Merry-Go-Round of Life - Howl's Moving Castle [Piano] / Joe Hisaishi

Sheet music → 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 KZbin 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!
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🎹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
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#ghibli #joehisaishi #merrygoroundoflife #howl

[@Yashiro8957]

His piano is so clean you can see his reflection play in 4K

[@bkrt2552]

Yeah, his 30k piano deserves that tho

[@Miyamoto_345]

@@bkrt2552sed lyf, i dont even have a full sized keyboard 🗿🗿

[@daikitv688]

@@bkrt2552 I think its more than 30k xD its a perfect sounding Hamburg Steinway and it has Spirio Selfplaying System. it will be around 70-90k xD

[@yayuuuhhhH]

@@daikitv688 If it is new it is undoubtedly more than 100k

[@daikitv688]

@@yayuuuhhhH true but used its about 70-80k i think

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Animenz is the main protagonist of an anime about piano prodigies and we’re in his world.

[@dr.sivavignesh664]

He’s actually kousei arima

[@vrup]

10 likes strange

[@andresespana3216]

And you are the main protagonist of KZbin comments

[@hamfish_fillet549]

HOW ARE YOU HERE?

[@Cemonxs_yt]

@@dr.sivavignesh664 lol 😭

[@dragox1135]

That Steinway is perfectly tuned and the sound is very resonant. Me like.

[@historyfan0651]

Yeah

[@thespider-vikingshow3908]

what?!

[@JJ-nn6bm]

because he is a steinway artist 😄

[@tyler3295]

@@thespider-vikingshow3908 he like

[@2130dar]

I don’t know what a Steinway is but 👍

[@GuitarHeartno1]

Guys I’m crying rn 😭😭😭 I finally finished this!!! Granted it’s not full speed , more like 75% but I’m getting there! It took me 4 months! I started learning piano with a teacher 6 months ago but had 4 years of self taught learning to back me up, I love this rendition so much , dare I say more than Kyle landry’s

[@AProtecterBruce]

Congratulations! Currently learning this

[@sidharthajain7001]

Wow man proud, I totally feel your emotions 🫂

[@dreyc9902]

congratsss

[@majorcflat6394]

Awesome

[@TheAlanski]

Amazing, do upload a cover of it one day (doesn't need to be perfect) as it will inspire us. Animenz arrangements are brutally hard but amazing!

[@Langscapes]

I felt that howl's moving castle OST had become too much of a cliche in the youtube piano scene, but Animenz's cover has once again opened my eyes to the beauty of this song.

[@gregquinto5062]

Absolutely. Hes on another league

[@davidnoranavascues4489]

What about the piano/melodica Cateen cover? It was freaking fire too

[@YayaPiano1]

That's exactly what I thought! Part of the reason why I almost completely changed it 💀😆 Love seeing it in new lights!

[@Miyamoto_345]

Idk but it sounds too overcomplicated smh Edit - It's the best cover on YT 🥳

[@77sincere94]

Well said

[@LangKuoch]

It's weird seeing a couple of the comments complaining about the variations/departure from the original. If you want to watch faithful performances of this piece, there are THOUSANDS of other videos on KZbin for that. We didn't need Animenz to produce another carbon copy of this song, because what would the point of that be? Life gets interesting when people innovate, reinvent, recreate, and make things their own. I have already heard Merry-Go-Round of Life played the same way by dozens of pianists on KZbin. I can tell you I have never heard it played like this before, and that's why I love it so much. So to those who were strangely offended by this breath of fresh air, I encourage you to welcome the change, welcome the creativity, and welcome the freshness. Different is not bad.

[@tamitamini]

any version of this song is a banger

[@ezra0307]

theres no such restriction either when someone wants to re-arrange the song, its completely legal especially for instrument-based music or any kind of music

[@dazza2350]

I agree.

[@leoleondre2425]

Bruh and this one just middle fingerd all of them!

[@yurito3171]

I might not have looked deep enough but I have yet to find any comments that complain about the rearrangement, in fact most people are praising this. I've looked through the comment section multiple times and I always end up passing this comment.

[@yuuribuulue]

4:24 it hits so freaking hard how it intensifies even more.... It's just... Art.

[@taisiewyong592]

😢

[@terranbricklin]

Listen to Chopin's ballade No. 1 in G minor, the finale of that piece is very similar structurally to that of this one

[@hoexxo]

i know.

