Week36: Ghibli’s Magic, Reimagined on Piano

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This performance is a heartfelt and technically proficient interpretation of Joe Hisaishi’s iconic “Merry‑Go‑Round of Life,” best known as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle.

Here's The video above:
From the opening bars, you’re drawn into a world of nostalgia and charm, as davbustamante0 captures the original melody’s wistful character with crystal-clear phrasing. The mid-range registers are beautifully articulated, lending a warm, singing quality to the lines without overwhelming the delicate arpeggios that follow—an impressive demonstration of touch control and tonal balance.

Temporally, the cover is excellent at its dramatic contouring: softly contemplative sections are followed by dramatic crescendos. Discerning pedaling makes these transitions easy, sustaining harmonic clarity while allowing the luscious, romantic undertones to thrive. A judicious pacing of the tempo—neither fast nor slow—is adopted so the airy flow of the theme is not ever lost. By the way, I think you should check out the movie and thank me later😉

Harmonically, davbustamante0 stays respectfully faithful to Hisaishi’s score, while the pianist’s subtle expressive rubato gives the performance an individual voice without deviating into unnecessary flourishes. Through minor additions of slight delays and gentle swells, the cover gains an emotional depth that feels both personal and true to the spirit of the film.

The left-hand arpeggios are handled technically appropriately, even on some of the faster passages where it is so easy to sacrifice definition. Meanwhile, the right-hand melody is still lyrical, singing, and in balance. Sound quality is clear with a well-recorded acoustic piano sound—there is enough resonance in the lower end, and definition at the high end.

It is a warm and technically assured tribute throughout. A delight to both Ghibli and piano enthusiasts—a memory which preserves the magic of the original and lends it a new, gentle voice. Highly recommended to all who adore beautiful interpretations of film classics.

This week holds a lot more than we can see. Let's watch as the clock moves... Get ready!!!