Magolor, the Far-Flung Traveler
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"Magolor, the Distant Traveler" (彼方からの旅人マホロア)[2] is the musical piece associated with Magolor. It debuted alongside him in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and often reappears as his leitmotif in later games. The theme was composed by Hirokazu Ando.
Composition
"Magolor, the Distant Traveler" is a chipper tune that is normally set in D major, 4/4 time, with a time signature of around 150 beats per minute. It features the distinctive "oompah" rhythm associated with polkas, which is reflected in its instrumentation; it prominently features acoustic bass, piano, and flute, as well as synth embellishments.
Game appearances
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Magolor's theme first appears here and is primarily used as the main menu theme (prior to reaching 100% completion, which changes the music). It also reappears as a motif throughout the rest of the game's soundtrack, most notably in "CROWNED", the final boss theme, in which it is featured in a minor key, orchestral reprise. The menu theme reappears in Kirby: Triple Deluxe as the theme for the Copy Ability Testing Area.
Kirby's Dream Collection
Two versions of Magolor's theme appear in this game. The first is titled "New Challenge Stages" (もっとチャレンジステージ) on Kirby Star Allies: The Original Soundtrack, and appears on the title screen and during races with Magolor. This variation uses entirely synthetic instrumentation and a more syncopated rhythm. It reappears in Triple Deluxe as a stage theme in Fine Fields - Stage 6 EX, and in Kirby Star Allies as a stage theme on Extra Planet β.
The other variation is titled "Distant Traveler" (異空ヲカケル旅人, The Traveler Across Another Dimension), and plays during the Magolor Race EX. This variation is set in a faster tempo and a minor key, but has similar synthetic instrumentation other than including an electric guitar. It reappears in Kirby: Triple Deluxe as the extra stage theme for Dedede's Drum Dash; its fast-paced rhythm makes it suitably difficult.
Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe
An acoustic arrangement of "Distant Traveler" featuring melodica and ukelele appears as the staff credits theme upon clearing all of the secret stages. This arrangement actually debuted as part of the track "Dededeluxe!" on the Kirby: Triple Deluxe Soundtrack, where it formed a medley with the other Dedede's Drum Dash stage themes. It reappears in Kirby: Planet Robobot in The True Arena, playing during the Mid-Boss All-Stars 1 fight.
Team Kirby Clash Deluxe
Another acoustic arrangement of "Magolor, the Distant Traveler" is used while speaking to him at his Shoppe in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe. It focuses on strings, featuring ukelele and mandolin, as well as marimba and acoustic bass. It reappears in Super Kirby Clash, unaltered and filling the same purpose.
Kirby Star Allies
A short jingle based on "Magolor, the Distant Traveler" is used as Magolor's Dream Friend jingle, which is titled "Bravo! Magolor Has Come" (ブラボー！マホロアがキテアゲタヨォ) on the official soundtrack. The theme's title uses Magolor's katakana-based speaking style.
The Celebration Picture "The Shape of a Heart" features a fuller arrangement of the theme. It uses a slower tempo and gentle instrumentation, featuring a leading piano with Rhodes piano and acoustic bass. Both of these arrangements were done by Yuuta Ogasawara.
Other appearances
For the Kirby Memorial Arrangements album, a full big band ensemble was assembled to record exclusive arrangements. One, titled "I'll Never Forget You" (キミたちとの思い出は忘れない, We Won't Forget Our Memories with You), is a medley of "Magolor, the Distant Traveler" and "The Noble Haltmann". It was arranged by Shogo Sakai and extended to include solos for saxophone, trombone, and trumpet.
A gentle waltz arrangement is incorporated in the track "Marionette Kitchen" (マリオネットキッチン) on the album The Sound of Kirby Café 2, where it is combined into a medley with "Vs. Marx".
