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Johann Sebastian Bach - Minuet from French Suite No. 3 in B Minor, BWV 814 (Arr. Hirokazu Tanaka for GameBoy "Tetris Theme")

The Tetris theme is one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of video game music. Here are some interesting facts about the Tetris theme and its connection to the game:

  1. Korobeiniki:

    • The Tetris theme is actually a Russian folk song called "Korobeiniki." The original song dates back to the 19th century and tells the story of a peddler and a girl haggling over goods.
  2. Tetris's Russian Origins:

    • Tetris was created by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984. The game's name is a combination of "tetra" (from the Greek word meaning four) and "tennis," Pajitnov's favorite sport.
  3. Nintendo's Tetris:

    • The Tetris theme gained widespread popularity when Nintendo published the game for the Game Boy in 1989. The success of the Game Boy version helped establish the handheld console and made the Tetris theme a cultural phenomenon.
  4. Various Arrangements:

    • The Tetris theme has been arranged and covered in numerous styles and genres over the years. It has been performed by orchestras, rock bands, and electronic musicians, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
  5. Memorable Variations:

    • Different versions of Tetris have featured variations of the theme. For example, the Nintendo Game Boy version had a unique rendition, and subsequent adaptations and sequels have introduced their own interpretations.
  6. The "Tetris Effect":

    • The term "Tetris Effect" refers to a phenomenon where people, after playing Tetris for a prolonged period, start to see falling shapes and patterns in their mind's eye, even when not playing the game. This phenomenon highlights the game's immersive and lasting impact on players.
  7. Cultural Impact:

    • The Tetris theme has become synonymous with video gaming and is often used in popular culture to reference gaming in general. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and even on the dance floor as remixes in various electronic music genres.
  8. Guinness World Record:

    • In 2009, a group of musicians set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of people playing the Tetris theme simultaneously. Over 200 musicians played the theme together in a live performance.
  9. Tetris Effect (The Game):

    • In 2018, a game titled "Tetris Effect" was released for PlayStation 4 and later for other platforms. The game, named after the Tetris Effect phenomenon, features stunning visuals and music that reacts to the player's actions, providing a unique and immersive gameplay experience.

The Tetris theme continues to be a symbol of the golden age of video games and is celebrated for its timeless and universal appeal.

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