We have a collection of 2 arrangements for Hirokazu Tanaka — Tetris Theme B
How did a Soviet-era puzzle game theme become a global earworm? Learn!
Hirokazu Tanaka is a Japanese composer and musician known for his work in the video game industry. He was born on December 13, 1957, in Kyoto, Japan. Here are some interesting facts about Hirokazu Tanaka and his iconic work on the Tetris theme song:
Creation of the Tetris Theme Song (Korobeiniki): Tanaka is credited with creating the music for the Game Boy version of Tetris, released in 1989. The famous Tetris theme song is an arrangement of a traditional Russian folk tune called "Korobeiniki."
Versatility in Music Composition: Tanaka is known for his versatility in music composition, having worked on a wide range of games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy. His portfolio includes games like Metroid, Kid Icarus, and EarthBound.
Famicom Sound House: Tanaka was part of the Famicom Sound House, a group of composers at Nintendo responsible for creating music for various games on the Famicom (the Japanese version of the NES). This group played a significant role in shaping the sound of early Nintendo games.
Pioneer of Chiptune Music: Tanaka's work during the 8-bit era helped establish him as a pioneer of chiptune music, a genre that uses sound chips from vintage computers and consoles to create music. His compositions are celebrated for their catchy melodies and innovative use of limited hardware capabilities.
Influence on Video Game Music: The Tetris theme has become one of the most recognizable and enduring pieces of video game music. Its catchy and memorable melody has been covered and remixed by countless musicians and has become a cultural phenomenon beyond the gaming world.
Later Career: Tanaka continued his career in the video game industry and also explored other musical genres. He has been involved in various projects, including collaborations with other musicians and the creation of original music.
Legacy: Hirokazu Tanaka's contributions to the world of video game music have left a lasting impact. The Tetris theme, in particular, remains an iconic piece of music that continues to be loved by fans worldwide. It has transcended its origins in a video game to become a part of popular culture.