![Merry-Go-Round of Life - Howls Moving Castle [Piano] / Joe Hisaishi @Animenzzz](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lB4PRX737-0/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded November 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/48839
Merry-Go-Round of Life is probably one of the most famous Anime Soundtracks which has ever been composed and I spent a lot of time to think of the best way to create a satisfying piano arrangement.
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Variation 1 “Tempo di valse”
2:15 Intermezzo
2:40 Variation 2 “Scherzo”
3:25 Variation 3 “Dolcissimo”
4:31 Finale
I started by re-watching the movie again and analyzing as many scenes as possible to gather inspiration for my arrangement. I realized that the famous main melody has been used in 12 different occasions in the movie and each of them are arranged in a different atmosphere by the brilliant composer Joe Hisaishi.
Inspired by the 12 original soundtracks, I decided to create a variation arrangement, showcasing different moods of the music. The arrangement structure is mostly based on the official video “Merry-Go-Round of Life” on Joe Hisaishi YouTube channel. I only added a new variation in 3:25 and extended the finale in 4:31.
Since the title of the song is quite literally “Merry-Go-Round of Life”, I designed the flow of music to retell the life story of Howl.
0:13 A simple melody describing Howl's childhood and his humble beginnings.
0:57 Once he has reached Adulthood, he is being faced by the reality of society as a professional wizard. Symbolized by the complicated octaves in the right hand and multiple voicings.
2:06 Finally met Sophie and slowly develops a romance with her. The left hand is playing a different harmonization now, this time in a major key.
2:40 This playful segment represents the various adventures he is having with Sophie and the other characters. Interestingly, it also reminds me of the symphonic poem “The Sorcerer's Apprentice” from Paul Dukas.
3:23 Howl is finally opening his heart to Sophie and showed her the flower garden - his secret hideout from his childhood days. Represented by sorrowful piano notes in the high register.
4:24 Gathering his determination to do the right thing. The “introduction” melody from the very beginning is being cited here again to build up the music.
4:31 Finale and conclusion of his story with a virtuoso octave passage at the end.
The final chord (E6/9sus2) in the original song is especially interesting, because it is an open chord without a definite conclusion in the music. I have a feeling, Joe Hisaishi created this chord on purpose to let the viewers know, that Howl's story will still continue - similar to a Merry-Go-Round which continues to spin around.
It is hard to describe which composer has influenced me the most for this arrangement. I’d say I was inspired by the rich texture of Liszt music, the sensitivity of Chopin music and the romantic harmonization in Rachmaninoff music. But most importantly, I had the desire to tell a story with the music alone. Perhaps this is what motivates me to continue creating Arrangements in the "Animenz style"...
Well then, thank you reading my “Animenz explains” column this week! I hoped you liked my analysis and gained some insight behind the creation of this arrangement!
See you next time again!
Animenz
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
Animenz Sheet Music Bookshop is Now Open!
【 animenz-shop.com 】
Volume 1 and Volume 2 are on sale!
It's a compilation of my past 12 years of arrangement works!
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
📣My Social Media
Follow me on Twitter!
twitter.com/Animenzzz
I am using Instagram as well!
instagram.com/animenz_official
My Facebook page:
facebook.com/Animenz
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Merry-Go-Round of Life / 人生のメリーゴーランド
Anime: Howl's Moving Castle / ハウルの動く城
Published by: Studio Ghibli Records (2004)
Composed by: Joe Hisaishi
Performed by: New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
#ghibli #joehisaishi #merrygoroundoflife #howl
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/48839
Merry-Go-Round of Life is probably one of the most famous Anime Soundtracks which has ever been composed and I spent a lot of time to think of the best way to create a satisfying piano arrangement.
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Variation 1 “Tempo di valse”
2:15 Intermezzo
2:40 Variation 2 “Scherzo”
3:25 Variation 3 “Dolcissimo”
4:31 Finale
I started by re-watching the movie again and analyzing as many scenes as possible to gather inspiration for my arrangement. I realized that the famous main melody has been used in 12 different occasions in the movie and each of them are arranged in a different atmosphere by the brilliant composer Joe Hisaishi.