[@molly4743]

This part It’s fucking hard to practice 🙃🙃🙃🙃

[@user-ty5xf9oi4b]

I’m got so hard watching this

[@ellierawlins]

This is by far the best piano cover of this song, how is it possible to move so fast and not make a single mistake??

[@vakko228]

Practice, and practice. Oh, and practice too. Don't forget practice while you're practicing. Then practice after you practice.

[@AlasixYT]

@@vakko228 underrated reply lol🤣

[@shrinkious4873]

@@chocox2367 there are much worse... Ever heard of Godowskys Passacaglia or Guido Agostis Firebird arr or Scriabin's 9 hr long piece

[@kindybadge5834]

his girlfriend must love him

[@Blaetter]

​@@kindybadge5834💀💀💀

[@justapotato6718]

At 0:57, I screamed. This is the best piano cover I've heard.

[@Iumine]

him: *play piano* you: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@jokutyyppi4226]

*beautiful piano song plays with screams of terror in the background

[@myhand5100]

AAAHHHHHHHHH

[@handletemplate]

**white stuff sprayed everywhere**

[@jakus9432]

I screamed without the "s"

[@detroitbecomedefective2762]

How does his hands and fingers move so fast with such accuracy, maybe it's just because I it started playing piano like a month ago and can like barely do howls moving Castle but this guys just next level

[@krazykitty789]

this guy has more than likely been playing for years and years and seems very dedicated to it, and it shows. this can definitely be you as well!

[@N0gin]

Years and years of practice. Last time i checked, hes been playing for more than 18 years straight. Throughout practice, your hands will become more precise, and as you challenge yourself, you will be able to play more and more quick with more and more accuracy with it. Its all about constant work, dedication, and hard work :)

[@N0gin]

Start with easier pieces, and slowly move up as you get better and better. Try to take ambitious and big jumps by doing more difficult pieces than your current skill level, but don't take too much massive jumps, because then you will be missing more simple fundamentals, or you simply wont be able to play it and learn off of it. Keep in mind that Animenz has played for years, so dont push yourself too much. Just go at your own pace and make sure you enjoy it; since that's what playing instruments is for, to have fun.

[@nezuko3175]

Dont worry my friend, i started practicing piano months ago too and we all want to be on the same level with animenz but lets just wait and practice :D

[@bald147]

@@N0gin this!!! I started with an easier version of howl's moving castle and I'm almost at an intermediate level a few months later :)

[@prosandkahnsyt4288]

This was my wife's and my wedding dance song

[@benjim123]

What an amazing song choice

[@JayChenStudio]

my favorite part: 3:57. its so beautiful how it has a theme and also some faster notes as a background. Amazing.

[@martypittman7928]

I 100% agree

[@lightcubing437]

@@martypittman7928 I loved playing this piece and that part is so good

[@mrkid-zh5iz]

Me too the glissando is just smooth the smoothest i guess

[@MT-dn4tu]

​@@mrkid-zh5izThat's not a glissando; just a run.

[@FrankTedescoOfficial]

Incredible arrangement!

[@Isaac-mc1pl]

THE MAAAAN!!!

[@hahanhup]

ooooooooo

[@stricttranslator7871]

Tf u doin here lol

[@DuckSmokezQuack]

game recognises game

[@goobachev]

fraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank

[@Animenzzz]

Thank you for listening to my arrangement this time! In a way, this video is another milestone for my KZbin Channel, because Howl's Moving Castle is probably one of the most famous Anime Piano pieces ever and it has been finally added in my Anime Piano library as of today! I hope you liked all these small variations in the arrangement! The "Animenz Anime Piano Library" will continue to grow!

[@cooldebt]

A truly moving cover 🎶👏

[@nothingimportantlol]

This is unfair that you are this talented. To be able to witness your greatness in this lifetime is a blessing. For when the time comes and you have long passed people will look back at your legacy and you will forever be cemented as a legend. The ability to reinvent any piece you laid your eyes upon is a gift and a curse because of the obsession behind the scenes we know nothing about but can only speculate.. I wish you a long lasting life filled with prosperity. There are many people in the world who are living in different stages of life who are motivated or temporarily healed when they come across your videos.

