[Ghibli] Timeless Ghibli Classics in Classical Arrangements: The charm of Ghibli music performed with live instruments
Classical music and Ghibli.
At first glance, this combination may seem worlds apart, yet it’s quietly sparking a boom among music fans.
Ghibli’s beloved melodies, performed on classical instruments like the piano and violin, bring us new allure and profound emotion.
While preserving the warmth and tenderness of the originals, the grandeur and delicacy unique to classical music are added, creating a fresh experience that feels like listening to an entirely different story.
Experience for yourself how those famous tunes you know so well are reborn through classical arrangements.
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[Ghibli] Timeless Ghibli Classics in Classical Arrangements: The Allure of Ghibli Music Performed on Live Instruments (31–40)
Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn
From When Marnie Was There.
Priscilla Ahn is an American singer-songwriter who debuted in 2008.
A devoted fan of Studio Ghibli’s films, she was invited to perform a Christmas concert at the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in 2013, and through that connection was chosen to sing the theme song for the film.
The lyrics, which mirror the feelings of a girl who doesn’t fit in—echoing the film’s protagonist—reflect the loneliness Ahn herself felt during her school years.
It’s a memorable piece, marked by a whispery vocal delivery and a tone tinged with melancholy.
Arrietty`s SongSimon Caby
From The Secret World of Arrietty.
Cécile Corbel is a French singer-songwriter and harpist—an artist who sings while playing the harp.
She also wrote the lyrics and composed the music for this piece.
She became responsible for the film’s theme song after she sent Studio Ghibli a letter saying she had long been a big fan of Ghibli films and that her music was influenced by them, along with a CD of her work.
She also handled the score for the film, and the sound of the Celtic harp creates a fantastical atmosphere.
Because she sings in Japanese, her pronunciation sometimes sounds indistinct; paradoxically, that enhances the otherworldly feel and results in a song unlike any before.
Cécile’s clear, pure vocals and the slightly wistful melody fit the film beautifully.
Symphonic Poem“NAUSICAÄ”Joe Hisaishi
Ghibli music usually gives a heartwarming impression, but this Nausicaä piece feels completely different no matter how many times I listen to it.
Even so, it’s filled with gentleness and poignancy, and it moves me to tears.
The piano delivers an incredibly beautiful melody.
THE WIND RISES The Wind Rises From the film “The Wind Rises”Joe Hisaishi
This one also has a nostalgic feel that brings to mind scenes from a movie.
It’s sweet and bittersweet, and I find myself wanting to listen to it over and over.
With the imagery from the film in mind, every time I hear the music I can’t help but think of it, and the tears naturally start to flow.
I want to listen to it again.
"Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" - Highlights -Joe Hisaishi
There may be no piece more perfectly suited for orchestral performance than Nausicaä.
It’s great that we can enjoy so many different versions.
This one is a well-rounded piece of music that feels reassuring to listen to.
It has a lovely melody.
[Ghibli] Classic arrangements of beloved Ghibli tunes. The charm of Ghibli music performed on live instruments (41–50)
Always With MeJoe Hisaishi
From Spirited Away.
The original song is by Yumi Kimura.
Wakako Kaku, who also wrote the lyrics for this piece, is active as a lyricist, poet, and singer-songwriter, and has provided lyrics for a variety of artists including SMAP and Rimi Natsukawa.
This song won honors such as the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards.
She also wrote the lyrics for “Mother Sea,” a song from the Studio Ghibli film Ponyo.
Known by many alongside the film, it’s a piece whose lyrics evoke death yet, with a somehow calming melody, resonates deeply in the heart.
Name of LifeJoe Hisaishi
“Name of Life” from the film Spirited Away is performed here as a poignant, ephemeral healing piano piece.
In the film it’s known as “One Summer’s Day,” but on the Image Album, Yumi Kimura—famous for “Always With Me”—sings lyrics she wrote to Joe Hisaishi’s melody.
Rendered with a gentle touch, this piece both evokes the scenes from the movie and becomes a healing music that seems to cleanse the listener’s heart.
The interlude arrangement is also wonderful, unfolding a musical drama on the piano that brings tears to your eyes.