Inspired by the 12 original soundtracks, I decided to create a variation arrangement, showcasing different moods of the music. The arrangement structure is mostly based on the official video “Merry-Go-Round of Life” on Joe Hisaishi YouTube channel. I only added a new variation in 3:25 and extended the finale in 4:31.
Since the title of the song is quite literally “Merry-Go-Round of Life”, I designed the flow of music to retell the life story of Howl.
0:13 A simple melody describing Howl's childhood and his humble beginnings.
0:57 Once he has reached Adulthood, he is being faced by the reality of society as a professional wizard. Symbolized by the complicated octaves in the right hand and multiple voicings.
2:06 Finally met Sophie and slowly develops a romance with her. The left hand is playing a different harmonization now, this time in a major key.
2:40 This playful segment represents the various adventures he is having with Sophie and the other characters. Interestingly, it also reminds me of the symphonic poem “The Sorcerer's Apprentice” from Paul Dukas.
3:23 Howl is finally opening his heart to Sophie and showed her the flower garden - his secret hideout from his childhood days. Represented by sorrowful piano notes in the high register.
4:24 Gathering his determination to do the right thing. The “introduction” melody from the very beginning is being cited here again to build up the music.
4:31 Finale and conclusion of his story with a virtuoso octave passage at the end.
The final chord (E6/9sus2) in the original song is especially interesting, because it is an open chord without a definite conclusion in the music. I have a feeling, Joe Hisaishi created this chord on purpose to let the viewers know, that Howl's story will still continue - similar to a Merry-Go-Round which continues to spin around.
It is hard to describe which composer has influenced me the most for this arrangement. I’d say I was inspired by the rich texture of Liszt music, the sensitivity of Chopin music and the romantic harmonization in Rachmaninoff music. But most importantly, I had the desire to tell a story with the music alone. Perhaps this is what motivates me to continue creating Arrangements in the "Animenz style"...
Well then, thank you reading my “Animenz explains” column this week! I hoped you liked my analysis and gained some insight behind the creation of this arrangement!
See you next time again!
Animenz
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
Animenz Sheet Music Bookshop is Now Open!
【 animenz-shop.com 】
Volume 1 and Volume 2 are on sale!
It's a compilation of my past 12 years of arrangement works!
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
📣My Social Media
Follow me on Twitter!
twitter.com/Animenzzz
I am using Instagram as well!
instagram.com/animenz_official
My Facebook page:
facebook.com/Animenz
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Merry-Go-Round of Life / 人生のメリーゴーランド
Anime: Howl's Moving Castle / ハウルの動く城
Published by: Studio Ghibli Records (2004)
Composed by: Joe Hisaishi
Performed by: New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*------*
#ghibli #joehisaishi #merrygoroundoflife #howl
![Merry-Go-Round of Life - Howls Moving Castle [Piano] / Joe Hisaishi](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lB4PRX737-0/mqdefault.jpg "Merry-Go-Round of Life - Howls Moving Castle [Piano] / Joe Hisaishi
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/48839
Merry-Go-Round of Life is probably one of the most famous Anime Soundtracks which has ever been composed and I spent a lot of time to think of the best way to create a satisfying piano arrangement.
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Variation 1 “Tempo di valse”
2:15 Intermezzo
2:40 Variation 2 “Scherzo”
3:25 Variation 3 “Dolcissimo”
4:31 Finale
I started by re-watching the movie again and analyzing as many scenes as possible to gather inspiration for my arrangement. I realized that the famous main melody has been used in 12 different occasions in the movie and each of them are arranged in a different atmosphere by the brilliant composer Joe Hisaishi.
Inspired by the 12 original soundtracks, I decided to create a variation arrangement, showcasing different moods of the music. The arrangement structure is mostly based on the official video “Merry-Go-Round of Life” on Joe Hisaishi YouTube channel. I only added a new variation in 3:25 and extended the finale in 4:31.
Since the title of the song is quite literally “Merry-Go-Round of Life”, I designed the flow of music to retell the life story of Howl.
0:13 A simple melody describing Howls childhood and his humble beginnings.
0:57 Once he has reached Adulthood, he is being faced by the reality of society as a professional wizard. Symbolized by the complicated octaves in the right hand and multiple voicings.
2:06 Finally met Sophie and slowly develops a romance with her. The left hand is playing a different harmonization now, this time in a major key.
