Studio Ghibli Music Explained by a Jazz Pianist

Charles Cornell
11 Mar 202116:36

TLDRA jazz pianist explores the music of Studio Ghibli composed by Joe Hisaishi. The video delves into unique chord progressions like a four-to-five-to-one substitution instead of the traditional two-five-one, highlighting how these variations create interesting musical textures. The pianist also discusses the beauty of simple string writing that allows natural resonance and the effective use of deceptive cadences. The composer Joe Hisaishi's background and influence are mentioned, showcasing his significant contributions to Japanese film music. The analysis highlights the balance of simplicity and complexity in Hisaishi's work, making it both accessible and intriguing.

Takeaways

  • 🎵 The video explores the music of Joe Hisaishi, a renowned composer for Studio Ghibli films.
  • 🎵 The composer often uses unique chord progressions, such as substituting a four chord for a two chord in a ii-V-I progression.
  • 🎵 The music features beautiful string writing that emphasizes simple harmonies to allow natural resonance and harmonic overtones.
  • 🎵 Joe Hisaishi's stage name is inspired by Quincy Jones, and he has won the Japanese Academy Award for Best Music eight times.
  • 🎵 The script highlights interesting harmonic devices like deceptive cadences and the use of suspended chords.
  • 🎵 The composer's music is noted for its simplicity in execution, which can sometimes mask its complexity.
  • 🎵 The analysis includes examples of chord progressions in different keys, such as C minor/E-flat major and D-flat major.
  • 🎵 The script mentions the effective use of bass lines that move consistently to guide chord progressions.
  • 🎵 The music often features unexpected harmonic twists that keep the listener engaged without being jarring.
  • 🎵 The video encourages viewers to subscribe and like the content, and invites suggestions for further analysis of specific tracks.

Q & A

  • Who is Joe Hisaishi and what is his significance in the world of Studio Ghibli?

    -Joe Hisaishi is a renowned Japanese composer who has written music for a dozen Studio Ghibli films. He is highly regarded in Japan, having won the Japanese Academy Award for Best Music eight times. His music is integral to many of the top-grossing Japanese films of all time.

  • What is a 'two five one' progression in jazz and how does it relate to the music discussed in the transcript?

    -A 'two five one' progression is a common chord progression in jazz that typically consists of a ii chord moving to a V chord and then resolving to a I chord. In the transcript, the speaker discusses a variation of this progression where the progression starts on the IV chord instead of the ii chord, creating a unique harmonic movement.

  • Why is the use of the IV chord instead of the ii chord in a progression noteworthy?

    -Using the IV chord instead of the ii chord in a progression is noteworthy because it creates a different harmonic feel and tension. It provides an alternative way to approach the V-I resolution, adding variety and interest to the music.

  • What is the significance of the string writing mentioned in the transcript?

    -The string writing is significant because it demonstrates the effectiveness of simple harmonies in allowing strings to naturally resonate with harmonic overtones. This results in a rich, beautiful sound without overwhelming the natural resonance of the strings.

  • How does Joe Hisaishi's stage name relate to Quincy Jones?

    -Joe Hisaishi's stage name is inspired by Quincy Jones. Hisaishi is more or less the Japanese translation of 'Quincy,' and he chose this stage name to honor Quincy Jones, whom he admires.

  • What is a 'deceptive cadence' and how is it used in the music discussed?

    -A deceptive cadence is a harmonic progression where the music seems to be leading to a resolution but then unexpectedly goes in a different direction. In the transcript, the speaker mentions a deceptive cadence where the music leads the ear to expect a certain resolution but instead turns and goes elsewhere, creating an interesting and unexpected effect.

  • What is the purpose of using a repeating section with slight variations in composition?

    -Using a repeating section with slight variations helps to guide the listener's ear by providing familiarity while also adding interest through the changes. It is an effective tool to create a memorable and engaging musical experience without simply repeating the same material.

  • Why is it important to consider the range and timbre of different instruments when composing?

