Banjo-Kazooie is an action platformer video game developed by Rare and originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998. The game was later ported to Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade, Wii U Virtual Console in 2013, celebrating Banjo-Kazooie’s 10th anniversary since release. Banjo-Kazooie is the fourth game in the Banjo-Kazooie series following Banjo-Tooie. Banjo-Kazooie follows Banjo and Kazooie, a bear (yellow) and red crested bird duo who are tasked with rescuing Banjo’s sister Tooty from Gruntilda the witch. Banjo-Kazooie is set in the Spiral Mountain and Isle O’ Hags. Banjo-Kazooie received largely positive reviews by critics, praising its presentation, graphics, gameplay, music. It has also been featured in several lists of best video games compiled since its release.
The Banjo-Kazooie Symphony is an orchestral medley Banjo-Kazooie which plays during the end credits of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. It has been performed live by The Beaux Arts Trio, Video Games Live, Play! A Video Game Symphony, and most recently with full orchestra at several Video Games Live concerts, where it is now a staple in their video game music setlist. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony was also performed live at the London Video Games Live Concert at the Battersea Power Station as part of the Game On exhibition celebrating Britain’s rich gaming history, Banjo-Kazooie Symphony received high praise from critics. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony was composed by Grant Kirkhope, who also worked on several other Banjo-Kazooie tracks. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony is made up of multiple sub tracks which are briefly heard during different stages of the game before being combined into one full track through the use of medleys. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony has been well received by critics, praised for its use of full orchestra in multiple concerts, with several journalists calling it one of the best pieces in Video Games Live’s setlist. The Banjo-Kazooie Symphony is available on Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts official soundtrack. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony is used in The Symphony’s 2014 concert, Video Games Live: Level 3. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony was also played in Play! A Video Game Symphony when it toured across Europe from 2005 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2010, being the first track of its setlist. Banjo-Kazooie Symphony was also featured in The Beaux Arts Trio’s Banjo-Kazooie: Gruntilda’s Lair album.