[@gleesinnpiano2653]

@@nothingimportantlol I like to think that Animenz has only just begun. Animenz has been popular for a long time but it seems like his motivation and arranging knowledge somehow keeps on increasing. By the time he passes I sincerely believe that his anime piano library will be exactly as you said, legendary

[@elisabethgarcia9691]

I loved the variations!!! 😍

[@user-sn7yb2xz1u]

Every variation was suitable✨ These small variations🎶 All of this is Animenz arrangement🎉 ラフマニノフ風アレンジ💡ショパン風アレンジ 💡アニメンズ風アレンジ💡どれも感じが出ていました😊❗これら全てがアニメンズアレンジです🎉Animenz world library🏢

[@TureLov3]

Thank you for sharing this video for free! It is just too good.

[@gepick2332]

Sad no recognition

[@zvezdoblyat]

​@@gepick2332it's not faithful to the original. Not everyone is a fan of uhh.. extra flair

[@dt3338]

​@@zvezdoblyatLiszt amiright

[@Claire-kg7kp]

@@zvezdoblyat Respect opinions but that is what makes this slap harder ngl

[@432skitch]

I can't describe how this makes me feel. It is beyond beautiful.

[@aishamaryanali6186]

me too.

[@Cyclically]

0:50 - Variation 1: Harmonics 2:05 - Variation 2: Rachmaninoff 2:40 - Variation 3: Scherzo 3:25 - Variation 4: Chopin 4:30 - Variation 5: Animenz This arrangement really reminds me of your "Lit" - Koe no Katachi arrangement since they are both variation pieces with 5 sections of differing styles. And similarly to your Kawaki wo Ameku arrangement, this piece also seems to be a mix of your current rhythmically focused style and the older virtuosic, technique-based arrangements which brings the best of both worlds.

[@whalos]

Respect

[@miyoko8380]

Respect.

[@dawnnika4421]

4:30 is Liszt

[@redastannsd3398]

Imagine he put debussy's chord progression in the slow part. It will give really interesting taste

[@Cyclically]

@@dawnnika4421 no it isn’t, Animenz himself said it’s “Variation 5: Finale - Animenz version” to be exact, if you look at the live chat replay

[@idkhowiendeduphere]

I never get bored when I listen to merry go round of life, I don't know how joe hisaishi made it, it's just masterpiece 😭, and your arrangement is amazing too

[@sardine56]

i like your pfp ;)

[@dream_y1000]

I can listen to this forever

[@Lyonessi]

I think how romantic it sounds keeps it exciting and wonderful.

[@awhzo]

@@Lyonessi romantic? 😭😭

[@user-hk7zf1xi5n]

​@@awhzo isn't it a romantic scene in the castle movie

[@yozoraonyoutube]

i, a pianist myself, shocked by how you move so fast and not make a single mistake. keep it up the good work

[@alfredguarino12]

Introduction: Normal happy days 1st variation: Remembering good memories Intermezzo: A nice day has happened and you're about to sleep 2nd variation: You're cheery and happy 3rd variation: The thought of your dream life Finale: You're full of happiness like this moment is the best moment of your life

[@yousef4330]

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST COVER OF HOWLS MOVING CASTLE I HAVE EVER SEEN. SERIOUSLY YOUR TALENT IS UNMATCHED THIS WAS INCREDIBLE TO WATCH

[@arii-luvs-uu]

Love your bird 😩✨🐦✨

[@toeysiri3822]

I was about to buy his music sheet then he started doing the thing at 0:54 and I’m like okayyyy 😂 Amazing piece!

[@kpoppappi409]

Me too! Brave at first but after hearing that I was like "nope. I'll just continue watching him play instead"

[@andiengooyen]

its fine lol, its not that hard, it only took me a day or so to get it down, its just a matter of if ur hands can reach the octave and how much u practice

[@PiddleNat]

@@kpoppappi409 you 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@mwah.shells]

@@kpoppappi409 ME TOO BRO

[@flolwaq]

@@andiengooyen I'm trying to learn it right now and HOW does he do the chord with his left hand at 0:44 ITS TOO WIDE

[@GuitarHeartno1]

This is one of the greatest things I have ever seen. That score is every bit as great as anything John Williams has ever done. I am so proud to be involved in any way to this movie. I do the English voice of King Jihl in the film. It's a small part but it became my introduction to Miyazaki. This music is so soothing and just puts the evils of the world on hold while it plays.