    -Considering the range and timbre of different instruments is important because certain instruments sound better in specific registers. For example, complex harmonies might work well on the piano in certain ranges but not in others. Strings, in particular, often function best with simpler harmonies to allow for natural resonance and the emergence of harmonic overtones.

  • What is the role of the bass line in the chord progression discussed in the transcript?

    -The bass line plays a crucial role in guiding the harmonic movement. In the transcript, the speaker mentions a bass line that consistently moves in a singular direction, creating a sense of motion and direction in the chord progression. This technique helps to paint a clear musical picture and enhances the overall flow of the piece.

  • What is the significance of the key of D flat major in the music discussed?

    -The key of D flat major is significant because it serves as the home base for the harmonic structure of the piece. The music revolves around this key, using various chord progressions and harmonic devices to create movement and interest within this tonal center.

  • How does the use of a suspended chord (sus chord) contribute to the music?

    -A suspended chord contributes to the music by creating a sense of tension and unresolved harmony. In the transcript, the speaker mentions a sus chord that leaves the music in a suspended state before resolving or transitioning to another chord. This adds an element of anticipation and interest to the piece.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Introduction to Joe Hisaishi's Music and Jazz Theory

The speaker introduces the video by expressing excitement about exploring music by composer Joe Hisaishi. They discuss jazz theory, specifically focusing on the 'two-five-one' chord progression and its variations. The speaker explains how a substitution using the four chord instead of the two chord can create an interesting harmonic effect. They also touch on the importance of simplicity in string writing, emphasizing that fewer notes can allow strings to resonate more naturally, producing beautiful harmonic overtones. The speaker encourages viewers to subscribe and like the video.

05:01

🎵 Analysis of Harmonies and Joe Hisaishi's Background

The speaker analyzes a musical piece, discussing the effective use of simple harmonies in string sections to allow natural resonance and avoid cluttering the sound. They mention that the music is by Joe Hisaishi, a renowned composer known for his work on Studio Ghibli films. Hisaishi's stage name is inspired by Quincy Jones, and he has won multiple Japanese Academy Awards for his compositions. The speaker further analyzes a chord progression in C minor/E-flat major, highlighting a deceptive cadence and the use of suspended chords to create a beautiful harmonic motion.

10:04

🎵 Exploring Chord Progressions and Harmonic Movement

The speaker delves into another musical example, identifying it as a bridge section that alternates between B-flat minor 7 and C minor 7 chords. They discuss the harmonic structure, noting the use of a B-flat dominant chord and a G sus chord to lead back to the main section. The speaker also highlights the entry of percussion with a cymbal crash, adding to the beauty of the piece. They analyze another section in D-flat major, focusing on the use of a 'two-five' progression to introduce new chords and the effectiveness of a descending bass line in guiding the harmonic movement.

15:11

🎵 Final Thoughts and Appreciation for Joe Hisaishi's Work

The speaker expresses admiration for the complexity and beauty of Joe Hisaishi's music, noting how some parts are simple yet executed perfectly, while others feel simple but are actually quite intricate. They encourage viewers to leave recommendations in the comments and express interest in making a more detailed video breakdown of a specific track. The speaker concludes by thanking viewers for watching and promising more content in future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Joe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi is a renowned Japanese composer known for his work on numerous Studio Ghibli films. In the video, the speaker expresses excitement about exploring Hisaishi's music, highlighting his significant contributions to the world of film scores. The composer's name is mentioned multiple times as the creator of the beautiful music being analyzed, and his influence on Japanese cinema is discussed, emphasizing his status as a highly regarded film composer.

💡Two Five One

The 'Two Five One' progression is a common harmonic sequence in jazz music, consisting of the ii chord (supertonic), V chord (dominant), and I chord (tonic). In the video, the speaker explains how this progression is used in the analyzed music, but with a twist: instead of starting on the ii chord, the progression starts on the IV chord (subdominant). This substitution creates a unique sound and is an example of how jazz musicians can creatively alter standard progressions to achieve different effects.

