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

Princess MononokeHisaishi Joe

Princess Mononoke Main Theme

From Princess Mononoke.

Yoshikazu Mera is a countertenor.

This song brought him widespread recognition, and in 1998 he became the first recipient of the Theme Song Award as a Special Prize at the 21st Japan Academy Awards.

After Hayao Miyazaki was moved by hearing Mera’s 1996 song “Mother’s Song” on the radio, he selected him the following year to perform for the film.

His beautifully high voice, surpassing even that of many women, has been acclaimed worldwide.

This mysterious piece invites listeners into the world of the film.

Promise of the WorldHisaishi Joe

Howl’s Moving Castle – Promise of the World (piano cover)

From Howl’s Moving Castle.

This song by Chieko Baisho, who also voiced the heroine, was used as the theme song.

It was originally composed by Yumi Kimura for her own album, with lyrics commissioned from Shuntaro Tanikawa, but director Hayao Miyazaki selected it as the film’s theme song.

The arrangement is by Joe Hisaishi.

The lyrics embody the lyricist’s wish to embrace hope for the future, and the song wraps the listener in a gentle vocal tone.

“Merry-Go-Round of Life,” used in both the opening and ending, is also performed by Chieko Baisho.

Symphonic Suite “Princess Mononoke”Hisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi in Concert 2022 – Princess Mononoke full suite

I think this film made me feel that we need to cherish and take better care of nature.

The music fits the film very well, and I feel it layers beautifully over the quiet atmosphere of the forest.

The piece is truly lovely.

The oboe is wonderful.

Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe

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 OrchestraHisaishi Joe

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 SeaHisaishi Joe

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.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindHisaishi Joe

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.