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[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.

[Ghibli] Classic arrangements of beloved Ghibli tunes. The charm of Ghibli music performed on live instruments (41–50)

Porco RossoJoe Hisaishi

[HD] Porco Rosso Theme Live – Joe Hisaishi in Budokan Studio Ghibli 25 Years
Joe Hisaishi, Porco Rosso

This is a song from Porco Rosso.

It has a slightly mature feel, and its soothing melody is achingly beautiful.

From the quiet parts to the climactic moments, it makes you want to listen again and again.

It has a certain mood, and the music fits the film’s atmosphere perfectly.

[Ghibli] Classic arrangements of Ghibli’s famous songs. The charm of Ghibli music performed with live instruments (51–60)

Memory of LifeKazumi Nikaido

WSL-13-038 Memory of Life (Wind Ensemble Selection)
Memory of Life Nikaido Kazumi

From The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Kazumi Nikaido is a singer-songwriter.

In 1999, she released her first album, Nikatama, as the duo Nika Saya with Saya of Tenniscoats.

Her 2011 original album Niji-mi led to a strong request from director Isao Takahata for her to perform the theme song.

It is a beautiful piece that draws you into the world of the film, highlighted by her clear and gentle vocals.

When the cherries ripenTokiko Kato

[ Saxophone ] The Season When Cherries Ripen / Porco Rosso
When Cherries Ripen - Tokiko Kato

From Porco Rosso.

This is a Japanese cover of a chanson that represents France.

Its original title is “Le Temps des cerises.” Tokiko Kato is active as a singer-songwriter, lyricist, composer, and actress.

She also made her debut as a singer in 1966.

In addition to performing the film’s main theme and ending theme, she also appears as a voice actor.

There is also a scene in which she sings this song in French, as in the original.

With overwhelming vocal prowess, she delivers a song that portrays a fleeting heartbreak.

Sometimes, old storiesTokiko Kato

Sometimes, a tale from long ago — from Porco Rosso
Sometimes, old stories by Tokiko Kato

From Porco Rosso.

Released in 1986, it is a song written and composed by Tokiko Kato herself.

It was used as the ending theme.

The lyrics are like the protagonist reminiscing about the past with an old male friend.

Its slow, quiet melody evokes the nostalgia and bittersweetness of flipping through an old photo album.

The cover artist, Kyogo Kawaguchi, is a singer and singer-songwriter.

His 2003 release Sakura was a major hit, reaching a peak of No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Koichi Sakata

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ (from “From Up on Poppy Hill”)
Summer of Goodbye ~ From Up on Poppy Hill ~ Koichi Sakata

From ‘From Up on Poppy Hill.’ This song was the theme for the 1976 drama ‘The Summer of Goodbye,’ and the film uses a cover version by Aoi Teshima.

Ryoko Moriyama is active as a singer and actress, and she won the Best Vocal Performance at the 44th Japan Record Awards for ‘Satōkibi Batake’ (Sugarcane Field).

It is a piece that highlights her beautifully soaring voice and overwhelming vocal prowess.

Also, the opening lyrics match the film perfectly.

Song of TimeAkino Arai / Hisaaki Hogari

The End and the Beginning ~ Song of Time, Piano, from Studio Ghibli’s Tales from Earthsea (Beautifully Resonant Piano Solo Ver.)
Song of Time Akino Arai · Hisaaki Hogari

From Tales from Earthsea.

Aoi Teshima works as a singer and also performed “Summer of Goodbye” for the Studio Ghibli film From Up on Poppy Hill.

She has many tie-in songs, including TV drama theme songs and commercial jingles.

Her one-of-a-kind voice is often called a “whisper voice,” enchanting listeners with its mystical, translucent, whisper-like quality.

It’s a song that instantly transports you into the world of the film.

If I could become the seaShigeru Nagata

[Ghibli 12] If I Could Become the Sea from Ocean Waves (Umi ni Naretara) [BG Music for Work]
If I Could Become the Sea by Shigeru Nagata

From Ocean Waves.

This is the ending theme, composed and arranged by Shigeru Nagata, who also handled the film’s score.

It is sung by Yoko Sakamoto, who also voiced the heroine.

The lyrics—expressing a wish to become as calm as the sea—are particularly striking.

Its slow-tempo melody evokes the image of unhurried time and a tranquil ocean.