Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema

Stayin’ AliveBee Gees

Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Saturday Night Fever)

Saturday Night Fever is a film released in 1977 and the breakout role for actor John Travolta.

This song is by the pop group the Bee Gees and is used at the beginning of the film.

It also reached number one on the U.S.

singles chart.

Moon RiverHenry Mancini

Moon River (Remastered)

Among the great actresses of American cinema, Audrey Hepburn is one of the most highly regarded.

Later serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for world peace, she featured in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which used the song Moon River.

Around The WorldFilm Studio Orchestra

Around the World in 80 Days

The elegant melody woven by the grand orchestral arrangement was used as a film’s ending theme and stands as a signature work by Victor Young, who won the 1956 Academy Award for Best Original Score.

The performance by the Film Studio Orchestra beautifully balances the dignity of classical music with the accessibility of pop, and its graceful resonance lingers in the heart.

Originally gaining worldwide attention as the main theme for the film Around the World in 80 Days, the piece was later covered by a variety of artists, including Bing Crosby and the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

It’s a soothing track that’s perfect for a refreshing break during work or study, or for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy music at an unhurried pace.

Hymn No. 320: “Nearer, My God, to Thee”Eliza Flower)

André Rieu – Nearer, My God, to Thee (live in Amsterdam)

The hymn based on Jacob’s dream is a work themed around the desire to draw closer to God.

Set to a beautiful melody by Eliza Flower, it has continued to move listeners deeply.

Its lyrics convey the meaning of approaching God even through hardship, and it is also known from the Titanic episode.

In Japan, it has been used in the final episode of A Dog of Flanders and at funerals, and is cherished as a song of parting tinged with poignancy.

This piece is recommended for those facing life’s trials and for anyone seeking a hymn that resonates with the heart.

Since its publication in 1841, it has become a classic sung around the world.

THE GALAXY EXPRESS 999Godiego

Godiego ♪Galaxy Express 999♪

It was the theme song for the movie Galaxy Express 999.

Since I’m from a different generation, when I heard “999” I only pictured “a little boy traveling through space,” so I was surprised when I first saw this film.

Tetsurō is actually pretty cool.

On top of that, when this song played over the ending, my adrenaline was pumping.

It’s amazing that even though it’s from quite a while ago—and it’s a song from an animated film—the chorus is fast-paced English.

The Japanese translation is pretty much literal, but the music had a strangely cool vibe.

The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes BackJohn Williams

John Williams – The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back (Audio)

One more piece from Star Wars: the familiar theme of Darth Vader.

In Episodes IV and V, which were released earlier, Lord Vader was the most formidable enemy.

The terrifying feeling of this piece—like, “He’s coming! He’s coming!”—is exquisite.

When I had just started working, there was a hot-tempered boss, and all the employees used to say, “That’s his theme song.” Sometimes the boss himself would even make an entrance while humming it.

The theme from JawsJohn Williams

John Williams: Theme from Jaws (Boston Pops)

Another terrifying score by John Williams.

Unlike Darth Vader’s theme, it’s filled with the sense of the ocean’s gangster, Jaws, closing in.

It carries an atmosphere of something stealthily creeping up from somewhere.

As the sound grows louder, it feels like “Ah! I’m going to be eaten!”—music brimming with tension.