[@ArcYT]

So cool sir, thanks for sharing. peace be with you

[@antiracistbaby1085]

Omg thats amazing ❤❤❤

[@user-ti4tl7yr8z]

胸がきゅぅぅってなるような曲……、アレンジも加えてるけど本家の形を崩さないような…私音楽知識少ないからわかんないけどすごい心に刻まれるようなピアノでした！！！

[@user-wv5nr5uc8z]

2004年からある曲だけどこんなに凄いアレンジは聞いたことない。ハウルの動く城のストーリーがこの一曲で表れてると思った。アニメンズさんのクラシックアレンジには本当に感動させられるなぁもっと日本人に見てもらいたい...！

[@kanakana-4662]

本当にそう思います( ꈍᴗꈍ)

[@arufoto]

初見🙋‍♀️

[@reallettuceforlunch2192]

ong bro

[@conkageious]

I've listened to an innumerable amount of variations to this song over the years but as is customary of your arrangements, this provide something special to the table which enables it to exist as its own thing. As per usual, good stuff.

[@DabusDongus]

The thing that always amazes me about Animenz, the thing that he captures that I've never seen another piano cover artist do, is his ability to capture every single instrument, every single vocal in his piano keys. Most piano cover artists get the most important instruments and vocals. But Animenz gets EVERYTHING and its insane.

[@ghadayousry884]

A whole orchestra is played by only one person; one amazingly talanted artist. My great regards for you.

[@igorcosta8559]

I've never heard such a good version of this piece being played, orchestrated or not. It's the best so far, and I've heard A LOT of different ones. I can't stress enough how impressed I am with this performance.

[@Simon-Jih]

It’s close to my midterm, so just a quick review of the song 0:41 Really beautiful long phrase, the middle section is Eb~~~D, the higher voice is C Bb~ A G F# Eb D , and the following bouncy left hand bass octaves with accelerando and then ritenuto is awsome, definitely one of my favorite part. Then it’s the waltz part, I think the previous waltz-like song you arrange is history maker? that one also has a left hand octave show off at the end,haha . Interesting contrast: 1:30 the legato part is followed by the non-legato three hand technique at 1:39 But at 2:59 the staccato part is followed by the legato three hand technique at 3:03 1:45 the middle section Eb~ F~ G A B C# E G, I really like this kind of ‘’ little scale’ transition. Beautiful left hand second voice: 1:48 Eb D ~ C A , 1:51 C# C ~ Bb G 1:59 C D Eb ~ Eb G C 2:05 you press almost every D note on the piano except the highest D7 3:15 is that double chromatic scale? 3:27 The left hand second melody is extraordinary , especially when right hand adding G at 3:45 and A at 3:49, so satisfying. this section for me is the scene when Sophie crying out loud in the ruins of ''little moving castle'' because she accidentally pour water on Calcifer, and she thought she might have killed howl. The following 3:57, 4:05, 4:13 you use the scale three times in a row , building up the emotion little by little ,for me it's like hopes emerge ,and Sophie find that the ring howl gave her is still shining and pointing to somewhere, and she is able to go back in time to see the young howl signing contrast with Calcifer. I wanna mention the phrase start from 4:07, that repeat ’’ F F ’’, is really good, and then 4:27 that section give me the Chopin ballade in g minor vibe( around bar 40). Then, we reach the explosive finale, especially 4:40 that left hand upward downward motion is really a pleasure to watch. 4:47 the right hand staccato melody serve just fantastic as the final climax, one of my favorite part. Btw something interesting happened two weeks ago, it was a leisure afternoon and I got KZbin recommendation of your Crossing Field video, I guess it’s because I often review your 2020 videos, which I think every single one of them is a masterpiece. But what caught my attention was the hand crossing thumbnail of that video, since I’ve already learned that piece last year, and I was like : ‘’is there hand crossing section in that piece?’’ So I watch it again, and ….NO! I got you, haha. After little observation, I find that hand crossing chord in the thumbnail is kinda like the last pre-chorus of your A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, anyway, it’s just me little fanboy getting excited of something meaningless.

[@Simon-Jih]

Btw, are we gonna have November and December sheets update?

[@wekido5375]

lol you helped me appreciate this song so much more! I played piano for so long but I never learned all these piano theory stuff

[@judemolano9100]

Here before animenz comments to this

[@champsingxiang]

Same here before Animenz comments xd

[@swbaseball021]

Turnoff youtube notifications and good luck on your midterm!