2:40 This playful segment represents the various adventures he is having with Sophie and the other characters. Interestingly, it also reminds me of the symphonic poem “The Sorcerers Apprentice” from Paul Dukas.
3:23 Howl is finally opening his heart to Sophie and showed her the flower garden - his secret hideout from his childhood days. Represented by sorrowful piano notes in the high register.
4:24 Gathering his determination to do the right thing. The “introduction” melody from the very beginning is being cited here again to build up the music.
4:31 Finale and conclusion of his story with a virtuoso octave passage at the end.
The final chord (E6/9sus2) in the original song is especially interesting, because it is an open chord without a definite conclusion in the music. I have a feeling, Joe Hisaishi created this chord on purpose to let the viewers know, that Howls story will still continue - similar to a Merry-Go-Round which continues to spin around.
It is hard to describe which composer has influenced me the most for this arrangement. I’d say I was inspired by the rich texture of Liszt music, the sensitivity of Chopin music and the romantic harmonization in Rachmaninoff music. But most importantly, I had the desire to tell a story with the music alone. Perhaps this is what motivates me to continue creating Arrangements in the Animenz style...
Well then, thank you reading my “Animenz explains” column this week! I hoped you liked my analysis and gained some insight behind the creation of this arrangement!
See you next time again!
Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
Animenz Sheet Music Bookshop is Now Open!
【 https://animenz-shop.com 】
Volume 1 and Volume 2 are on sale!
Its a compilation of my past 12 years of arrangement works!
* * * * * * * * * *
📣My Social Media
Follow me on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
I am using Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/animenz_official/
My Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Merry-Go-Round of Life / 人生のメリーゴーランド
Anime: Howls Moving Castle / ハウルの動く城
Published by: Studio Ghibli Records (2004)
Composed by: Joe Hisaishi
Performed by: New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
* * * * * * * * * *
#ghibli #joehisaishi #merrygoroundoflife #howl")
![Killy Killy Joker - Selector Infected WIXOSS OP [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lC7emV4DpJM/mqdefault.jpg "Killy Killy Joker - Selector Infected WIXOSS OP [Piano]
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/74155
Lets BATTORU!
Selector Infected WIXOSS is actually one of my favorite anime series of this season, (next to No Game No Life, Isshuukan friends and Gochuumon Usagi wa Desu ka.) because it keeps surprising me with the dark plot twist and the sudden change of atmosphere. If you initially ignored this anime because meh, its only trying to advertise a silly Trading Card Game, I really suggest you to give it another chance, because its much much more than that.
The OP theme Killy Killy Joker, performed by Kanon Wakeshima is definitely one of my favorite opening songs of this season: very dramatic, full of passion, a really catchy chorus and an overall jazzy-feeling. I especially love the Cello melody in the instrumental part.
The ED song Realize is really fantastic too and I cant wait until the full version is going to be released together with the soundtrack of WIXOSS.
This transcription is done in my old transcribing style - I didnt add any additional voices or original parts, since the full version song itself contain enough material.
It took me a while until I figured out the jazzy chords (like 1:50), since I am not familiar with jazz music theory. The piano arrangement is fairly difficult to play because of the high speed and the left hand jumps in the chorus. Also, it features one of my fastest right hand arpeggios I ever used attempted in 2:12.
Anyway, my next transcription is going to be the No Game No Life opening This game. Look forward to it!
Animenz
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My facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
Follow me on twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Killy Killy joker
Anime: Selector Infected WIXOSS
Published by: Warner Home Video
Composed and Performed by: Kanon Wakeshima
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
#Selector Infected WIXOSS #Killy Killy joker #Piano")
![5 Variations on lit - Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice) [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/luTz0XZdgrs/mqdefault.jpg "5 Variations on lit - Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice) [Piano]
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/62798
Every once in a while, I want to create something new on the piano and the result is a variation piece, based on the melody of “Lit” – the Main Theme from Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice). I am also displaying sheet music in the video this time, to help you understand what is happening in the music. Basically, the same melody is being played in 5 different styles and each variation are connected with each other in order to get a complete musical picture.
Let me introduce you the two main melodies first:
🔵0:03 “blue” Melody: G#-F#-A-G#-G#
🔴0:25 “red” Melody: C#-D#-C#-D#-E
These 2 melodies are always played at least once in all 5 variations: Some of them can be easily heard, some of them are hidden within the harmonics. The chord progression however is always different in each variation and this results in some passages almost sounding like a completely new piece.
