Pixel Melodies— Tetris

Overview

Video game music is a world of its own. Its composers have drawn inspiration from great classical masters such as Beethoven and Wagner, while also echoing the styles of Erik Satie and Francis Poulenc. Why does the theme from Tetris fit its ever-accelerating gameplay so perfectly? What makes the music accompanying the dungeons in The Legend of Zelda so distinctive? Max Dozolme explores the stories, influences, and musical ideas behind some of the most iconic soundtracks in video game history.

Documentary

Current EpisodeSeason 1 • Episode 1Aired: 2026-06-185 min

1. Tetris

Behind the falling blocks of Tetris lies one of the most recognizable melodies in video game history. With balalaika player Nicolas Kedroff, Max Dozolme traces the Russian origins of the game's famous theme and reveals how the 19th-century folk song Korobeiniki became one of the most iconic tunes in gaming. Originally from the Soviet Union, Tetris was one of the defining video games of the 1980s. When Nintendo released the game internationally, Korobeiniki became closely associated with its fast-paced gameplay. Traditionally performed with an accelerating tempo, the melody perfectly mirrors the increasing speed and intensity of Tetris, making it an inseparable part of the game's enduring legacy.