony No. 7 in E major "Lyric", WAB 107
II. Adagio: Sehr feierlich und sehr langsam

Composer: Anton Bruckner

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=gTo8pYVOvpY

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=RNNAZx3Ke0I

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=v8dVLICIvmE

Majora's Mask version: youtube.com/watch?v=s6KkPydMveM

Joplin - Maple Leaf Rag (Super Mario World Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-20 | As requested by Edward Thomas, here's a rendition of "Maple Leaf Rag" with the Super Mario World soundfont.

Though it isn't really classical music, "Maple Leaf Rag" is still a significant piece in the modern piano repertoire. To be more specific, it's a cornerstone work in the then-developing genre of ragtime, serving as a potent influence of later ragtime compositions and solidifying itself with time as one of the quintessential examples to the public ear of what ragtime is supposed to sound like.

Maple Leaf Rag

Composer: Scott Joplin

Soundfont: Super Mario World

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=rtaGw6eUv3U

Mozart - Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat, Movement 2 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-19 | Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, K. 417
II. Andante

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=kOO-X1DFeWk

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=c85EwUKC3NQ

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=c32SGfeP2Vo

Bach/Gounod - Ave Maria (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-18 | The Gounod setting of the Ave Maria prayer is a fairly famous one.
Not complicated in any way, it simply consists of an improvised melody by Gounod played over a modified version of Bach's immortal Prelude in C major from Book I of "The Well-Tempered Clavier".

Ave Maria

Composer: Charles Gounod, based on music by Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Chrono Trigger version: youtube.com/watch?v=3rKkfJjMukc

Ravel - Valses Nobles et Sentimentales (Pokémon MD2 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-17 | As requested by Sr. Midi, here's a rendition of Ravel's Valses Nobles et Sentimentales.

Valses nobles et sentimentales
I. Modéré – très franc (0:00)
II. Assez lent – avec une expression intense (1:27)
III. Modéré (3:37)
IV. Assez animé (4:48)
V. Presque lent – dans un sentiment intime (5:47)
VI. Vif (6:57)
VII. Moins vif (7:37)
VIII. Épilogue: lent (10:08)

Composer: Maurice Ravel

Soundfont: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2

Brahms - Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Movement 2 (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-16 | Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120
II. Andante un poco adagio

Composer: Johannes Brahms

Soundfont: Mother 3

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=EpVSFvZD6Cw

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=NhXN95u1lhM

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=pipYp2VMAqw

Bruckner - Symphony No. 7 Lyric, Movement 1 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-15 | As requested by rossweisse1813, I'll be covering Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 with the Pokémon BW soundfont.

Bruckner's most successful symphony acquired the title "Lyric" sometime after his death. Like almost all nicknames for his symphonies, on top of never having been sanctioned by the composer himself, it is a mostly redundant title. In truth, this piece isn't really any more or less lyric than Bruckner's others. That said, the opening does live up to the title. Over a cushion of tremolo strings, the cellos and horns sing a broad, noble melody Bruckner claimed he heard in a dream.
One of the movement's most prominent features is the contrast between the soundworld of that opening melody and a markedly different minor key theme that curiously sits somewhere in between a cortège and a dance (4:50). Both get plenty of room to shine as the movement unfolds, and their characters noticeably change as a result, the former turns darker while the latter becomes ever so slightly more optimistic.
The ending is a favorite device of Bruckner's, a blazing and drawn-out climax for the entire orchestra on the tonic key.

Symphony No. 7 in E major "Lyric", WAB 107

I. Allegro moderato

Composer: Anton Bruckner

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=dB-RVHQFuI8

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=RNNAZx3Ke0I

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=v8dVLICIvmE

Bach - Goldberg Variations, Variation 26 (Super Mario World Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-14 | Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Variatio 26. a 2 Clav.

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Super Mario World

Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 2, I. Overture (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-13 | I'll be covering Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor with the Super Mario 64 soundfont, starting with its first movement.

The opening movement of this suite follows the standard "French Overture" model used in those days, starting out with a slow introduction section.
After a while, a faster middle section comes in (3:10), which is quite lively and polyphonic in character.
Near the end (6:45), things slow down and the music from the introduction returns, leading the movement to a close.

Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067
I. Overture

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

II. Rondeau: youtube.com/watch?v=bsnMLaBsAX0

III. Sarabande: youtube.com/watch?v=B7CiUBsx44U

Fire Emblem version: youtube.com/watch?v=QrcAooPeEN8

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=7rPu8Vc88fA

Mozart - Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, Movement 1 (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-12 | As requested by almond berry, here's a rendition of Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 10 with the Pokémon DPP version.