[@intobricks6679]

Howl's moving castle is one of the most beautiful Anime films out there and with it's wonderful music the experience is elevated so much! Animenz, you just did it again, by creating this wondrous piece of art into the best possible piano arrangement out there!

[@Erainia]

Don't think it's "better" than Kyle's, "best possible" is a bit unfair to the other people who came up with equally as amazing arrangements

[@idkMan--]

Comparing these 2 arrangements, I feel like Kyle's is overall more virtuosic, but Animenz gives this feeling of riding on the castle, as if you were flying through the sky. Think of Kyle's as a Liszt arrangement(more virtuosic), and Animenz as a Chopin arrangement(more musical)

[@Erainia]

@@idkMan-- I actually see it the other way around personally haha, I feel there is a huge amount of chopin influence in the way Kyle plays . Either way they're both two of the best pianists on the Internet with the best of the best arrangements and performances to suit haha

[@idkMan--]

@@Erainia I agree with you on that. They're both really good pianists, it's just that I think overall Kyle's feels more virtuosic while Animenz's feels more musical, from my perspective at least.

[@ijustdoeverything5254]

Ikr

[@NEVERsayEVER]

This is by far the most beautiful rendition of Merry Go Round of Life I've ever heard. Thank you for what you do bro.

[@ThibautRoubanovitch]

When the video released, I wanted to play it so bad but thought it was to hard. Today i’m learning it and i’m so glad i’m almost able to play one of my favorites arrangments ever. Even if i don’t sound as good as you do you’re still on another level

[@josevictor5072]

One day you'll be there, trust yourself!

[@armity1387]

I really want to play this song but I think it's hard for me Idk if I should go for it or not

[@ThibautRoubanovitch]

@@armity1387 really depends on your motivation and on the time you can take to learn it every week. If theses things are not a problem try it. If it’s too hard just leave it there and you can try it again when you’ll have more experience

[@JiHyunYu-lc4ez]

Where did you get the notes? I would really like to learn it as well!

[@acerzz2287]

​@@JiHyunYu-lc4ezin description

[@metalguitarboy6723]

Even though I have never watched Howl's Moving Castle, the nostalgic hit from Animenz's arrangement of Merry-Go-Round of Life is incomparable to anything else. I have heard this piece many times and this one is unique in its own ways from the spectacular variations. It is not wrong to say that Animenz always delivers, right?

[@charityhope645]

Check it out.... howl and sophie💙

[@nicherizu]

damnn bro u should watch it

[@commitdie156]

Ur gonna love this song more than ever when you watch it

[@Kagara]

I love that this sound a lot more classical . This is a great piece for music teachers

[@p1xelated306]

Also a nightmare to play for teachers 😂

[@miangel02]

Everytime I hear this song it takes me back to the movie and it takes me to a depth no other movie has ever gave me, because this song makes me feel so relaxed and carefree.

[@kayeallen3863]

This is the most beautiful arrangement I’ve ever heard of this song. 🥲❤️ Being a huge fan of the film and it’s music, I’ve heard a lot of covers…to the point that I’ve even stopped listening to it for a while. But today I saw this and it has made me remember just how beautiful the music and story is. Your arrangement made it feel as if I was listening to it for the first time again. Thank you for blessing my ears and my heart. 💖🙏🏼

[@favouritesomethin4957]

When I look at his hand and compare it with his hand in 6 years ago. I realized that his hand, it has been roughed over time. And it's proof that Animenz has devoted a lot to music. I hope that he'll continue his piano career to let more people know his compositions - Respect -

[@Yakuson1196]

To me Animenz has also slimmed down since several years ago, but yes he has definitely gotten more weathered.

[@shackoshadow5068]

Lol i think its just him getting older. Hands dont really get roughed by piano

[@favouritesomethin4957]

@@shackoshadow5068 Breh that is apparent, but I write this comment to make my opinion is deeper, the meaning is still the same

[@charlesmungan7924]

@@favouritesomethin4957 no actually he said that he just lost some weight when he got sick, this was like 2 years ago or something. Around when he filmed kizuna music video is when i first noticed the slim hands. Your hands don't really get roughed up look from playing piano

[@twiq.2903]

@@shackoshadow5068 ??? my hands became bones just playing rhythm games and u tellin mfs cant get that while playing a piano

