To That SummerJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – One Summer’s Day

You can listen to one of Studio Ghibli’s finest masterpieces, “One Summer’s Day” from the film Spirited Away, performed by the composer Joe Hisaishi himself.

The clear tone of the piano and the melody played in a quiet atmosphere instantly draw you into the film’s world.

Although there is no orchestra visible in the footage, the strings and harp gently enter, stirring emotions that overflow with memories of summer in Japan.

Even on the big screen it is a live performance, but when you can see the musicians playing, their expressions and breathing come through even more clearly, and the expression is conveyed all the more.

Become the windAyano Tsuji

“I Become the Wind” – The Cat Returns Theme Song [With Sheet Music] Tried Playing by Ear on Piano – Piano Cover – CANACANA

Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” is performed as a piano solo.

This piece is the ending theme of Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns, which is set around the premise that the story was written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart.

In The Cat Returns, the protagonist Haru saves a cat that is about to get into an accident; when the cats come to thank her, she chases after them and wanders into the world where cats live, then escapes together with Baron.

The exhilarating feeling that swells as the ending begins is wonderful.

In the piano version, it is powerfully yet delicately arranged and performed by the CANACANA family, who are known for excellent, model-like performances mainly of classical pieces.

It preserves the rhythmic drive of the original, and the way it’s played makes it feel as if the piano version were the original itself—truly splendid!

Mother’s BroomJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – Mother’s Broom (from Kiki’s Delivery Service)

Conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself, who is active worldwide, “A Mother’s Broom” from Studio Ghibli’s gem of a film Kiki’s Delivery Service is being performed by an overseas orchestra.

It begins with an introduction reminiscent of “A Town with an Ocean View,” which plays in the film, and then transitions into a lovely violin solo.

This piece accompanies the scene where Kiki sets off on her journey, seen off by her parents and friends, and it’s a masterpiece that conveys her mother’s kindness and the warmth of her hometown.

The performance itself also conveys that gentleness and warmth, bringing a sense of comfort to the heart.

Ashitaka DiaryJoe Hisaishi

Princess Mononoke – The Legend of Ashitaka

This is “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke, a work that stands proudly as a heavy and grand orchestral piece in its own right.

Studio Ghibli began as a feature animation production company with the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on March 11, 1984, and Princess Mononoke is its tenth film.

It is also known for elevating animation from something consumed solely by fans to a form of “art.” The production scale was immense, and from around this time, more recordings featured live orchestral performances.

Listening to the music, it is not merely background accompaniment for animation but sounds like a worthy new classical work in its own right.

The orchestral performance was by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra, and this was also the first time a permanent professional orchestra, rather than an ad hoc ensemble, was employed.

Anna (Piano Arrangement)Takatoki Muramatsu

When Marnie Was There OST – Anna (Anna) Piano Cover

Hiromasa Yonebayashi of Studio Ghibli adapted Joan G.

Robinson’s children’s novel “When Marnie Was There” into an animated film, and the piece “Anna” that plays in the movie also has a piano version.

It is memorably performed by an orchestra in scenes such as when Anna and Setsu are preparing lunch and when Marnie and Anna say their goodbyes, but as a piano solo it feels delicate and heartrending, conveying Anna’s emotions beautifully.

The sheet music has been published as well, so if you play piano, it might be nice to try performing it while recalling the film’s scenes.

The Pigeon and the BoyJoe Hisaishi

[2022/9/3] Irodori One-Coin Concert [Brass] “The Dove and the Boy”

This is the piece that Pazu plays as a morning call on the bugle in Castle in the Sky.

In the film, Pazu plays it alone, but here it’s arranged for a brass ensemble.

It begins with a trumpet solo, then horn, trombone, tuba, and others join to form a fanfare for brass ensemble.

Midway through, the ending theme from Castle in the Sky, “Carrying You,” is woven in, allowing listeners to enjoy a sense of musical storytelling.

Pazu’s trumpet, performed first thing in the morning, has been a hot topic among brass players—professional-level playing that would catch a scout’s ear.

Even pros need to warm up, and many say they envy the ability to hit high notes from early in the day.

Pazu’s performance was played by studio musician Susumu Kazuhara, who is active in film scores, jazz, and karaoke backing tracks, and it is a superb performance.

strollJoe Hisaishi

My Neighbor Totoro – Hey let’s go (Ghibli 25th year Budokan concert)

Azumi Inoue’s “Sanpo,” the signature song from Studio Ghibli’s emblematic film My Neighbor Totoro, is performed here with orchestra and chorus.

The footage is from “Joe Hisaishi in Budokan: 25 Years with the Animations of Hayao Miyazaki,” featuring numerous Ghibli masterpieces arranged and conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself.

The live texture of the orchestra is truly wonderful.

This piece was previously arranged for “Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro,” which includes a narrated performance—highly recommended as well.

Like an instrument introduction, it features sections where only the woodwinds or only the brass play, as well as sections for strings and percussion, plus solo passages, making it an arrangement that showcases the orchestra’s appeal.

It’s also recommended as an introductory piece for those new to orchestral music.