In this short but delightful sonata, we find Mozart in his cheerful and playful mode, at least in its outer movements.
This is especially true of this opening piece, whose exposition section has virtually no hints of sadness or any form of negativity whatsoever.
After a repeat of said exposition (1:30), we get a compact development section (3:00), in which matters do get a little unstable, but never too much.

Before we know it, we've reached the recapitulation section (3:46) Its similarities to the exposition are quite pronounced at first, although the few changes we do get are welcome and perfectly placed. The second theme, however, is given a new sense of drive via an all-new arpeggio accompaniment (4:24).
The coda (5:13) is as concise as it is effective.

Piano Sonata No. 10 in C major, K. 330
I. Allegro moderato

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=1khXqia2t8g

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=-TIROx2jSxY

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=ZiOy0g4CFnY

Touhou version: youtube.com/watch?v=WJJFbAyuu00

Debussy - Arabesque No. 2 in G major (Pokémon MD2 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-11 | The second of Debussy's Arabesques is the livelier of the two. Still, it maintains a similar oriental flavor through the use of the pentatonic scale, marking the two Arabesques as different in temperament, but cut from the same cloth.

Two Arabesques
II. Allegretto scherzando

Composer: Claude Debussy

Soundfont: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2

Arabesque No. 1: youtube.com/watch?v=jCOjIJxVXmo

Pokémon HGSS version: youtube.com/watch?v=OUySQC5RbLg

Schubert - Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, Movement 1 (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-10 | Piano Sonata No. 13 in A major, D. 664
I. Allegro moderato

Composer: Franz Schubert

Soundfont: Mother 3

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=LPw3cp9aTOU

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=jqxV0OUL3iM

Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, Movement 4 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-09 | The Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 is the only one to have more than three movements. After the pseudo-finale, we have a grand-scale Minuet with three contrasting sections. It's an interesting and unusual choice for a finale, but due to how it showcases various instruments in the orchestra, it's a perfectly appropriate one for a concerto with an expanded number of players and tone colors. It's likely that Bach added this fourth movement exactly because of this reason.

As stated before, this movement consists of a Minuet with three contrasting sections, the main section reappearing between each. The Minuet itself is lush, grand, and pretty catchy as well.

The first Trio is a literal trio, with two oboes and a bassoon (accordions and an organ here, respectively) playing a subdued and somber song together like a small band (1:15). Being in D minor, it's a small callback to the even more somber second movement of the concerto, which was also in that key.

The second contrasting section is labeled in the score as a "Polacca" (3:57). In this fast-paced dance, which remains mostly quiet except for a couple of spirited outbursts, the string instruments of the orchestra get the spotlight. Only the keyboard joins them here, serving as an understated accompanist.

The last contrasting section is a light-hearted dance, starring the horns and, once again, the oboes (6:21). The former blare out in a "hunting horn" manner. This detail calls back to the first movement and thus effectively ties the concerto together close to its end.

Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046

IV. Menuet – Trio I – Menuet da capo – Polacca – Menuet da capo – Trio II – Menuet da capo

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-wqVgSh30

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=W4gZml8H97U

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=f3hOpG3GaBA

Majora's Mask version: youtube.com/watch?v=II6ypCrfBcw

Pokémon RSE version: youtube.com/watch?v=msR6wyBu-ao

Bach - Goldberg Variations, Variation 5 (Super Mario World Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-08 | As requested by Shimyy, here's Variation 5 of the Goldberg Variations with the Super Mario World soundfont.

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Variatio 5. a 1 ô vero 2 Clav.

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Super Mario World

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=JJi6wSZr3go

Mozart - Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat, Movement 1 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-07 | As requested by Jason Feiner, I'll be covering Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat with the Super Mario 64 soundfont.

Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat major, K. 417
I. Allegro

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=QwjiZQqRgng

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=c85EwUKC3NQ

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=SZsHyPI_9Iw

Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-06 | Here's a rendition of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Pokémon DPP soundfont, as requested by Matt Fabbs.

Rhapsody in Blue

Composer: George Gershwin

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Mother 3 version: youtube.com/watch?v=XVFzXdwIkm0

Debussy - Arabesque No. 1 in E major (Pokémon MD2 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-05 | As requested by Jay Weigall, I'll be covering Debussy's Arabesques with the Pokémon MD2 soundfont.

