Tabi no Tochuu - Spice and Wolf OP [Piano]

Sheet music → mymusic.st/animenzzz/62788
I am in the middle of re-watching all my favorite Anime from the last two decades to see which Anime songs is picking up my interest, since I am not actively following the current Anime season. After re-watching Spice and Wolf Season 1, I remembered how unforgettable the opening song is. Therefore, I've decided to make a piano cover of Tabi no Tochuu for this week's upload.
My favorite part of this opening song is the bridge part (from 2:33 to 2:58), because you would usually expect the chorus melody to appear again, but instead, an alternative melody is playing. No matter how often I listen to it, I still get goosebumps every time, especially the key change before the final chorus. I replicated that special moment on the piano by slowing down for a short moment, and then restarting the melody again from "somewhere far away", and gradually building it up until the final chorus.
For the final chorus of this piano arrangement, the tension in the music was reduced with each repeat by playing the melody in a lower pitch and slowing down the rhythm on the left hand - until it comes to a complete standstill at 3:57. Only to rise again with the instrumental outro part as a special finale.
As mentioned earlier in my tweets, my piano covers in 2020 will be done in a more gradual, flowing arrangement style, and will include a focus on the best techniques from my earlier arrangements from 2015-2018. I am still experimenting with different "melody voicing" on the piano, because there is still a lot of potential to discover.
With that said, I think I will do more of these "nostalgia" piano covers in the following weeks, since I have very fond memories of these old anime songs and the power of nostalgia can be very inspiring whenever I am arranging on the piano.
See you next time then!
Animenz
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Piano arrangement by Animenz
Original Song: Tabi no Tochuu / 旅の途中
Anime: Spice and Wolf / 狼と香辛料
Published by: flying DOG (2008)
Composed by: Tomohiko Kira / 吉良知彦
Performed by: Natsumi Kiyoura / 清浦夏実
#TabinoTochuu #SpiceandWolf #piano
#NatsumiKiyoura #TomohikoKira

[@Animenzzz]

Thank you for listening to the premiere! I tried to come up with as many interesting variations as possible for this piano arrangement, without using too many difficult techniques. I hope you like my new arrangement style for the year 2020! (Also: Third season of Spice of Wolf when?)

[@purewaterruler]

I love how much you vary the same Melody.

[@ahmadfarran997]

Next one giorno's theme

[@syukri8553]

I’d nut if he does Gurenge

[@blarox9121]

Ey

[@blarox9121]

Giorno theme would be epic done by animenz

[@andreamodenese97]

I am so glad to see that animenz doesn’t even care of playing meme songs or the most popular ones. He just play what it feels he want to play and that honestly gives everytime the best result possible! Keep it up this way man!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@MapleRhubarb]

Right? You have to play what inspires you and sticks to your soul through the years.

[@Animenzzz]

I don't even know what kind of songs fall under the "meme" songs category, 😂 But yeah, behind every piano cover I am uploading, I always have a special connection to the music. Only if I am truly "convinced" by the music, I'll make a piano cover.

[@nathananderson2242]

Animenz Piano Sheets giorno’s theme is what falls under the meme category lol

[@hassanbaig4375]

@@Animenzzz Truly Honorable

[@andreamodenese97]

Animenz Piano Sheets It’s been 10 years since I started watching your videos, and you always acted this way, that’s why you have always been an inspiration and I never got tired of listening to your covers, keep it up man 😉💪🏻

[@BtCCCY]

Seeing Spice and Wolf: tears down immediately.

[@jvccr7533]

this song is so ffffffff beautiful.

[@lizardking6501]

the the anime left me feal realy empty and after the manga i just felt even more empty than from the anime.

[@anontob]

Facts, this is handsdown my fav anime, and my favourite op. I hope one day the anime comes back, it's too much of a rare and unique anime to come by.

[@klo4090]

fr! like this is my most favorite anime cause the main character the girl isn’t like other girls in other anime’s, she can think for herself she does stuff for herself and yk other anime’s the girls literally annoy me cause they just omg idek how to say it

[@SeanKerrygames]

omg i know right like we need a season 3 we need to know what happend after lawrnce saved holo

[@ongjiarong8755]

I was born in the right generation to witness such a masterpiece

[@ruinenlust_]

@@kamina4932 I think he was referring to the anime

[@user-vq1vx9rk6d]

@@kamina4932 you dont need to hear it to know its a masterpiece from animenz , you just know it :P

[@kamina4932]

@@ruinenlust_ Can be both, thanks for the advice.

