[Ghibli] Timeless Ghibli Classics in Classical Arrangements: The charm of Ghibli music performed with live instruments

I stopped being alone.Akiko Yano

I’ve stopped being all alone (from “My Neighbors the Yamadas”)...

The theme from “My Neighbors the Yamadas” is performed here in a lovely piano arrangement.

I’ve previously introduced an orchestral version, but when this gentle depiction of everyday life is rendered on piano, it becomes even more immersive, like being drawn into a world of memories.

Everyday life is something everyone has, and it’s unique to each person—not measured by anyone else’s standards.

Yet when the everyday life that must have been mine is shown as images, a quiet feeling of “this is somehow nice” arises.

This piano version touches many people’s heartstrings and will surely brighten the listeners’ everyday lives.

Haru’s MemoriesYuji Nomi

영화 고양이의 보은 – Haru’s Memoriesㅣ 재패니메이션 OST 콘서트

From the film The Cat Returns, this is “Haru’s Memories.” The Cat Returns is framed as a story written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart, and the tale begins when the heroine, Haru, saves a cat that is about to have an accident.

Both The Cat Returns and Whisper of the Heart were scored by Yuji Nomi, whose works are known for their gentle warmth.

In the film, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra—familiar from game and anime music concerts—performs the score, and on the soundtrack a bonus track features the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, resulting in a work of high caliber even as a listening experience.

In the video, a Korean orchestra performs it in concert, showing its popularity abroad as well.

The flute, harp, and tender strings are truly soothing.

againJoe Hisaishi

JOE HISAISHI & WORLD DREAM ORCHESTRA 2018 Spirited Away Suite ‘Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi’ Again Reprise

An iconic scene from the film Spirited Away is being performed by a full classical orchestra.

The piece was titled “Chihiro’s Waltz” on the image album, and in the latter half of the film it plays during the unforgettable moment when Haku regains his name and he and Chihiro fall from the sky hand in hand.

Hearing it performed by a live orchestra will surely bring back memories of the movie and move many listeners to tears.

It’s one of those Ghibli masterpieces you should hear at a concert at least once.

A Town with an Ocean ViewJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – A Town with an Ocean View

The famous Kiki’s Delivery Service piece “A Town with an Ocean View” is being performed by a full-fledged overseas classical orchestra.

This piece is used in the film’s opening when Kiki takes off from the train, expressing her excitement as she heads to a new town, as well as the breath and everyday life of the townspeople.

Though Studio Ghibli is a Japanese studio, it’s said that the town of Koriko was inspired by Stockholm in Sweden and Visby on the island of Gotland, so having a European orchestra perform it gives the music an even greater sense of realism.

Carrying YouJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi Budokan Concert – Castle in the Sky: Carrying You (HD)

From Castle in the Sky.

This is a song by Azumi Inoue, who debuted as an idol singer in 1983.

Thanks to the acclaim this song received, she also performed the theme song “My Neighbor Totoro” and the opening theme “Stroll” for the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro.

In addition, she contributed two insert songs—“The Passing Seasons” and “Warmth of Magic”—for Kiki’s Delivery Service, among many other Ghibli works.

The lyrics, which synchronize with the film’s story, instantly draw you into the world of the movie.

Country RoadYoko Honna

From 'Whisper of the Heart' — Country Roads / Song by The Breeze Adventures

Based on the Japanese manga by Aoi Hiiragi, Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age story about Shizuku Tsukishima, a first-year junior high school girl who loves reading, and Seiji Amasawa, who aspires to become a violin maker.

Country Roads is the film’s main theme song, and in the movie it plays during the scene where Seiji plays the violin and Shizuku sings at a small antique shop called Earth Shop (Chikyūya), which she discovers after spotting a mysterious, plump cat on the train to the library and following it to a rotary.

In this version, Country Roads is performed with lovely gospel-style vocals and orchestral accompaniment, offering an arrangement different from the main feature.

Love is a flower, and you are its seed.Amanda McBroom

Studio Ghibli Piano Cover | Only Yesterday OST “Ai wa Hana, Kimi wa Sono Tane”

From “Only Yesterday.” It is a single by Harumi Miyako released in 1991 and was used as the ending theme of the film.

The song is a Japanese cover of “The Rose,” the theme song of the 1979 film The Rose.

It has been covered by many artists both worldwide and in Japan, and its placement at the end of the movie creates a moving climax.

In addition, the coupling track “Suki ni Natta Hito” was also used in the film’s soundtrack.