Among Debussy's early works, we can find a contrasting pair of Arabesques. Despite their differences, Debussy's Impressionistic voice is already present in both, as well as a certain oriental taste, owing mostly to careful use of the pentatonic scale.
The beautiful Arabesque No. 1 in E major is the calmer of the two, its opening arpeggios being an instantly memorable feature.
The middle section (1:24-2:43), despite a couple of loud climaxes, is quieter overall, but also a tad more dramatic and introspective.

Two Arabesques
I. Andantino con moto

Composer: Claude Debussy

Soundfont: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2

Arabesque No. 2: youtube.com/watch?v=JdKcmJOk1kE

Pokémon HGSS version: youtube.com/watch?v=RmAaiHxTaEU

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=Ni4ms_t84Lw

Brahms - Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Movement 1 (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-04 | As requested by Johnny, I'll be covering Brahms's Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, starting with its first movement.

Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120
I. Allegro appassionato

Composer: Johannes Brahms

Soundfont: Mother 3

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=QOMLX2wCbCg

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=NhXN95u1lhM

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=pipYp2VMAqw

Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, Movement 3 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-03 | The horns proclaim their return right off the bat in the most explicitly jovial movement of the concerto thus far. In this respect, it would serve as a perfectly serviceable finale, if it weren't for the fact that this is the only concerto to have more than three movements.
Interestingly, though, the rollicking proceedings are suddenly and dramatically halted for a moment (2:30), offering a short space for a passionate solo from the solo violin (trumpet here).
When the main material of this pseudo-finale is promptly given its full reprise (2:33), it's introduced and mostly commanded by that very same soloist.

Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046
III. Allegro

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-wqVgSh30

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=W4gZml8H97U

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=iECURR9JWCQ

Pokémon RSE version: youtube.com/watch?v=7SxM2d05tno

Mozart - Symphony No. 25 in G minor, Movement 3 (Ocarina of Time Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-02 | Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183/173dB
III. Menuetto & Trio

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=yiVmDxUcmUk

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=-dPSOs7F2YE

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=kfpVtHcYqrM

Mozart - Divertimento No. 17 in D major, Movement 3 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-06-01 | Here's a rendition of Mozart's Divertimento No. 17 with the Super Mario 64 soundfont, as requested by almond berry. Unfortunately, this is the only movement of this piece that I can cover at the moment.

The first of two Minuets in this expansive Divertimento, this is the most well-known movement of the piece. Its character, fitting for a Divertimento, is inoffensive, amiable, and graceful.
Its Trio section (2:17-3:40) is a tad more lively, but never far from any of the qualities previously mentioned.

Divertimento No. 17 in D major, K. 334/320b
III. Menuetto - Trio

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=a3xhh5X_7DA

Debussy - Images, I. Reflets dans leau (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-31 | As requested by Shimby, here's Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau with the Pokémon DPP soundfont's piano.

Images, Book I
I. Reflets dans l'eau

Composer: Claude Debussy

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Movement 3 (Majoras Mask Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-30 | Directly following the second movement's beautiful conclusion, we hear a teasingly playful mood that's utterly new to what has been so far a quite serious concerto. Hearing this, one could almost be fooled into thinking that this will be a lighthearted finale, but soon enough Rachmaninoff pulls us from this idea and arrives at the main theme, something that in its spice and fury is far more similar to the first movement in temperament (0:43).

The secondary theme, one of this concerto's most famous melodies, could hardly be more different (2:00). It is sensuous and lyrical, while also having a somewhat mysterious air about it.
Perhaps making up for the first movement's rather short development, the one found here is quite long and more elaborate. Rachmaninoff even finds room for a brief fugal treatment of his main theme (4:52).

In one of the concerto's most irresistible and Romantic gestures, the secondary theme is given a grand reprise near the end (10:24). Every one of its expressive qualities is still present, with an added sense of ecstasy. Tchaikovsky was reportedly a model for Rachmaninoff in his concertos, and here's perhaps where that inspiration is made most apparent.
Once this reprise has run its course, the music accelerates toward its thrilling conclusion. The pianist's excitement builds with the music's speed, culminating in a final display of virtuosity: an electrifying cascade of chords (11:30).

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
III. Allegro scherzando

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=P58HDmCpK2Y

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=WojV17XpuYc

Pokémon DPP version: youtube.com/watch?v=vGPmGkEcpVU

Wagner - Lohengrin, Prelude to Act I (Mother 3 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-29 | As requested by GD, here's a rendition of the Prelude to Act I from Wagner's Lohengrin with the Mother 3 soundfont.

The overture to Tannhauser, one of Wagner's most formidable, is known for being utterly packed with events and different moods. The one he composed for his next opera, Lohengrin, could hardly be more different. It remains softly luminous, slow, and introverted throughout. Though it does build towards a climax in its last third, thoroughly Wagnerian in its awesome and moving power, the overture concludes in the same manner in which it began.