[@ZAB311]

*we were

[@chamiqualoswijk5570]

I whole heartedly agree both in respects to this video and the show itself. Spice and wolf was my childhood lol

[@averyinafern]

Damn, a lot of new arrangements have been coming out lately. It's gonna be a good year for Animenz.

[@narumi650]

Hell yeah it will (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ

[@o249s3]

It already is

[@yolk9372]

Sike

[@jaykenarn6223]

This did not age well

[@averyinafern]

@@jaykenarn6223 Yeaaahhh... it really did not. Hopefully it gets better in some way somehow.

[@ErikCPianoman]

Dang what a blast from the past. Always loved the vibe of this OP. Fits the anime like a glove. I wonder if we’ll ever get the continuation this series deserves...

[@MannyXVIII]

Well there is a manga following the story after the second anime season. You should definitely check it out, but since the story is done with that their main source of income to get funds for another season sort of fired up, even though I am quite sure they would be surprised that they could make even with the income of a new anime alone. Hope is often the last to die after all.

[@satriareza7501]

@@MannyXVIII thx a lot

[@MannyXVIII]

@@satriareza7501 you are very welcome

[@rdmansion7355]

@@APerson-ol1kj tbh that old and medieval character style hits different. I don't wanna see some futuristic graphics and such

[@rdmansion7355]

@@APerson-ol1kj ohhh. imagine even diving into the story with a vr full dive system. sounds promising doesn't it:)

[@Deeroot]

Lots of hype for the incoming remake, but there is no chance this opening will be topped.

[@augustopinochet2495]

It wasn't. Very sad.

[@KD-_-]

@@augustopinochet2495 New OP is good too. I'm not complaining. This is a top 10 all time so its fine if remake OP isn't as good.

[@koreda555]

はえー 2020になっても狼と香辛料聞けるとは… 感慨深くて泣きそう。

[@ZackyThePianist]

This is one of the most heart-touching piano covers I've watched in a long while.. I remember back in 2012 after binge-watching the entire Spice and Wolf series, I wanted to play this piece on piano, I somehow found an old TehIshter's cover of this piece on KZbin but wasn't able to play it due to my lack of skills back then. But damn, to me the anime was on the level of Clannad, one of the bests out there. I've not felt so emotionally attached to an anime song for a long time (since I don't watch anime as often anymore), but this cover's 'throwback' to an older classical anime really does it. Please do more old throwback anime song covers if possible! Thoroughly enjoyed this one, and also the full ver. OP of Attack on Titan last week, was on full blast earpiece replay the entire time at work ;) Awesome cover man :D

[@Animenzzz]

Ah yes, the golden age of anime from 2012-2015. I miss my old anime bros, man. We used to be super hyped about every new weekly episode. That's why I am doing nostalgia piano covers lately: you just have a special connection to them

[@jeremylam6060]

Nothing against new anime, but really I‘m not even hyped anymore when a new episode of something comes out. It just doesn’t have the vibes to me anymore

[@ZackyThePianist]

@@Animenzzz The golden age indeed :'DD

[@ZackyThePianist]

@@jeremylam6060 Yup, sometimes certain priorities in life takes over and there's less time for leisure (in this case, anime). But to others who're probably just starting to get into anime, this is their "hyped phase" so to speak, and every new episode is just as exciting to them now as it was to us earlier. But it's not all that bad, I'm still very hyped for and am looking forward to Shingeki no Kyojin season 4, just to cite an example :D

[@Obnoxymoron]

Still waiting for season 3.. or a remake. SnW is one of my top anime but the light novels are honestly the best books I've ever read.

[@eonsinfinity534]

Such a good sound. I dont believe in a soul, but this song always hits me somewhere deep.

[@Hoslow_]

It's my favorite song ever, fell in love with it as well as Spice & Wolf. No other anime made me feel that way, closest being Mahou Tsukai No Yome.

[@holl-we4ir]

Too bad it was never finished. Check out the light novels, everything that happens in the anime only takes up the first 4 volumes out of 20+.

