Paper Mario: The Origami King (theme)
| "Paper Mario: The Origami King" | |
|---|---|
| |
| Composed by: Unknown | |
| Key | B major |
| Appears in | Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020) |
"Paper Mario: The Origami King" is the main theme of the titular game. This track influences much of the game's music, with arrangements of it heard throughout, and it contains a seven-note melody that is frequently incorporated into other tracks. In this way, it serves a similar purpose to "Main Theme" from Paper Mario: Color Splash. The main version of the track is heard immediately after starting the game, and is composed of harpsichord, woodwind, strings, piano, marimba and choir.
Uses[edit]
Full arrangements[edit]
The game's intro cutscene theme, "Heading to Peach's Castle with Luigi," is a brief flute, marimba and piano arrangement of the main theme's opening.
The track that plays when Olivia is trapped in the dungeon of Peach's Castle, "Olivia's First Appearance," plays the main theme's leitmotif multiple times on a distant, echoing bell. After Bob-omb explodes and Olivia runs away crying, another similar, somber arrangement titled "Sad Olivia" begins playing.
"Olivia's Bench" is a more calm and minimalistic arrangement of the main theme. It uses the toy piano commonly associated with Olivia. The track plays when Mario and Olivia sit on the Relaxing Bench in the Whispering Woods.
"Olivia Transforms" uses the main melody with violin and electric guitar, similarly to "Vellumental Battle." "Olivia Transforms (Final Battle)" is an extended version that is first interrupted with King Olly's music box leitmotif, then continues into a more triumphant version.
"MAX Confetti Increased!" is a fanfare that plays after Mario clears a streamer, using the main theme's leitmotif. "All Streamers Cleared!" is a more triumphant variant with additional orchestral instrumentation that plays after destroying the green streamer.
"Sensor Lab" is a techno arrangement making use of high-pitched chiptune sounds and sound effects. It plays in the Sensor Lab at Picnic Road. A simpler variant not found in the Sound Gallery plays in the satellite offices.
"Café" is a guitar arrangement that plays in the various cafés found throughout the game.
"Game Over" is an ethereal arrangement that plays on the Game Over screen.
Additionally, the jingles that play when Mario frees Olivia from the wall in Peach's Castle, when he collects a Collectable Treasure, when he has obtained all the trophies in the museum, and when he catches a large fish at a fishing spot are all based on the main theme.
Toad Town[edit]
The theme of Toad Town is heavily based on the game’s main theme, with it evolving over the course of the game. Once it has been cleared of Paper Macho Soldiers, "Toad Town Ghost Town" begins playing. It is the most minimalistic version of the track, played on alto recorder, marimba, and accordion. After this, each streamer removed introduces new instruments:
- The "Red Streamer Removal" variant removes the accordion, and adds a piano and hi-hat.
- The "Blue Streamer Removal" variant removes the recorder, and adds a shaker and a woodwind quartet of flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon.
- The "Yellow Streamer Removal" variant removes the marimba, and adds harmonica, bass, and a drum set.
- The "Purple Streamer Removal" variant adds in the strings section, including a solo violin.
- The "Green Streamer Removal" variant adds glockenspiel, harpsichord, piano, and electric guitar.
The Toad Town theme also has two arrangements that play depending on Mario's location. "Toad Town Port" is an accordion cover that plays at the harbor area. "Musée Champignon" is a piano arrangement that plays in the museum.
Other incorporations[edit]
| Track name | Timestamp | Description |
|---|---|---|
| "Folded Soldier's First Appearance" | 0:24 | The main motif is sung by a female choir. |
| "Toad Town in Trouble" | 0:09 | Notes of the main theme are bookended by a deep bell sound. |
| "King Olly Enters" | 0:55 | The main motif is played on an ominous piano. |
| "Peach's Castle Rises" | 0:29 | The first four notes of the motif are played twice, with the fourth note being prolonged both times. |
| "Olivia Having Fun" | 0:22 | A countermelody piano, backed by a toy piano and woodwind instruments, recites the main motif. |
| "Exploring the Great Sea" | 1:09 | The motif is recited on strings. |
| "The Great Sea" | 0:56 | The motif is recited by a counterpoint piano. |
| "The Fold of Life" | 0:15 | The motif is played on bell chimes. |
| "Diamond Island" | 0:42 | An oboe recites the melody in 3/4 time. |
| "The Princess Peach (Nobody's Home)" | 0:15 | Only the first four notes are played by a harp. |
| "Bowser's Encouragement" | 0:48 | A more triumphant version of the main theme is played on strings. |
| "Origami Castle" | 1:06 | The main theme is sung by a female choir with toy piano accompaniment, then twice more by the strings. |
| "Battle with King Olly" | 0:08 | The motif is played on piano at a fast tempo before the electric guitar melody starts. A violin complements the melody later on. |
| "King Olly, Origami Overlord" | 0:42 | The motif is played on a toy piano at a slow, solemn tempo, then again by a flute. |
| "King Olly and Mega Bowser" | 0:47 | The main motif is quoted by an electric guitar and glockenspiel. |
| "Olivia's Final Magic Circle" | 0:12 | The main motif (particularly the opening segment) is quoted by a choir-sounding synth with an intense electric guitar backing. |
| "Ending" | 1:59 | The main theme is played by a soft piano three times, as a female vocal is heard over them. |
| "Staff Credits" | 0:29 | This track incorporates motifs from both "Paper Mario: The Origami King" and "Red Streamer Battle." |
