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

Symphonic Suite “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”Joe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

This Nausicaä piece is full of impact, and I absolutely love the music right from the beginning.

I really think this track is perfect for classical arrangements.

Along with the film, the music deserves much more recognition.

Its unique atmosphere is what keeps you completely captivated.

Merry-Go-Round of LifeJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi – Merry-Go-Round of Life (from “Howl’s Moving Castle”)

From Howl’s Moving Castle.

Joe Hisaishi, who composed this piece, has said he expressed the protagonist’s subtle emotional changes—her ups and downs as she goes from age 18 to 90—through a merry-go-round (in the form of a waltz).

Hisaishi is active in many fields as a composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist.

Focusing mainly on film music, he has scored every Studio Ghibli film from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.

The elegant waltz melody creates a mysterious world.

From the very moment the piano solo begins, an otherworldly atmosphere permeates the piece—quintessentially Ghibli.

Spirited Away Wind OrchestraJoe Hisaishi

Spirited Away Wind Orchestra Arrangement

I’ve loved this opening from Spirited Away for so long, and no matter how many times I listen to it, it brings the scenes from the film right back to me.

I love the movie so much I’ve watched it many times, and I think the music is wonderful, too.

The performance has atmosphere and is incredibly powerful.

Mother of the SeaJoe Hisaishi

Hayashi Masako – Mother of the sea

From Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

This piece became a theme song alongside Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Director Hayao Miyazaki wanted to create a “new kind of sea song” unlike any before, and the lyrics were written with inspiration drawn from poet Wakako Kaku’s collection, with whom he co-wrote the words.

Masako Hayashi is a soprano singer.

She has performed as a soloist in symphonies and requiems with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and others.

Her skill has garnered international attention, and her piercingly beautiful high notes are breathtaking.

The song is filled with vocals and sound that evoke the grandeur of the sea.

Chapter 4: Princess MononokeJoe Hisaishi

From the Symphonic Suite 'Princess Mononoke': 'Chapter IV – Princess Mononoke' Miyahiro Wind Ensemble

This is also a version I really love.

Hearing it performed not just in Japan but all around the world makes me realize how truly grand this piece is, and it fills me with pride for Japan.

I’m in awe of the authentic, full-fledged performance.

It’s turned out to be a very beautiful rendition.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindJoe Hisaishi

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind / arr. Toshio Mashima

I think one of the most enjoyable things about classical music is how it can transform into different expressions depending on the conductor or performers.

This piece also brings out a slightly eerie atmosphere very well, and the dynamics are excellent.

And I love the parts that become heartrending.

I Became a BirdJoe Hisaishi

kiki_I became a bird piano

From Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Arika Takarano is active as a singer.

Her work is characterized by a strong, polished tone rooted in classical diction and Sino-Japanese vocabulary, and she has many songs themed around mythic worlds, chinoiserie, the near future, and retro-futurism.

This piece serves as an image song for the film and is included on the album “Kiki’s Delivery Service Vocal Album.” The album also features other tracks from the film, such as “Suki na noni!” and “Tasogare no Mayoigo-tachi.” The lyrics evoke the scenery Kiki sees as she flies through the sky on her broom.

Operatic-style vocals blend with the music, creating an atmosphere that feels somewhat retro and otherworldly.