💡Chord Progression

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a particular order, forming the harmonic foundation of a piece of music. The video delves into various chord progressions used in Joe Hisaishi's compositions, such as the modified 'Two Five One' and other harmonic movements. The speaker analyzes how these progressions guide the listener's ear and create a sense of movement and resolution, illustrating their importance in shaping the overall musical experience.

💡String Writing

String writing refers to the composition and arrangement of music for string instruments, such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The video highlights the effectiveness of simple string harmonies in Joe Hisaishi's music, explaining that allowing strings to resonate naturally can produce beautiful harmonic overtones. The speaker contrasts this with more complex piano writing, emphasizing how different instruments and ranges can influence the choice of harmonic complexity.

💡Deceptive Cadence

A deceptive cadence is a harmonic progression where the music seems to be leading to a resolution but instead moves to an unexpected chord. In the video, the speaker identifies a deceptive cadence in the analyzed music, where the listener's ear is led to expect a certain resolution, but the music takes a different turn. This technique adds an element of surprise and keeps the listener engaged, as demonstrated in the specific chord progressions discussed.

💡Voice Leading

Voice leading refers to the way individual notes (voices) move from one chord to the next in a harmonic progression. The video mentions good voice leading as a key factor in the smooth and effective execution of the music. The speaker praises how the chords are arranged so that the transitions between them are natural and pleasing to the ear, contributing to the overall beauty and coherence of the composition.

💡Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is a prestigious Japanese animation studio known for its high-quality and imaginative animated films. The video focuses on the music composed by Joe Hisaishi for Studio Ghibli films, emphasizing the emotional and atmospheric impact of his scores. The mention of Studio Ghibli situates the music within the context of these beloved films, highlighting the integral role of Hisaishi's compositions in enhancing the storytelling and visual experience.

💡Minor Key

A minor key is a musical key based on a minor scale, characterized by a darker, more somber tonality compared to major keys. The video discusses how certain sections of the analyzed music are in minor keys, such as G minor and C minor. The speaker explains how the choice of minor keys contributes to the emotional depth and expressiveness of the music, providing specific examples of chord progressions and harmonic movements within these keys.

💡Suspended Chord

A suspended chord is a type of chord where the third of the chord is replaced by either the perfect fourth or the major second. In the video, the speaker mentions a suspended fourth chord (sus4) being used in the music. This chord creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as the ear expects the suspension to resolve to a more stable chord. The use of suspended chords adds a unique harmonic flavor and contributes to the overall dynamic and evolving nature of the composition.

💡Bass Line

The bass line is the lowest musical part in a composition, often played by bass instruments or the left hand on a keyboard. In the video, the speaker highlights the importance of a consistent and effective bass line in guiding the harmonic progression. The example given shows how a descending bass line can create a sense of movement and direction, enhancing the overall structure and flow of the music. The bass line is described as a powerful tool in shaping the listener's perception of the piece.

Highlights

Introduction to Joe Hisaishi's music for Studio Ghibli films.

Explanation of a unique chord progression using a four-five-one instead of a traditional two-five-one.

Discussion on the use of minor four chords as a substitution for half-diminished chords in minor keys.

Analysis of how slight variations in chord progressions can create interesting musical sections.

Insight into effective string writing, emphasizing simplicity to allow natural resonance.

Interesting use of deceptive cadences to lead the ear in unexpected directions.

Joe Hisaishi's background and his inspiration from Quincy Jones.

Analysis of a turnaround progression in C minor/E flat major.

Discussion on the use of sus chords and their effect on harmonic movement.

Exploration of a bridge section with a recurring pattern of B flat minor 7 and C minor 7 chords.

Beautiful chord sequence with a descending bass line.

Effective use of voice leading to create smooth harmonic transitions.

Comparison of simple and complex musical elements in Joe Hisaishi's compositions.

Invitation for viewers to suggest further analysis of specific tracks.

Encouragement to subscribe and like the video for more content.