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

The Sorcerer’s ApprenticeDukas&Morino Gojuusoudan

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice / Forest Quintet L’apprenti Sorcier, Scherzo Symphonique / Dukas / Disney / Fantasia / Mori-no Wind Quintet

A piece used in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice segment of the film Fantasia, which is composed of short films set to classical music.

It’s often mistaken as a Disney original, but it’s actually based on the original work: the symphonic poem The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by the French composer Paul Dukas, arranged by the film’s music director, Leopold Stokowski, for the soundtrack.

Hearing this piece brings to mind Mickey wearing the sorcerer’s hat and the enchanted brooms.

The visuals and music are a perfect match, making the film a prime example of music being used to powerful effect.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-DahBob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah (Original)

It’s the signature song from Disney’s live-action/animated hybrid film “Song of the South.” Since it plays on the Splash Mountain attraction at Disney parks, I think many people associate it more with the ride than with the film.

Its cheerful, country-style tune makes you feel as if you’ve been whisked away to the rural American South.

Out ThereTom Hulce, Tony Jay

Out There

A song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Among Disney animations, it’s a film with a particularly strong musical flavor, and the first half of this song is essentially like dialogue set to music—similar to something from Les Misérables, a movie many people know.

I’m really impressed by how songs like this can convey the scene and the characters’ emotions even without relying on the lyrics.

Let’s Go Fly A KiteDavid Tomlinson

Disney Instrumental ǀ Columbia Strings Orchestra – Let’s Go Fly A Kite

A song from Disney’s classic musical film Mary Poppins, which won five Academy Awards.

As a musical, it naturally features many songs, and not just this one—every track is a masterpiece that stands on its own as a classic.

In addition to the Academy Award for Best Original Score, the film also won a Golden Globe.

The orchestral instrumental arrangement is wonderful as well; while preserving the charm of the musical, the middle section features the flute singing in a classical style.

It’s a delightful piece even when performed by orchestra alone.

Colors of the WindJudy Kuhn

Tony nominee Judy Kuhn sings “Colors of the Wind” #Concert4America

The signature song from Pocahontas, the first Disney film to portray a real historical figure.

Although Disney intended to make this film a flagship title, its challenging subject matter made it difficult for children to understand, and it didn’t gain much popularity.

The song celebrates the beauty and grandeur of nature, with a sweeping melody whose rises and falls match that scale, making it a piece you can’t help but be drawn into.

Go The DistanceMichael Bolton

Hercules | I can Go The Distance HD 720p

The theme song of Hercules.

In fact, this was the first time in a Disney Japanese-dubbed version that a song was performed by a Japanese artist, with Fumiya Fujii taking on the role.

It’s a song that expresses a strong determination to become stronger and overcome even a difficult path, and perhaps because it evokes the image of traveling an endless road, it’s often heard in the finale of Disney medleys.

Mickey Mouse Club MarchVarious Artists

Mickey Mouse March

Speaking of Disney, the signature character Mickey Mouse’s March has been turned into a lively wind band piece! With a wonderful arrangement by renowned wind band arranger Takashi Hoshide, the repeatedly appearing theme passes from instrument to instrument, and you might even come to know the instruments better just by listening.

Although the same melody is repeated throughout, the clever arrangement keeps it fresh no matter how many times you listen or play it, and the performers seem to be having fun, too.

Beloved for so long, Mickey Mouse is everyone’s favorite.

This makes me want to go to Disneyland to see Mickey Mouse.