[@asdf-og1xk]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ARRANGEMENT The use of different composer's styles is such a cool and creative idea, the staccato is so satisfying and that finale is BEAUTIFUL with the contrast of sounds, (side note: RIP my dreams of learning this)

[@4bafiafzil999]

Learn the easy/slow version maybe

[@THE-zo5wu]

music good unga bunga

[@Colin_av]

it sounds like an story told with music... and its wonderful

[@user-gv1qz4yl5u]

今まで他の方の演奏KZbinで見たんですけどちばん好きなアレンジです！！毎日聞いて生きてます！素敵な演奏ありがとうございます☺️

[@natsaderpiano]

Top tier pianist play top tier anime soundtrack with top tier piano. What a great combo

[@dalemyst7090]

@@xlemonx2864 better than you tho💀

[@dalemyst7090]

@@xlemonx2864 im just joking man sorry for that comment😭😊

[@noyapotato7843]

4:30 onwards literally made me feel how the audience felt when kousei played in ylia and all the dots of light were floating to the audience aaaa :)

[@ilyfeg7001]

Same!!

[@1805w]

the amount of times i listened to this is countless. Literally a masterpiece this and it never fails me to make me cry

[@theonepapaya2953]

Never have i genuinely taken the time to just close my eyes and actually listen to a piece purely. The emotion and the elegance of this piece brought me to tears, and never have i felt so detached from reality. This piece resonated with me as if on a deep spiritual level, and i feel as though you were genuinely playing at the strings of life itself. I thank you wholeheartedly for this video.

[@gayatrijagdev]

This is THE most BEAUTIFUL arrangement of this piece out there. It’s crazy how many emotions can flow through me in 5 mins and 28 seconds. The start is like a warm breeze and the end leaves me in a huge storm. I’m stunned by the power of this. True POWER.

[@user-ld5ht6dg5t]

圧倒的なピアノの技術… 圧巻です言葉がでない ほんとうに素晴らしい

[@s4disssst]

Yeaa

[@wmischad]

Yea

[@Aaron41502]

Yea

[@KonoRamon]

Yeaa

[@jukeban646]

Yeaaaa

[@oskartheloner9252]

Omg. This is the absolute best piano cover I have ever heard, this has been my fav movie ever for years on end now. I love it.

[@user-nl1ob7xh2j]

ぞわぞわしてしまった、、、素敵すぎる、、

[@user-ow6fu6yx4i]

素晴らしい、魂が震えて涙がでてきました。音楽の力ってすごい

[@minm4234]

I love how this song can be played on loop and it would sound like it is playing an endless variation of the melody. I've listened to this in the background on loop and it's hard to believe that I've only watched a 5 minute loop, it feels more like I watched an hour-long cover of it.

[@komisan_]

anyone else using this for their wedding? howls moving castle was my favourite film as a child and a comfort film as an adult. makes me cry listening to this song, escpically this version. ❤

[@saidvahidi1965]

Isn't that beautiful that life becomes so so beautiful with the simplicity and beauty of these piano keys. Piano has always been a heavenly instrument for me! Thank you!

[@user-hk1sf1tl9e]

今まで見てきた人生のメリーゴーランドのアレンジの中で1番好きだ…

[@user-oc8bh3te1z]

他にもたくさんのアニソンピアノを投稿しているので全部見てください。

[@MissPoplarLeaf]

I've heard so many arrangements of this piece over the years and I love it to death, but when 0:50 came on I got SERIOUS goosebumps and a big grin on my face! You've actually done interesting things with the piece and made this a unique arrangement, rather than just a recreation of the same thing. And yet it still feels like it has the spirit of the original piece/movie!! You've earned this subscriber :)

[@Hosamo7]

How it's not possible to press 100 likes for such a wonderful music and performance

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

Joe Hisaishi = one of the 🐐s of modern music!!! One of the best renditions of this theme ever.

[@thattrickytrickster612]

My ultimate goal as a pianist is to master this song and play it during a wedding, either mine or at a friend’s wedding.

[@shennahniggins8594]

How did it go after 10 months🤗

[@darla4836]

Can you play it for my wedding ?pls 😭

[@cyberloserrr]

yo its been a yr any updates?