Lohengrin, WWV 75
Prelude to Act I

Composer: Richard Wagner

Soundfont: Mother 3

Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, Movement 2 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-28 | This striking movement is perhaps the most somber and melancholic in all of the Brandenburg Concertos. It's almost entirely built around an intensely passionate melody, stated at the beginning by an oboe (accordion here) and then taken over by the solo violin (trumpet here) (0:24).

The mood remains dark throughout, especially during the last stretch (3:37), but right at the end, the music brightens up ever so slightly. Landing on a dominant chord, the movement ends in strong anticipation for the following one (3:56).

Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046
II. Adagio

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-wqVgSh30

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=f3hOpG3GaBA

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=iECURR9JWCQ

Pokémon RSE version: youtube.com/watch?v=loNBsQeiTsw

Mozart - Symphony No. 25 in G minor, Movement 2 (Ocarina of Time Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-27 | Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183/173dB
II. Andante

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=yiVmDxUcmUk

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=n4gTzluygqs

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=kfpVtHcYqrM

Beethoven - Violin Sonata No. 5 Spring, Movement 4 (Super Mario 64 Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-26 | To conclude his Spring Sonata, Beethoven chooses the conventional but effective choice of a Rondo Finale. This one is amiable and friendly, entirely in character for the nickname of the piece, even despite a pair of contrasting episodes that explore minor keys.

Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major "Spring", Op. 24
IV. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

Soundfont: Super Mario 64

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=oW_HLuPVp60

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=3FbM6a18VdM

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=g-Cf2ocXFEw

Mahler - Symphony No. 6 Tragic, Movement 4 (Pokémon DPP Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-25 | In this powerful Finale, perhaps the greatest that Mahler ever wrote, everything comes to a head. Here's where the ultimate fate of the symphony's narrative will be decided and nothing communicates that more clearly than the very beginning of the movement.
Emerging seamlessly from the E-flat conclusion of the Andante, the piece opens in C minor with a true wonder of orchestration, a mist cloud that manages to sound both magical and profoundly unnerving, sinister.
It is quickly dispelled by something we haven't heard in a long time, the fateful major-to-minor chord (0:21), which has returned with a vengeance. In fact, the whole movement is permeated by it; it not only appears many times with its trademark forcefulness but is also used subtly as a natural harmonic accompaniment (3:33 is but one example of this).

After a very extensive, dark, and mostly hushed introduction that teases much of the material that will be heard in the Finale's discourse, the upward surge that was heard many times in the Scherzo proves to be the springboard for the exposition's main theme: an emotionally unstable march of unpredictable disposition (5:41).
The Scherzo isn't the only piece that's revisited here. Sharp-eared listeners will notice that many elements from the previous movements will return throughout the course of the Finale. For example, one can hear a callback to the first movement's main theme at 7:39. Consequently, elements of that same movement's "Alma Theme" are used throughout the far more cheerful second theme (8:27).

A chillingly abrupt return of the dust cloud heralds the beginning of the development section (9:33). Its first of its massive paragraphs is seemingly a reprise of the introduction, but all events are considerably changed. In fact, we get an extremely brief moment of respite with a heartbreakingly fleeting callback to the Andante (11:52-12:01), swiftly swept aside with utmost cruelty.
To describe the rest of the development as a conflict is a gross understatement if there ever was one. Mahler does give some resistance to the symphony's tragic conclusion, and that's where one of the most famous aspects of his Sixth Symphony comes into play: each time victory seems near, the "hero" of this narrative is struck down by a mighty hammer blow, the first at 13:42, the second at 18:43. As is often pointed out, there were originally three hammer blows, but the superstitious composer eliminated the third in fear of tempting fate.

A third appearance of the dust cloud begins the recapitulation (19:50). The ensuing reprise of the introduction and both of the exposition's themes are, as expected from Mahler, varied in almost every detail.
In an inspired move, when he segues again into the exposition, he does so with the cheerful second theme first (22:49). When it is inevitably soured and leads into a significantly more strident and mercurial rendition of the main theme (24:58), the resulting feeling is all the more bitter and hopeless. With a heightened sense of urgency and every emotion carried to its extreme, the music seems more desperate and terrified than ever.
Once again, though, it seems as though we will somehow pull through all this and reach triumph, but one final return of the dust cloud along with the major-to-minor chord crushes that idea (29:22), this time for good. For those interested, this is where the third hammer blow was going to be played. Some conductors consider it superfluous, deeming the return of the dust cloud fatalistic enough by itself. Others see it as absolutely essential and restore it.

