The World of Ghibli Music Played on Cello

Studio Ghibli films are loved around the world not only for their captivating stories, but also for their inspiring music. The music of Ghibli films can be elevated to something even more moving with the rich sound of the cello. This article explores the music of Ghibli, which is especially beautiful when played on the cello.

1. "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" - Kimi no ono oshita

The cello performance of "Kimi wo nosetto" creates a sense of grandeur and anticipation of adventure, as if one were imagining a journey to Laputa, the castle in the air. The deep tones of the cello enhance the mystical atmosphere of the film.
This music is relatively low in difficulty and easy for beginners to tackle. If you are interested, give it a try.

2. "Spirited Away" - Always and Again

This piece is a beautiful melody in which melancholy and hope for the lost coexist. Playing it on the cello allows the deep emotion of the piece to be richly expressed and resonate in the hearts of the listeners.
Since the same phrases are repeated, it is necessary to avoid monotony.

3. "My Neighbor Totoro" - Sanpo

Sanpō" is a delightful piece that evokes the joyful adventures of Totoro and his friends.
The cello playing expresses the lightness of footsteps walking in the forest and the joy of being in nature.
Since the note-dot rhythm must be played accurately, beginners may want to practice only the rhythm on the open strings.

4. "The Witch's Delivery Service" - A Town with a View of the Sea

City with an Ocean View is one of the most heartwarming pieces of Ghibli music, a symbol of hope and new beginnings. When playing this piece on the cello, the melody, which flows like the wind across the sea, is expressed with breadth and depth.
The highest notes in the middle section need to be played beautifully, so practice at a slower tempo if necessary.

Tips for playing Ghibli music on cello

When playing Ghibli music on the cello, keep the following points in mind

Emotion: Ghibli music is characterized by emotional melodies. When playing, try to imagine the background and the story of the piece, and put the scenes and emotions into the sound.
Use vibrato: Vibrato on the cello adds warmth and expression to the music. Use the appropriate vibrato to match the melody of Ghibli music. Also, be aware of applying a broad vibrato from the back, not the small end.
Be aware of the dynamics: Controlling the intensity of the sound to match the changing scenes in the movie will make your performance more dramatic.

Ghibli music played on the cello, with its deep resonance and rich expression, will evoke scenes from the film and deeply touch the listener's heart. We hope that you will practice hard so that you can express the beautiful scenes depicted by Hayao Miyazaki through the sounds of the cello. We wish you the best of luck!