Where did the music from treasure island dizzy come from? Is it a classical piece?

[777]

I've had a look at Google and yolfolk.com but can't find any references

[AndyC]

It was written by David Whittaker for Treasure Island Dizzy, as far as I am aware.

Most games of that era had music composed purely for the games.

[Ralf]

It's takes its inspirations from "tropical music" like Carribean or Hawaiian but seems to be an original composition.

[Lee Bee]

IMHO I'd say it's definitely an original piece written by David Whittaker, since it has all the hallmarks of his writing style, like the descending triplets heard in the melody—these feature in other Whittaker tunes of the time, including the original Dizzy game, and the BMX Freestyle title screen.

The chord progression between 1 and 6 is also something Whittaker used in games such as ATV Simulator. Not to mention liberal use of key change, which is classic Whittaker!

Inspiration

As for the song's inspiration, I don't personally hear too much Carribean influence, if any. The rhythm is very mechanical and tight, with no emphasis on the off-beat, so to me it sounds traditional British. Some of the background instruments do have a tremolo effect, which could suggest the tinkling of a steel drum, at a push. Though to me this sounds more like a bubbling sound, suggestive of Dizzy being underwater. (Then again, I'm not sure the effect was even deliberate as its appearance in the song is inconsistent.)

IMHO, the biggest inspiration for the track comes from traditional British folk music, particularly sea shanties (a well-known example being Drunken Sailor, though that song isn't in the 6:8 time signature like Treasure Island Dizzy).

A great example of the sea shanty in popular entertainment is The Pirates of Penzance opera from 1879, which features a couple of numbers that evoke the general feeling of Treasure Island Dizzy (with the same time signature), including Pour, Oh, Pour and The Pirate King (this tune would go on to be the inspiration for the 1920s theme tune for Popeye, which itself has certain jolly musical similarities to Treasure Island Dizzy.

Another example of the sea shanty in popular entertainment is the 1960s Disney song A Pirate's Life For Me from the Pirates of the Carribean ride. This ride would, in turn, inspire the Monkey Island franchise, which features the Carribean-influenced sea shanty Ghost Ship Shuffle.

I could be wrong, but I feel there's a Celtic influence behind Treasure Island Dizzy. I can totally hear it being played with an Irish whistle, accordion, and lots of foot-stamping and clapping, similar to music like this.

David Whittaker, if you're reading this, please do get in touch and tell us about your creative process! We love your music!

[Ast A. Moore]

(a well-known example being Drunken Sailor)

Oh, my god, what have you done? I don’t even need to click the link; a mere mention of that chantey ensures that that earworm will be firmly stuck in my head for the rest of the day (at least). “Earlay in the mornin’ . . .”

[sn3j]

Oh, my god, what have you done? I don’t even need to click the link; a mere mention of that chantey ensures that that earworm will be firmly stuck in my head for the rest of the day (at least). “Earlay in the mornin’ . . .”

I'm usually whistling this chant when I'm wiping the floor.

Another track by David Whittaker is the Zombi tune. Great stuff.