The ensuing coda unfolds in the manner of a requiem and is some of the gloomiest music that Mahler ever composed. Little by little, the music sinks away into the darkness in defeat, and the last thing we hear is absolutely chilling: the major-to-minor chord is screamed but now devoid of its major chord. In other words, without the false hope of a major key resolution but also without any sense of disappointment.
It is now just a despairing scream in the face of oblivion.

Symphony No. 6 in A minor "Tragic"
IV. Finale: Sostenuto – Allegro moderato – Allegro energico

Composer: Gustav Mahler

Soundfont: Pokémon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=RZv1cGwMOD4

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=SOe06Lyc9kc

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=Qdz0ufqkGlY

Ocarina of Time version: youtube.com/watch?v=x-s93yoHa1o

Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Movement 2 (Majoras Mask Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-24 | After the ending of the previous movement in C minor, a series of chords ease us into the distant key of E major (0:19), for one of the most gorgeous slow movements in the piano concerto literature.
The primary material isn't concerned with being complex at all; instead, it focuses mostly on a single flowing melody that is played first by the flute (0:39) and continued by a clarinet (0:54), while the piano soloist is unexpectedly relegated to an accompaniment role. But what an accompaniment it is!

There's an expansive middle section that is, at least at first, more agitated and troubled (3:52), but as it progresses it covers a wide variety of material and moods. Quite often, the piano soloist gets to show off their skill here.
Eventually, the highly melodic first section returns in a slightly abbreviated form (7:32), and is followed by a set of chords played by the piano and accompanied by the orchestra (9:09). The mood presented here seems to be both ecstatic and melancholic at once.
The orchestra gradually dies down and the piano alone finishes the movement with a beautifully peaceful afterword (9:51).

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
II. Adagio sostenuto – Più animato – Tempo I

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Movement 1: youtube.com/watch?v=P58HDmCpK2Y

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=Ux3I8m57kxc

Pokémon DPP version: youtube.com/watch?v=pkrR2Tpv8uw

8-bit version: youtube.com/watch?v=beOT4X1vH_4

Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King (Pokémon RSE Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-23 | As requested by Jackson Keller, here's a rendition of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" with the Pokémon RSE soundfont.

This is easily the most famous movement of the suite, and it's one that you'll most likely recognize.
The structure isn't complicated at all and mostly consists of the same melody, an unforgettable one at that, being played over and over again. This is at first done very quietly, but it steadily gets both louder and faster, culminating in the loudest music of the whole suite.
Needless to say, it's no wonder that this was chosen as the piece to conclude this suite in an appropriately climactic and impressive fashion.

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46
IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King

Composer: Edvard Grieg

Soundfont: Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2 version: youtube.com/watch?v=uMA3gCbe3jw

Super Mario 64 version: youtube.com/watch?v=nHwGm6__G04

Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, Movement 1 (Pokémon BW Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-22 | The "First" Brandenburg Concerto (unlikely to have actually been the first one to be composed) is quite an impressive work even when compared to its siblings. Not only is it the only one to have more than three movements, having four, but it also features the largest orchestra.
Due to all these factors, it's easily the "biggest" of the concertos and maybe it's because of this Bach numbered it as No. 1, positioning it at the front of the catalog.

The first movement would seem to be a pretty standard opening Allegro movement, except that it features the guest (at that time) instruments, the two French Horns, in a prominent fashion. However, the music played by these two is more fanfare-like than anything else, and I've seen them called a fitting representation of "hunting horns invading the concert hall".
On top of that, the movement is at times less joyous than it might have promised at the outset, with the opening music appearing in a darker, minor key coloration (1:09 and 2:16).

Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046
I. Allegro (unspecified)

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

Soundfont: Pokémon Black/White

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=W4gZml8H97U

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=f3hOpG3GaBA

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=iECURR9JWCQ

Pokémon RSE version: youtube.com/watch?v=p41S-Uhcs5I

Mozart - Symphony No. 25 in G minor, Movement 1 (Ocarina of Time Soundfont)

Classical Entertainment System 2023-05-21 | As requested by sea otter, I'll be covering the remaining movements of Mozart's Symphony No. 25 with the Ocarina of Time soundfont.

Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183/173dB
I. Allegro con brio

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Soundfont: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Movement 2: youtube.com/watch?v=-dPSOs7F2YE

Movement 3: youtube.com/watch?v=n4gTzluygqs

Movement 4: youtube.com/watch?v=kfpVtHcYqrM