The music used by a female figure skater for her free program

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

We’re introducing the music used by women’s figure skaters in their free skating programs! Free skating is a segment where skaters perform by freely combining elements within a set time and number of required elements.

Free programs like Shizuka Arakawa’s to “Nessun dorma” and Mao Asada’s to “Piano Concerto No.

2” moved audiences not only in Japan but all around the world.

In this article, we’ve gathered the pieces that support the performances in which each skater dances to their fullest potential.

As you listen, relive those unforgettable, moving moments!

Songs used by women's figure skaters for their free skate (21–30)

from the opera Madama ButterflyJiakomo Pucchīni

From the opera “Madama Butterfly” / Puccini (Akira Shishikura) / Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini (arr. Koh Shishikura) YDAP-A18

from the opera Madama ButterflyJiakomo Pucchīni

At the 2017 Japan Championships, Satoko Miyahara used “Madama Butterfly.” It’s an opera by composer Giacomo Puccini based on a novel of the same name.

The story is actually set in Japan and portrays a romance between a woman from a good family and an American man.

Knowing the story behind the music makes the elegant choreography and the costume—whose design evokes a kimono—feel all the more fitting.

The piece is also widely known from Mao Asada’s performances.

Be sure to watch those as well!

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BoleroMōrisu Raveru

Bolero (Gergiev)

BoleroMōrisu Raveru

Boléro is a piece inseparable from figure skating.

Its elegant melody has been loved by many skaters over the years.

In Japan, it has been used by Shoma Uno.

Looking back at figure skating history, it was also Boléro that Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean used when they achieved perfect marks for artistic impression.

The piece was originally composed by Maurice Ravel for ballet, which may be why it pairs so well with performance.

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In conclusion

I introduced the music used by women’s figure skaters for their free skate—what did you think? When watching figure skating, you’re naturally drawn not only to the beauty of each performance, but also to the music that supports it. If there was a piece you liked, be sure to add it to your playlist.