Overall, this piece consists of 7 different parts: The main theme, the 5 variations and a repeat of the main theme.
0:00 Thema
In classical music, the introduction part is also called “Thema” and I arranged the piano part almost identical to the original soundtrack “lit”. A short and beautiful melody, but the harmonic progression ends in a subdominant (IV), instead of a tonic (I), which requires further development.
0:47 Variation 1
Variation 1 is a melodic variation of the main theme and the piece is suddenly getting much livelier after the slow introduction part. It is almost a cliché in classical music, but the first variation almost always starts with a fast melodic variation in the right hand.
1:23 Variation 2
Variation 2 is a playful rhythmical variation of the melody and it features a noticeable staccato rhythm in the left hand. The dotted rhythm A-G#-G# is being played in the background many times and the “red” melody is only played at the end of the variation.
1:55 Variation 3
Variation 3 is probably the most eye-catching variation and we are making a short trip to the romantic era, where big arpeggios spanning across the whole keyboard were very common as an accompaniment. The “blue” melody has become harder to notice, due to the rhythmic syncopation and the “red” melody is even completely hidden as a secondary melody in the final phrase.
2:55 Variation 4
Variation 4 is a minor mode variation in the relative key c# minor and it features a distinctive chromatic left hand chord progression to create a sorrowful atmosphere. What makes this variation so special is the simultaneous appearance of the “red” melody and the “blue” melody, played in the same bar. I included a short coda as well to modulate from c# minor back to E Major.
3:53 Variation 5
Variation 5 is the longest variation and it consists of two parts: A slow buildup in the beginning followed by an emotional fortissimo in the latter half. The “blue” melody doesn’t appear at the beginning this time, but it’s very hidden between the chords in the 5th bar.
The big climax is essentially an arrangement of the original soundtrack itself, “lit(var)”, and I tried to arrange it an orchestral style with a powerful sound.
5:08 Thema
Finally, the main theme is being repeated one last time and this time, I used a harmonic progression to end it with a tonic (I), the E-major chord.
All in all, I would say this is my biggest musical experiment on the piano this year and I am really happy how this piece has turned out in the end! Making variations on the piano are just too much fun and this is probably the most “classical music” – like arrangement I have ever written so far.
Alright, that would be everything for this week’s “Animenz Explains”! (And probably the longest edition ever). I hope you enjoyed reading the background story behind the creation of this piece and leave a comment below if you want to see more of these special type videos!
See you next time again!
Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
📣My Social Media
Follow me on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
I am using Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/animenz_official/
My Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: “Lit”
Anime: Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice) / 聲の形
Published by: PONY CANYON (2016)
Composed by: Kensuke Ushio / 牛尾 憲輔
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🎧Equipment
Piano: Nord Grand 88-key Stage Keyboard (Modified blue version)
Camera: Panasonic LUMIX GH5S
The Moon lamp on the piano:
https://amzn.to/3a1uIDX
* * * * * * * * * *
#ASilentVoice #KoeNoKatachi #lit #Piano")
![Idol - Oshi no Ko OP [Piano] / YOASOBI](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lzSfnMp_DTs/mqdefault.jpg "Idol - Oshi no Ko OP [Piano] / YOASOBI
Its been a while, everyone! I arranged one of the most interesting anime songs of this season, “Idol” by YOASOBI. The first episode of “Oshi no Ko” was absolutely legendary and its probably one of the best story introductions I have ever seen.
The OP “Idol” pairs up with the anime very well, since the lyrics retells Ai Hoshino’s rise to stardom and her sufferings perfectly. I tried my best to capture the atmosphere on the piano as well.
① HAI! HAI! HAI! HAI! 🧨🎆🧨🎆
I absolutely love the background shouts of the original song, which is an essential element in any idol concerts. You can hear it in my arrangement as a secondary melody in 0:49, 1:09 and 3:03. In fact, after listening to Idol many times, I cant help but shout the HAI! HAI! HAI! HAI! as well - its simply too addicting.
② Rap 1: The jealousy of the other members (fast “Beethoven” runs)
I tried to use some classical piano techniques to make the rap sound a little bit more melodious on the piano. It was important for me to represent the dark emotions of the song lyrics as much as possible with my classical style arrangement.