[@ch535]

Same, this OP has been my ringtone and alarm for like 5 years now. Great way to wake up :)

[@Hoslow_]

@@holl-we4ir I have pretty much everything S&W related so don't worry I've read the light novels long ago but I'm happy to see many people enjoying this masterpiece

[@erne57]

I feel the same way , mahou tsukai no yome was so good also , i can't believe people are do not think it's a masterpiece i love that anime so much.

[@kurodokeshi99]

Yep. Also maouyuu

[@huckchucks]

THE ANIMENZ WE KNOW DOESN'T UPLOAD THIS OFTEN BUT WE ALL LOVE IT

[@icetigeryurio2721]

God this was beautiful, when the third harmonies and bass started to come in on the chorus I could see that scene in the op where the wolf walks through the forest. The build up was amazing and the KEY CHANGE WAS SO SMOOTH. I love this anime, I definitely should read the novels but let’s hope for a third season. This video is definitely enough to hold me over though

[@Animenzzz]

Speaking of key changes, they are always a double edged sword. If done well , they can be really amazing (God Knows - Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu OST, Tabi no Tochuu - Spice and Wolf OP) but if its not musically well prepared enough (Sincerely - Violet Evergarden OP, This Game - No Game No Life OP, to name a few) they can feel a little bit "redundant" in my opinion. But Tabi no Tochuu has definitely one of the most amazing key change of all times, because the whole song structure is literally preparing for this key change moment. I can't believe I never did a piano arrangement for this song until today. This song is really one of my all time favorite Anime OP songs of all times

[@goldy496]

@@Animenzzz Hi Animenz! If I may ask, what's wrong with the key change in Sincerely? Is it the lack of build up? I'm listening to both right now and while I can see how NGNL's OP feels really abrupt and not built up to, Sincerely feels like it has a bit more build up to it.

[@purewaterruler]

@@goldy496 I'm not animenz, but try imagine removing the key change in Sincerely. It doesn't really change the song that much. It feels a bit unneeded in the song, where as in this song, the tension in the song is increased up to the key change. That's at least how I hear it

[@hypoc09]

The third season will never be coming, the author said so in an interview. Definitely pick up the novels though as they are outstanding and beautifully translated. You can also find all of them online as e-books.

[@sampt0129]

​@@AnimenzzzI've learned your fantastic techniques on piano musical performances beginning at "My Dearest - Guilty Crown OP". The most impressive parts of your performances are the amazing variations hidden in the regular melodies. In another words, there are also many descriptions for "the variations hidden during the regular forms" in the Chinese Martial Arts novels just the same as your fantastic performances.

[@zengarang]

3 straight Friday uploads??? Looks like we're seeing the emergence of Animenz Piano *Improvisation Master* Key moments for me: 1:55 - lovely shift to a high register passage 2:12 - who doesn't love some good ol 3 hand 3:02 - great modulation 3:07 - B A S S B O I S 3:53 - that tease of some Howl's moving castle waltzing left hand. I was expecting it to follow with some more of that And then ending it with a bang This is one of my favorite shows, listening to this really brought back some nostalgia. Thank you.

[@zengarang]

where's the description? i always most look forward to reading your thoughts on the arrangement.

[@Animenzzz]

@@zengarang I just realized KZbin didn't save my description. Thank you for mentioning it! Fixed.

[@user-kr5jz5jw7w]

@@zengarang I'm also the one that loves reading the thoughts of the arrangement!! I can see Animenz's love to music and his fans in it.

[@Animenzzz]

Speaking of 3:53 : there was actually a version of the arrangement, where I was playing the final chorus with this staccato 1-2-3 waltz rhythm, but ultimately, it didn't fit quite well in the overall structure of the song. That's why only "quoted" it in the final two beats at 3:53. The more you know (´・ω・`)

[@user-kr5jz5jw7w]

I love the 3 hand part in every Animenz's piece. Although it's more difficult to play, I enjoy playing and listening to it every time with admiration.

[@Meooww2]

something has happened to him literally every week now!!!!

[@tenveri]

maybe it's love

[@xuan.1611]

He got fit. Or healthy. Or happy.

[@abdul-aziezintong8311]

He found inspiration.

