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

Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn

[When Marnie Was There] “Fine On The Outside” Super Bone Quartet

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

영화 마루 밑 아리에티(The Secret World of Arrietty) – Arrietty’s Songㅣ 재패니메이션 OST 콘서트

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.

NAUSICAA REQUIEM Nausicaä RequiemJoe Hisaishi

Nausicaä Requiem (from 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind')

The memorable “Nausicaä Requiem” that plays in the film is performed here in a healing piano arrangement.

As a healing piano piece, it works well as background music for working or studying, yet the arrangement is highly classical and really lets the piano solo shine.

In the original, you hear a child’s voice singing “Ran, ran rara ran ran ran…,” and the singer is the composer Joe Hisaishi’s daughter, Mai, who was four years old at the time.

Heard on piano, it almost sounds like a Baroque-era dance.

Symphonic Poem“NAUSICAÄ”Joe Hisaishi

Symphonic Poem“NAUSICAÄ” (from “NAUSICAÄ of the Valley of the Wind”)

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

THE WIND RISES The Wind Rises — from the film “The Wind Rises”

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.

"Princess Mononoke" Fantastic Scene (Wind Orchestra)Joe Hisaishi

[Digest Audio] “Princess Mononoke” Fantasy Scenes / Joe Hisaishi (Kazuhiro Morita) / Princess MONONOKE Fantasy Scenes by Hisaishi (arr. Morita)

This one is easy to listen to and has turned into really great music.

This version is also one of my favorites.

It’s a cool piece of classical music that I really like.

It reminded me of the movie scenes and made me watch Princess Mononoke again without thinking.

"Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" - Highlights -Joe Hisaishi

"Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" Highlights / Joe Hisaishi (arr. Toshio Mashima)

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.