The alternating minor scale in 1:19 is inspired by a Beethoven Sonata, but it also perfectly mirrors the rapping rhythm of the original song. The chord progression has also been modified in 1:26 (Am-C-F-E) to add a little bit more spice to the music.
Since the rapping is getting more intense in the second half, I switched to fast arpeggio runs in 1:31. I really like the chord progression (Am-G#-G-F#) of the first verse in 0:32 and thats why I decided to reuse it here again.
③ Rap 2: Ai’s strong will and resolution (slow “Bolero” drums)
For the final rapping part in 2:05, I wanted to emphasize the drums beats of the original song and didnt include any main melody this time. I think it builds up the suspense very nicely and it serves a good musical contrast with the chorus. I also slightly extended the phrase in 2:28 as well to give the bridge a more classical style closure.
⚠ [↓Spoiler alert for episode 1↓]
③ Ai’s first and last “I love you”
I feel like 3:14 is the true message of the song and that’s why I played the last part very carefully. Especially the final words “Aishiteru” 3:18 is played with a bit of portato articulation, as if Ai’s words are slowly fading. It was really touching to see how Ai has finally conveyed her true love to her children in her very last moment. Excuse me while I grab some tissues again… 😭
⚠ [↑Spoiler alert for episode 1↑]
Alright, that would be everything about this piano arrangement! Thank you so much for reading! It was really fun to translate the rap parts into the piano. I can’t wait to see how the story of “Oshi no Ko” develops after the legendary first episode!
With that said, I am already planning my next upload for this month as well!
See you next time then.
Animenz
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Sheet music download link:
https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/107909
* * * * * * * * * *
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/animenz_official/
* * * * * * * * * *
Original Song: Idol
Anime: Oshi no Ko
Published by: YOASOBI (2023)
Composed by: YOASOBI (Ayase)
Performed by: YOASOBI (Ikura)
Piano arrangement by Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
Official Website:
https://www.animenzpiano.com/
Animenz Sheet Music Book
https://animenz-shop.com/
Digital Sheet Music:
https://www.mymusicsheet.com/animenzzz/
* * * * * * * * * *
#oshinoko #idol #piano #yoasobi")
![One Last Kiss - Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 Theme Song [Piano] / Hikaru Utada](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m4DF7mAgMoI/mqdefault.jpg "One Last Kiss - Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 Theme Song [Piano] / Hikaru Utada
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/46382
After waiting almost 9 years for the continuation of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, the fourth and final movie has finally been released in Japanese Cinemas! I went to see the movie a few days ago and it brought satisfying conclusion to the Evangelion Saga. I hope it gets an international release very soon, so Eva fans all over the world can watch it too!
But before I talk about the movie any further, let’s have a look at this week’s piano arrangement of 「One Last Kiss」. It is hard to believe, but this song actually consists of only two harmonic progression patterns, which is repeating itself over and over again. If I had to use one word to describe the mood of this song, it would be Echoes.
「One Last Kiss」 also sounds like trance music in my opinion because of all the synthesizers looping in the background. It was quite interesting to mimic the Trance-atmosphere on the piano by used repetition patterns. Its most noticeable during the buildup in 2:22 and in 3:09.
I also had to arrange the voicing on the piano very carefully in order to distinguish the multiple layers of music, because it can be easily drown the music if I add too many notes. Especially the many cross rhythms was quite difficult to play, because you have to be very precise or else the rhythms will fall easily apart. 1:41 for example was really difficult to play, because of the two overlapping rhythms in both hands.
To be honest, I still like the previous song from Hikaru Utada more -「Sakura Nagashi」 from Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo - but 「One Last Kiss」 definitely grew on me as well with each repeat. I think this piece is very suitable if you drive a car for a longer period and you need some music to vibe (笑)
Alright, that would be everything for this week! Next week is going to be another Anime Movie song, see you then!
Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
📣My Social Media
Follow me on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
I am using Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/animenz_official
My Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: One Last Kiss
Anime: Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time / シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版𝄇
Published by: Sony Music Labels Inc. (2021)
Composed by: Hikaru Utada
Performed by: Hikaru Utada
* * * * * * * * * *
🎧Equipment
Piano: Nord Grand 88-key Stage Keyboard (Modified blue version)
Camera: Panasonic LUMIX GH5S
The Moon lamp on the piano:
https://amzn.to/3a1uIDX
* * * * * * * * * *
#evangelion #onelastkiss #themesong #eva #劇場版 #エヴァンゲリオン #piano #cover")
![Pokémon Theme - Gotta catch em all! + Pokémon Red and Blue medley [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nIyFliZUxG8/mqdefault.jpg "Pokémon Theme - Gotta catch em all! + Pokémon Red and Blue medley [Piano]
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/74163
The first Pokemon OP Gotta catch em all! is probably one of the most well-known anime songs in the English speaking community and I am pretty sure, many people will recall their childhood memories upon hearing this legendary opening theme.
The piano arrangement for Gotta catch em all! was actually made a long time ago (around 2012), but I never had the chance to record a video of it until today. Since the original arrangement was only the TV-size, the duration of this piece is only around 1 minute. Thats the reason why I decided to include an improvised medley as well.
I was a big fan of the first generation of the Pokémon games (you can probably guess my age by this information, haha) and I can still remember all the hours I have spent on this game with my old Gameboy. This game essentially defined my entire childhood and thats the reason why I can still remember so vividly the game soundtrack - even after all these years. I still remember how to perform the missingno. glitch to multiply my items and how much of a bitch the rival trainer was - always showing up in the most inconvenient moments ever.
Most of the pieces in this soundtrack medley are improvised on the spot, and I was experimenting with some transitions between every piece. I deliberately kept the arrangement style simple to reflect the minimalistic style of music in the first Pokémon games.
I started with the theme of Pallet Town in 1:09, because thats where every Pokémon journey begins. I added more and more songs in the medley until it reached a length of almost 11 minutes.
Some of the tracks in the medley may not be exactly true to the original, because I improvised them entirely from my memory. Its been 15 years since I last played the first Pokémon games after all.
Anyway, this is my Pokémon special video and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Improvising the medley was a unique experiment for me as well and I had a very nice nostalgia trip while recording. See you next time again!
Animenz
PS: What are your favorite pokemon from Blue/Red? Post it in the comments!
Mine is Dragonair (not Dragonite) btw, because I really like how elegant and beautiful it looks. Not the most popular choice, I know...
* * * * * * * * * *
📣My Social Media
Follow me on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
I am using Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/animenz_official/
My Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
* * * * * * * * * *
🎹Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Gotta Catch em all! (Main Theme)
Anime: Pokémon (Season 1, 1997)
Published by: KOCH Records
Composed by: john Loeffler
Performed by: Jason Paige
* * * * * * * * * *
Pokémon Blue / Red / Yellow
Original composer: Junichi Masuda
Songs used in the Pokémon medley:
0:00 Gotta catch em all!
1:10 Pallet Town
2:08 Route 1 (The Road to Viridian City from Pallet town)
2:51 Pokémon Center
3:58 Route 4 (The Road to Cerulean city from Mt. Moon)
4:53 Lavender Town
6:03 Bicycle theme
7:04 Surfing theme
8:09 S.S. Anne
9:11 Victory Road
9:39 Pokémon Gym
10:51 Pallet Town
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#pokemon #gottacatchemall #redblue")
![Blessing - Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi OST [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nQApafNgOjU/mqdefault.jpg "Blessing - Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi OST [Piano]
I recently caught up Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi (gorgeous animation btw) and I was fascinated by this particular soundtrack, which has been played very often in the anime. This piece hasnt a title yet, since the Soundtrack has not been released, but I still decided to make a piano cover, since I like the anime a lot. Ill rename the transcription when the OST is out.
This is literally a last minute transcription, since I am departing to singapore the next day for the attack on piano performance, together with Tehishter (I am so hyped now)
Oh, in case youre wondering, I am recording at my parents home, this is my old upright yamaha piano (I missed it a lot ;_;).
I completely forgot this yamaha has a silent system, therefore, its also possible to record it digitally (I didnt bring along my tripod and mics anyway)
Alright, this would be the final upload for the summer anime season 2013, and Ill see you again in fall season 2013!
Btw, the chances are high Ill upload some Vlogs during my time in singapore...
Last but not least, this piano transcription is dedicated to Ai, the gravekeeper.
