[The Promise of The World]
Hi guys, welcome to episode 2 of Tenny’s Tunes. I am your host Tenny.
Today is part two of Joe Hisaishi’s music. I have included a brief biography of Hisaishi in Ep 1 - The Lesson from Princess Mononoke, so if you are interested, please feel free to check it out.
If you have ever watched Howl’s Moving Castle, which came out in 2004, you know just how unfathomable Studio Ghibli’s imagination can extend to while still keeping reality in the background. In a fantasy and war-ridden world where magic serves as the main resource of warfare among nations, the magical moving castle belonging to the great wizard Howl continues to move across beautiful landscapes of nature, though not without any political turbulences along the way.
We will now play the main theme of Howl’s Moving Castle, composed by Joe Hisaishi. It is known by the name “Merry-Go-Round of Life” or in Japanese “人生のメリーゴーランド.” As you listen, try to picture a magical world that is characterized by natural beauty but also plagued by greed and warfare. See how we can find a balance between the two. Enjoy!
(Recording plays)
So that was my rendition of “Merry-Go-Round of Life.” I tuned down the tempo of the piece slightly to highlight the richness of every chord. The beginning already marks the end as it carries a tedious but fulfilling tone - all there is to do has been done, leave the rest to fate - you know, that kind of feel.
Personally, I love the modulation to a higher key in the latter half that puts into doubt whether everything really ended. Perhaps more unknown excitement or dread await us. It’s the process of exploring, digging in the dark that really matters. Life is just like riding on a merry-go-round!
Anyways, hope you enjoyed it! Music composed by Joe Hisaishi, performed on the piano by me. I am Tenny Tsang, and this is NBN Audio. Thank you so much for listening, and I will see you next time on Tenny’s Tunes.