[@lgnzr]

We all know that Animenz is a top tier pianist, but wow I'm astounded by the the level of quality and how *full* this track sounds, even if it's only one instrument! Thank you for this cover ❤

[@user-dh1zn5rx4f]

ツボすぎて頭おかしくなりそうな位毎日聞いてる

[@zakesty3]

0:52 men that is insane

[@sweng0717]

yeahhhh I cannot play it at those octave notes at that speed 🥹

[@AlexisLinAnimePianoWorks]

I have to say this arrangement is giving me goosebumps, and it totally shocked me when I saw those virtuosic techniques, especially the fast running at 2:22, and the unusual scales at 3:16. But what really impressed me is the entire build-up and the orchestra style of this arrangement. The use of 3 hand technique, and frequent variations have made this piece extremely colorful and diversified. Oh, before I forget, the final octave spam at 5:04 was undoubtedly godly. This arrangement has reminded me lots of the orchestral arrangements you have done before, like Kantai Collection medley, Konosuba Medley, etc. Thanks for bringing such fantastic arrangement! Also, good luck with your concert!

[@RandoPassingBy]

:3:16 Is kinda usual, it’s just chromatic but done with one hand…

[@033_putrakinandana9]

@@RandoPassingBy yeah, it needs proper fingering and technique to perform like that, especially when it's third interval (?) chromatic

[@pikapugboi7447]

Chopins winter wind does something simular

[@user-ts9pn2ke1x]

와.. 그냥 이건 말로 표현이 안된다 버스에서 듣다가 엄청난 전율을 느낌 개미쳤다 미치도록 좋다

[@fromjennywithlove5407]

This piece has always made me teary eyed, longing for a happier time… Am I the only one who feels this way. Thanks for playing this beautiful piece…

[@rileypester380]

Beautiful. I appreciate how purposeful each note is, light and heavy. I've scrolled through a many heavy handed, clunky renditions. Perfection is created when your hands grace the keys. Thank you.

[@owenperry3268]

It amazes me the human brain is able to coordinate and remember such an incredibly complex instrument and piece

[@kami4362]

As a piano player myself I would say the piano is very complex

[@carlo7648]

But what animenz does is impossible i’m a piannist since i’m 6 so it’s been 11 years i’m playing the piano and i can’t do at all this masterpiece at this lvl but of course if i’ve had time i could do it i think

[@Zezemint]

The creativity, effort and love that must've been put into this T__T There wasn't a fraction of a second that I didn't love about this arrangement... 0:02 - 0:51 Animenz's signature "calm before the storm" 0:56 - 1:12 Octave tremolos sure differentiate the feel of the piece 1:38 / 3:02 Signature 3-hand technique (always makes one nod with appreciation) 2:09 - 2:15 Smooth, colorful transitional juice 2:21 / 2:34 A sudden "wall of sound" 2:40 - 3:25 Scherzo = playing as if a very lively character 3:16 - 3:22 I'm envisioning a hot air balloon here 3:27 -> The hot air balloon has reach max altitude and is flying peacefully and quietly 3:58 - 4:23 Animenz's signature RH 1, 2, 3 embellishments 4:25 - 4:29 Alternative transitional juice: delicious ~ 4:32 - 5:04 Jam-packed, excitement-filled finale 4:49 - 4:51 Details details details. Love the flow. 5:00 - 5:02 A brief return of the octave tremolo 5:10 - 5:23 A never-before-heard descending ending! My $5 has absolutely no intention in living with me any longer. Sheets soon PLEASE!

[@ksp78945]

Omg this is gorgeous! I love this version :) Amazing playing

[@billtheblackshrekblackshre8280]

this is a masterpiece. best version of this so far without a single doubt

[@bobo-lz3jm]

I've been watching you since I was in highschool, and I never fail to be impressed by not just your technical prowess, but your ability to transcribe such vast and complex pieces into something for piano. I often find myself upset at how limiting piano can feel when trying to transcribe multi instrument songs, especially large orchestral ones, but you always push the envelope of what I think is possible with a single piano and single performer. Thank you for always posting such beautiful works.

[@sebas-chan5150]

The funny thing is that I watched Howl's moving castle yesterday and now animenz made a piano cover. Thank you for this cover, I got so emotional watching this movie without knowing why, it was so unique and beautiful. Thank you animenz for making my day ❤

[@siIlyman]

amazing. perfectly encapsulates what the song's feeling is.

