We recently learned that the reason why the famous main theme of the MGS series, officially composed by Tappi Iwase, was left out of the fourth instalment because of musical plagiarism, notably similarities with Russian composer Georgy Vasilyevich Sviridov’s Pushkin’s Garland, part of his Snowstorm soundtrack wrote in the 70s.
If you want to understand what the controversy is about, listen to the following sections.
Note: Just listen to the 5~6 seconds from the moment you click on the play button.
My advice: click on the links (the titles), you’ll be directed to a player that automatically cuts the sections, which makes it easier to listen to what’s relevant.
First, compare this section of the MGS theme to Sviridov’s creation:
Metal Gear Solid 2 - MGS2 Theme
Sviridov - The Snowstorm - Troika
Pretty close, eh?
And now this:
Metal Gear Solid 2 - MGS2 Theme
Sviridov - The Snowstorm - Winter Road
It sounds like in some cases, the MGS theme is Pushkin’s Garland, with a few notes left out. Other times, it’s just the same. Besides, the way the main sections of both tunes sound so similar, and even more, the way they are positioned, really explains why Konami didn’t insist.
Apparently, in this version of the game, the Soviet guy wins, don't you think? :)
This, of course, changes nothing to the quality of the series.
