Disney classics to enjoy in a classical arrangement: recommended popular songs

ReflectionHirohashi Makiko

Disney Instrumental ǀ Makiko Hirohashi – Reflection

The theme song from Mulan.

In the film’s ending, the version sung by Christina Aguilera—who was a global superstar among female singers at the time—was featured.

While the film portrays a strong woman, this song expresses Mulan’s inner conflict as she suppresses her true feelings as a woman.

The beautifully clear flute tone conveys femininity, which in turn heightens the sense of poignancy.

This time, we present a piano solo arrangement.

The bittersweet song becomes even more heartrending—yet soothing—to listen to.

‘The Second Star to the Right’ from Peter PanMurakami Yuki

The Second Star from the Right: Beautifully Resonant Piano Solo – Disney Masterpieces Collection (Advanced) The Second Star to the Right / Peter Pan – Disney (piano cover)

This is the opening theme of Peter Pan, “The Second Star to the Right.” Peter Pan tells the story of the Darling siblings as they set their sights on Neverland, and here we present “The Second Star to the Right” as a beautifully resonant piano solo.

It would be wonderful to listen to such classical-style piano while gazing at the stars at night.

It appears in the collection “Beautifully Resonant Piano Solos: Disney Masterpieces (Advanced),” so if you play the piano, you might enjoy performing it and getting lost in the music.

Let’s spend a special moment together.

Heigh Ho! (in the style of Mozart)Eugenia Zukerman&Shanghai Quartet

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Heigh Ho! (in the style of Mozart)

This piece is included on the album “Heigh-Ho! Mozart,” which features Disney classics arranged in the styles of great classical composers.

It is performed by flutist Eugenia Zukerman and the Shanghai Quartet, and was released in June 1995.

Reimagining music from Snow White in a Mozart-like manner, the work beautifully fuses Disney’s magic with classical elegance.

Characterized by a lively, classical approach for flute and string quartet, it maintains the cheerful atmosphere depicting the dwarfs’ joy in work and rest, while adding refined musical expression.

It’s a recommended track not only for Disney fans but also for lovers of classical music.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight (in the style of Tchaikovsky)Paul Barritt&English Chamber Orchestra

The Lion King: Can You Feel the Love Tonight (in the style of Tchaikovsky)

This piece is an arrangement of a classic song from Disney’s The Lion King in the style of Tchaikovsky.

Performed by Paul Barrett and the English Chamber Orchestra, it was released in 1995.

While preserving the warmth of Elton John’s original, it brilliantly fuses Tchaikovsky’s grand, sweeping atmosphere.

Elegant string melodies and sumptuous orchestration recreate the story’s emotion from a fresh perspective.

It’s recommended not only for classical music fans, but also for those who want to enjoy beloved film and Disney songs from a different angle.

Included on the album Heigh-Ho! Mozart, this track serves as a bridge between pop and classical music.

April Rain by BambiMiyagawa Akira & Tōkyō Firuhāmonī Kōkyō Gakudan / Nebārando Ōkesutora

From Disney's Bambi: 'April Showers' — Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

April Showers from Disney’s Bambi is performed by orchestra.

In the film, it underscores an important scene that symbolizes the arrival of spring, musically capturing the rhythm of falling rain.

The delicate motions of nature and the raindrops are visualized through music, as if the rain itself has been transformed into sound.

It has been highly praised by both Disney fans and classical music enthusiasts, making it a perfect piece for anyone who wants to feel the season of spring and the breath of nature.

The arrangement and conducting in the video are by Akira Miyagawa, the composer behind works such as Matsuken Samba II.

The performance is by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, a traditional ensemble with over 100 years of history that has also handled Disney’s orchestral concerts.

He Is a Pirate – Beethoven-style ArrangementMasamura Megumi

He Is a Pirate – Beethoven-style Arrangement

This piece brilliantly achieves a fusion of classical and film music.

Arranged by Megumi Masamura, it reconstructs the theme from the film Pirates of the Caribbean in the style of Beethoven.

While preserving the grandeur of the original, it features powerful piano writing reminiscent of Beethoven’s symphonies.

Although set at an advanced difficulty level for piano, it is an appealing work for both classical music fans and film music enthusiasts.

Available from Yamaha’s “Print Sheet Music” (PuriNto Gakufu), the score is arranged for solo piano, and when performing it, the key is to convey both the film’s world and the beauty of classical music.

This Is The PlaceTeDdybeaRduffy

[TDR] This is the Place Tokyo Disney Resort Theme Song - Piano Solo - Tokyo Disney Resort Theme Song

Not many people may know it, but this is the theme song of Tokyo Disney Resort.

Back when there was only Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Ikspiari were later born, and around the time the resort was reborn as Tokyo Disney Resort, this song appeared as its theme.

In the piano solo version, the performance feels like hotel background music—luxurious yet tinged with melancholy—and once you visit the resort, you won’t want to leave.

Perhaps that’s the Disney magic: the music is full of clever touches that make you want to return again and again.

Listening to the performance makes me envy pianists who can play their favorite Disney songs.