[@toby9873]

Haven't even gotten to the good part i know this is gonna be insane

[@jugxj60823]

素晴らしすぎて言葉になりません！ 最高に素敵な演奏を聞かせていただきありがとうございます。

[@Yumeowe]

I’ve always loved this piece because it stems from my childhood memories. Hearing Animenz play this piece come to life is just mind blowing. I’ve been following and hearing him play since my middle school days. I am nowhere as good as Animenz but one day I hope I can create an arrangement piece like this that brings life and joy to people who hear it.

[@g.gpianara]

This piece have different kind of emotions from the start to the end 🤩 melody is perfect!

[@Destaeny378]

I wish to become a pianist like you, you're my inspiration. You're truly amazing, I fell in love with your playing. Fighting!❤

[@RickTheDudeKK]

Good luck!

[@Destaeny378]

@@RickTheDudeKK thank you!

[@everlyn193]

Animenz is a totally very next level. He plays every note with accuracy and edited this wonderful piece. This is my favourite.

[@ci5995]

エモーショナルな曲が更にエモく、、勝手に涙が流れてきていました。素晴らしい演奏をありがとうございます。

[@hellodayzz]

as a pianist, i think you’re the first person to make my jaw drop. this is fucking insane, nice job. your arrangement is so interesting- i’m a composer as well- and i’m just!! really obsessed with this! i would never ever think of half the elements you included:)))) really impressive

[@Pasteldemon29]

I watched howls moving castle recently it’s a masterpiece the music the characters everything

[@darhk2889]

It's incredible. Have listened to this piece a thousand times but this arrangement gives it an entirely different feeling. I'm stunlocked, you never continue to amaze me! NEVER STOP BEING AWESOME

[@minm4234]

At 0:50, the right hand movement is so reminiscent of some character from a Studio Ghibli movement, and I can't pinpoint who it is nor do I remember who it was, the movement just looks so mesmerising...

[@anoushkagupta9483]

Thank you for this cover Listening to this always makes me really happy😭

[@ColourlessOtogi]

This is just beautiful, it’s a masterpiece. Like something I’ve always needed to hear but never got the chance until now. It’s just amazing.

[@NN11355]

This arrangement really suits the title of this song, Merry-Go-Round of Life. The same melody represents the "Merry-Go-Round" part, while the different variations represents the "Life" part. Wonderful arrangement as always!

[@Kai-it2pz]

4:24 IS LITERALLY THE BEST AND IS MY FAVORITE PART IT IS SO GOOD IT MAKES ME WANT TO CRY 😭😭😭😭😭😭💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@GuitarMusic.]

To the person who's reading this. I hope you'll get better, and everything will be okay. Sleepwell 💗

[@Nobody-dd3hr]

I just imagined myself playing this on the stage and had a standing ovation from the crowd. Thank you.

[@orsikoGG]

This absolutely made my day!! this cover feels like it was played by someone who knows the ins and outs of the original piece, and was having almost an improv session. I loveee itttt, HMC wills always be my favorite movie and have my favorite soundtrack

[@sergioravenet8181]

The sound of a perfectly tuned piano played by someone who becomes one with the instrument. People who can appreciate the richness of this sound are very lucky❤

[@Kataang101]

Those octaves being played like that really makes it feel like you’re actually in a merry-go-round, which is such a cool effect that he does

[@ASIANYACOB]

Amazing, this is my dream song, hope I can achieve playing this

[@aidswidjaja]

I really like Merry-Go-Round, it sort of makes me feel like I'm going in a real merry-go-round, but there's a really nice contemplating tone to it. it's just really nice overall :)

[@makaroninini]

Personally makes me think about marriage

[@samuelcote8453]

The best howl's moving castle arrangement for piano in my opinion! This is amazing! I just started learning it and I am already excited to reach the finale part wich is my favorite part of your arrangement. Thank you for this amazing art work.

[@werovuone819]

This is the best arrangement of already beautiful music. Not too little not to much, trully capture the heart of the movie.

[@tg9521]

You fully explored this song's piano potential. Great!

[@fushichou1818]

Wow so many variations in just one tiny piece. Absolutely stunning.

[@user-ie5xi4nz9o]

アレンジ、重低音のあるしっかりとした音 こんな素敵な映像が家で気軽に見れることに感謝です。ありがとうございます

[@CJ-pw2bd]

this was done so well it made me cry, thank you for composing this so beautifully 🤍

[@kristinamekiene3833]

Best arrangement that I've heard! Masterpiece!