People who have watched episode 3 know, what I am talking about ; ;
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My facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
Follow me on twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
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Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Blessing
Anime: Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi (sunday without god)
Published by: Starchild Records 2013
Composed by: Hiromi Mizutani")
![With Your Drill, Pierce The Heavens!! - Gurren Lagann OST [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oC1lCNl_cmM/mqdefault.jpg "With Your Drill, Pierce The Heavens!! - Gurren Lagann OST [Piano]
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/74161
Everyone, thank you for your support!!!
Without your help, I wouldnt have recovered so fast from my depression last week!
On Friday, the 10th January, Ive made the greatest mistake in my life. I thought I lost everything and I would never recover from this loss again. I truly reached the lowest point in my life and I just wanted to give up, quit music forever.
But thanks to the enormous support of my friends, my friends on the internet, the group of anime pianist, and various other people, I was able to overcome my crisis. I decided to start all over again because its too early to give up.
Therefore, thank you so much for your encouraging comments you left behind! I read all of them, and with every comment, my confidence has grown stronger and stronger.
I am truly thankful for having such a great community on YouTube!
To express my gratitude towards my fans, I can proudly announce that I finally began to work on my FIRST ANIME PIANO ALBUM, and its going to be called Anime piano legends - Volume 1!
Further details about the album are enclosed yet, but I can assure you, its going to be the best project Ive ever made!
A few words to about this arrangement: This is one of my favorite soundtracks from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, one of my most favorite anime of all time. It is full of energy, POWER and manly dreams. Its the perfect piece if you wanted to be motivated again.
Also, to end the transcription with some extravaganza, I quoted a very famous piano passage at the end of this piece in 2:21. Do you recognize this classical piano concerto? With that said, I will start to arrange more anime songs for the winter season 2014! And the Kill la Kill OST Dont lose your way/Before my body is dry will be my next project.
This transcription is also dedicated to TheIshter, because his recent Kuroko no Basuke transcription encouraged me to arrange a new piece again. Thank you everyone for believing in me!
Animenz
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My facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
Follow me on twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
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Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Pierce the heavens with your drill!! (Omae no XXX de Ten wo Tsuke!!)
Anime: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Published by: Aniplex
Composed by: Iwasaki Taku
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#GurrenLagann #PiercetheHeavenswithYourDrill #Piano")
![Faraway - Little Busters! OST - [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oo-8qAnkFbo/mqdefault.jpg "Faraway - Little Busters! OST - [Piano]
This piano improvisation is dedicated to a very special person of me: D.H.
He was one of the oldest friends I had. I think I got to know him when I was still in Kindergarten, and later, we both visited the same school.
We used to play nintendo together in my home and we had many similar interests, like pokemon or playing the sims. I have many fond memories of him.
He could live a normal live like any other pupil but when he was 15, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. His life turned upside down ever since then: he had to take a long break in the school and he had undergone dozens of painful chemotherapies
The last time I saw him was 2 years ago, in the class reunion party. He appeared very weak, his hand was shaking the whole time and he lost all his hair. But still, he still remained the old fun-loving guy, who never lost his humour. He never lamented once he was unfortunate and he never gave you the feeling he was disadvantaged. It was always fun talking with him, because he was a really honest person, who cared deeply about other people.
And he said something to me that made me really happy: I am glad, that you became a musician after all. He know that I loved the piano and he always believed in me, that I would succeed one day as a great musician. I even promised him to invite him to a concert of mine in the future.
But in the end, he lost the battle against his Leukemia. Yesterday, I found out on facebook, that he has passed away with 22 years.
Therefore I want to dedicate this piano improvisation to him. Faraway is an absolutely incredible and emotional piece by Jun Maeda and I think, this is a very fitting song to give D.H. a decend send-off.
Rest in piece my old friend.
One day we will meet again.
Thank you for reading this wall of text, because D.H. meant a lot to me and he always inspired me with his enjoyment of life, despite his illness.
Animenz
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His youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh7KZHzrfeAk-Wk9h0QC4hA
My facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/Animenz
Follow me on twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
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Piano improvisation by Animenz
Original Song: Faraway / Haruka Kanata
Anime: Little Busters!