[@iTECiii]

i think he finish his university i think...

[@tkrpiano]

Tin Lo it’s still going..

[@mischiefssb4971]

Holy frick holy frock HOLY FRICK. ANIMENZ IS POPPING OFF I LOVE HIM MORE THAN EVER

[@Anonymous-vx4yh]

SEASON 3 INCOMING

[@basketballjones5819]

Just another month or so for the new anime, SO EXCITED AHHHHHHHHH!!

[@Hereson]

Every arrangement that you post has that 'touch of Animenz' to it. Love the variations, love the countermelodies that you add!

[@Animenzzz]

I also appreciate the comments, who are pointing out the variations I am doing in my piano arrangements. All the trial on error on the piano was worth it in the end. 😊

[@HangPianoCovers]

Dman its so emotional yet powerful, thats how Animenz plays.

[@dep7311]

I think a remake of its anime is about to come out but, this version of the anime is my very favourite because of this piece. The singer's voice delivered an impactful melody that I cannot help but shed a tear and feel a sense of yearning for an adventure. Miss the anime and just trying to rewatch old videos.

[@AnimePianoAngel]

Ever since, i heard ishter playing this song, i fell in love with this song.

[@Roescoe]

Yeah I heard Kyle's version then Ishter's then I started to really enjoy it.

[@user-vq9el4ts3x]

放送からそこそこ年月が経ったにもかかわらず 外国の方のチャンネルから狼と香辛料 一期のOPを聴けるとは思いませんでした。 私にとっても忘れられない素晴らしい曲です。 国を跨ぎこのような感情を共有できて嬉しく思います。 素晴らしい演奏ありがとうございました。

[@michaelgannon8364]

grand piano in concert attire is never an aesthetic this song would have made me think of… and yet… it sounds so wonderful! derives an entirely different sort of magic from the same music

[@mysteryx1mysteryx127]

He is uploading so much arrangements,my replay button is already moaning XD

[@Micky_D_B]

This anime holds a very special place in my heart as the very first anime I've ever watched. So thank you for the most incredible cover of this song.

[@hikmetalpyavuz4588]

Me too :)

[@AlexisLinAnimePianoWorks]

I think Animenz first performed this song at Animenz Live 2015 Suzhou as an encore. To me, this song is unforgettable, because the structure of it is very unusual. It gives me brand new feelings every time I listen to it. Animenz’s piano version is also absolutely fantastic, this arrangement does not contain too many difficult techniques but I feel warm when I am listening to it. 素晴らしい, looking forward to your next upload.

[@Animenzzz]

Yeah, I totally agree with the structure of this song being really unique. The buildup for the key change in the final chorus is really amazing in the original song.

[@billy142857]

Unbelievable, the GOAT Animenz is going to upload a new song again!

[@keenanshane]

It is now 2024, this video was posted 3yrs ago and it is still as eye watering cathartic with it's sheer beauty now as it was back then. 🎹😢

[@eddiemarohl5789]

And now less than a week from the remake!

[@mappen614]

One of the greatest anime opening themes ever made in my opinion! Amazing played

[@kalodawg8297]

Remember when animenz used to make sheets? Peppridge farm remembers

[@daddymememaster5432]

Was searching for a cover of this on KZbin once again and was like "Oh crap, Animenz actually has a cover of this, why have I never heard it", then saw it was uploaded 3 weeks ago. Thank you legend for covering this absolute classic.

[@holl-we4ir]

As soon as the melody starts... the nostalgia hits.

[@Cocao_]

God, I don't even know the original song but I love it. It really feels like I've gone on a journey listening to this piece. It sounds really warm at beginning but with a hint of sadness and as it goes along it feels like that just keeps building up until you're hit full on with the feels. I don't even know how to describe how I feel listening to this. It's just so beautiful and I love it. I'm gonna go watch Spice and Wolf right now.

[@nakakamiki8008]

aaaaaaaah i so much love the vibe of this op in original version and in pianooooooo omg i try to sing it with passion and emotion it's just a little difficult but so beautiful

[@sahargenish7058]

When i first found this show i felt like i found a hidden treasure. Such an underrated anime. Horo is one of my favorite characters ever

[@hypoc09]

I will never forget this series and I'm truly glad you haven't either.

[@odnankenobi]

Never tough I would live to see something as beautiful as this cover of Tabi no Tochuu, and from such a master of arrangement creating and performance. Tough not very famous, Spice and Wolf is a story I carry in my heart, along with the lines of this unforgettable Melody, and I am happy to hear you think of it as so. Thank you

[@no-matter-no]

So glad to see Spice and Wolf, an unique work in my mind, even ten years after release.

[@happy3friendz309]

Yeah the bridge between 2:33 to 2:58 is my fav as well!

[@amaury_vtk]

The genius has snapped

[@neka_jp2070]

wtf! I was just reading something with this song on and I was focusing on my reading yet suddenly I felt tears building up behind my eyes. Guess the song got to me without even paying attention. This has been my favourite anime op for a long time and you did an amazing job.

[@LouisR56]

My god he's on a roll And I'm so hyped to hear your interpretation on this, I fell in love with this OP since I've heard Ishter's arrangement! I really hope you'll share the sheets this time!

[@ItzDrewGaming]

Louis R. Madwazz has his sheet music, up to Kamado tanjiro no uta

[@LouisR56]

@@ItzDrewGaming Oh yes that's true, completely forgot about it!

[@lachlanle7940]

@@ItzDrewGaming And also MacQui who had the transcriptions of songs he played in concerts, and also the full version of Guren no Yumiya

[@superpenguil]

@@ItzDrewGaming I went to madwazz's channel. But I couldn't find any actual sheets. Are the notes only shown on the onscreen keys?

[@superpenguil]

@@ItzDrewGaming d

[@bernardokaluza684]

from 3:00 on I get chills, just...wow

[@jordan8050]

There he goes again...making me fall back in love with songs I've nearly forgotten.

[@alisonjudd5167]

Omg this arrangement is amazing!!!

[@thedudeguyuwu]

oh my gooood i was looking for this ending and adding to it : animenz and i didn't find any tysmmmm i'm so exited

[@EmilM-pb2hn]

The nostalgia! The nostalgia is so real! Thank you, Animenz.

[@Emre.55]

Ah yes, this brings back memories. Such a beautiful series, if only we could get a third season...

[@9DarkAngelx]

This piece had a heart and you made it beat. Beautiful.

[@tumble29]

It’s good seeing you returning to make KZbin videos again. I’m looking forward to enjoying more of your arrangement!

[@pinkookie26]

Beautiful as always! 🥺❤👏

[@Addonimus]

Great OP, anime, and cover... thank you, I love seeing you play!

[@ikari2015]

I love this song, and your interpretation is magnificent.

[@hsunekichi2218]

3 videos in 3 weeks??? This is a dream!!!

[@dear0world622]

This is fire. I appreciate everything this guy does. Thank you Animenz!

[@egoist25]

Omg much feels. This song never failed to give me goosebumps EVERY SINGLE TIME I listened to it. Too good. Thank you Animenz for putting out a definite masterpiece once again.

[@biffboy4133]

Best ive heard in a long time. Thank you!

[@Za_Sephiroth]

OMG Spice and Wolf yes!!!! That's by far one of my favorite animes of all times ❤❤❤

[@alech9418]

Love waking up to a new upload!

[@Schwaka]

This is by far my favorite anime opening song. Thanks for the amazing performance!

[@aimaeart]

I cant believe i didnt check in earlier, I have been waiting for a rendition of this opening by you!!! This is beautiful!

[@DragonWoolf]

Literally my favorite anime. I appreciate you doing a piano cover of it!

[@user-fy8zf2eg2j]

これすごい待ってた！

[@DanNaturals]

thank you for doing one of my favorite anime openings. I love the chord progression in the chorus.

[@Ccarroll88]

I remember this feeling. Beautiful playing as always. Thank you

[@SORA-sx8jo]

Animenzさんの演奏はピアノの音色がとても美しくて人を感動させる天才。

[@vYPianoCovers]

dang 3 weeks in a row! that's unheard of! thank you for spending and dedicating your time on this :)

[@WithanIna]

Thanks so much for the amazing cover! This is my favorite op of all time and I'm so glad it got an amazing cover from you!