Published by: Key Sounds Label
Composed by: Jun Maeda
Performed by: Rita
#LittleBusters #Faraway #JunMaeda #Piano")
![The Everlasting Guilty Crown - Guilty Crown OP2 [Piano]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ozDObIWJ4NA/mqdefault.jpg "The Everlasting Guilty Crown - Guilty Crown OP2 [Piano]
Sheet music → https://mymusic.st/animenzzz/41485
In a way, The Everlasting Guilty Crown symbolizes the end of a long journey because it’s going to be my last piano arrangement for the Guilty Crown Anime series. I personally regard my Guilty Crown piano arrangements as my favorite works, because they are all written in the so called “special-type” arrangement style - piano pieces with a highly individual character.
It’s not surprising that most of these songs are composed by ryo (supercell) because I really admire his ability to compose these brilliant melody lines, which is always touching the deepest part of my soul. Arranging The Everlasting Guilty Crown was probably one of the biggest challenges I was facing this year because I wanted to surpass my former self again and take the meaning of “Anime piano arrangement” to the next level.
One of the most distinct characteristic of the original song is the piano ostinato (a rhythmic pattern, that is repeating the whole time in the background), which is being introduced in the beginning of the song. For this arrangement, the piano ostinato is only vaguely hinted in the left hand at 00:28 and it also appears in the right hand in 00:59. It only starts to develop during the intermission in 01:43 until it finally reaches its full bloom in the second verse in 02:08. This is the moment where The Everlasting Guilty Crown is really starting.
From this point on, I was trying my best to carry the spirit of the original song through the second half of this piano arrangement. But the turning point of the entire piece is the calm before the storm in 04:38. In this short moment, I was reflecting all the past arrangements I have created, all the struggles I had to go through in order to continue and my constant obsession with perfectionism. So I utilized everything I could think of to make the final chorus count, be it three hand technique, fast right hand runs, or multiple voicing.
The original piece has an unexpected “open end” in E-major chord and the unfinished chord progression is yearning for a musical conclusion. I wanted to give this arrangement a grandiose orchestral finale and as a result I used a B major key for the first time. The piano ostinato is being played again in fortissimo and the piece ends with four B major chords to give the final chapter of Guilty Crown a fitting ending.
Well then. Thank you for reading my story behind the creation of this arrangement. The Guilty Crown piano pieces I have arranged so far have influenced my arranging career like none other and with each of them, I was discovering a new path and it has helped me to develop my arrangement style substantially.
Euterpe (2011) was my first big experiment with an improvised music structure and creating an individual finale.
https://youtu.be/_8UZMD3A2rs
Bios (2012) was my first project to utilize the full sound potential of the piano with a powerful Rock-style piano arrangement.
https://youtu.be/DcjUOdeq6G8
My Dearest (2013) was a summary of all my classical music knowledge and my most ambitious fusion between the world of classic and pop.
https://youtu.be/Pi8xsZXibIc
Departures (2017) was my first arrangement with jazz elements and it was written in the “orchestral” arrangement style.
https://youtu.be/5hft807EJ6o
The remake of My Dearest (2020) is a continuation of my old (2013) arrangement and showcases a further refined “orchestral” style with a more nuanced melody phrasing.
https://youtu.be/lAXJPop9LaY
And now The Everlasting Guilty Crown. A “story telling” - focused arrangement, with everything I have learned so far as an piano arranger.
These 5 pieces represents my YouTube history the best and for some reason, I can’t help but feel nostalgic. 10 years on YouTube, it’s really been a long time.
To all the people who have been following me on YouTube during these years:
Thank you for your continuous support. I am really glad that the Anime piano community is steadily growing on YouTube. The new generation of Anime pianists is being more active than ever and I am really happy that the term “Anime piano” has been acknowledged by many people in the world already.
Thank you for these 10 years,
for giving me encouraging comments,
for contributing to the Anime piano community and most importantly,
for listening to my piano playing.
Animenz
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Follow me on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/Animenzzz
Follow me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Animenz/
I am using Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/animenz_official/
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Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: The Everlasting Guilty Crown
Anime: Guilty Crown / ギルティクラウン
Published by: Aniplex (2012)
Composed by: ryo
Performed by: chelly (EGOIST)
#TheEverlastingGuiltyCrown #GuiltyCrown #Piano #Animenz")