[@leororen67]

Tabi no Tochuu is one of my favorites OP ever and your version is so incredibly beautiful. Thank you 🙏

[@lucario7842]

Oh myyyyyyyy ANIMENZ COMEBACK

[@HydrusT]

Beautiful, in a heart wrenching type of way.

[@ezravelazquez3994]

Yesssss!!! This id excellent never thought I would hear spice and wolf in this day and age

[@ch535]

This song is a personal favorite of mine, you just made my weekend!

[@e21big]

so nostalgic and beautifully done!

[@zeroxd6039]

I always liked the opening of that anime, I'm glad you covered it. It sounds amazing! Looking forward for your next uploads

[@segundociresirigoyen5845]

I waited years for this and i have to admit that i'm completely satisfied. Another soul at ease thanks to you Animenz.

[@NegativeNazzy]

Omg, I can’t believe I missed this. Since the day I finished this anime all those years ago and went on to read the books , I’ve loved this song. You’re taken on a slow but beautiful journey with some of the most realistic (Wolf god aside) and amazing characters I’ve seen and this song reminds me of that journey every time I hear it. I’ve always wanted you to do an arrangement of this song and I’m glad it finally happened. Awesome arrangement! Fantastic as always! Thank you for covering one of my all time favorite anime songs!

[@JustForTheLooks]

Rewatched the show a few months back, this gave me full goosebumps. Completely in awe, thank you very much

[@noobymaniac]

What an amazing rendition. Thanks for the video!

[@bowlerballer6852]

Oh my God thank you for doing this arrangement it was so beautiful! This is one of my favorite OP of all time!

[@mehranmahdlou4375]

Oh, lord, here comes another one!! Really pumped that you have been uploading so frequently lately, but don't overwork yourself, man! Much love!

[@AndySG7]

Omg! I love this opening so much!!! I'm super hyped!!! :D

[@davidkaminski615]

An oldie, but goodie. Thank you for such a heartfelt and passionate rendition of one of my favorite OP themes!

[@mochamadalwinrachmanda7226]

Years of Animenz !! Love its so much!!

[@bomsta1433]

I love to read your description it's always so good to read it :)

[@squeakysneakers6685]

I was all ears and tears listening to this. And you play it so passionately. So glad I found you. Thanks for all you do!

[@andrewking2323]

THANK YOU! I have been waiting to hear this from you since the day I found your channel (which is far to long ago) It's such a great piece and I love every bit of it!

[@schlemmes]

Wait a second ... something is strange here ... this is another weekly upload of animenz ... AND i am able to play this cover oh well i guess i am gonna have a great weekend!! Grüße aus Deutschland! Have a nice weekend!

[@rebeccadraper1171]

I’m really glad I get to hear new Animenz arrangements more often but please take good care of your health too! Great vid and looking forward to the next one too 👍

[@steadikek]

Einer meiner ersten und schönsten Anime, die ich je gesehen hab! Da kann man sich schon mal ein Tränchen wegdrücken. Ich traue mich gar nicht, mir den noch mal anzugucken, weil ich Angst habe, mir die schöne Erinnerung kaputt zu machen. Schön gespielt!

[@carolinaortiz2187]

Finally!!!!! Aaaahhh!!! Thank youuu!!!!

[@RoninAndreas]

I love this song, thank you for this rendition.

[@TheLakehawk]

OHHHHH I CANT WAIT FOR THIS

[@ShiraAoi]

It's my mood now with this song.. Awesome thankz

[@R0XYF0X]

Thank you for making this video. This is such a beautiful piece.

[@Lulupianime]

I follow you since a really long time, I know all your songs, went to your concert, I do play your covers, etc.. but I'm still always surprised with your arrangements it's always fresh and so smart. I always think I can expect you to cover a song in a certain way, but I'm always wrong haha. It is for me the definition of a Genius.

[@Animenzzz]

I think you even left comments on my old Wordpress blog back then, is this correct? Because I kinda recognize your Avatar. Thank you for your patronage all over the years!

[@Lulupianime]

@@Animenzzz Yes, I surely did, with pleasure hahaha.

[@YHsmiley]

Oh my goshhhhh! I love this anime, and I still do!

[@basketballjones5819]

Still come back to this masterpiece often, thank you for this

[@jackfeng1218]

Love it!