Merry Go Round of Life (Howl's Moving Castle OST) - Joe Hisaishi

The score includes several performance challenges that players should be aware of:

• Hand Coordination: The complex two-handed coordination in varying rhythmic patterns, especially between measures 36 to 40, may pose difficulty for intermediate players. The left hand requires maintaining a consistent accompaniment while the right hand navigates independent melodic lines.

• Dynamic Control: Achieving the desired dynamic contrast can be tricky, particularly in the transitions between softer and louder sections, as highlighted in measures 45 to 48. Aim for a smooth crescendo and decrescendo to capture the essence of the piece.

• Measures: 9-12, 25, 36-40, 45-48

• Techniques: Hand independence, dynamic variation, phrasing.

To conquer the challenges found within this arrangement, consider the following targeted practice strategies:

Technique Development:

• Hand Independence:

• Focus on hands separately using slow practice. For instance, in measures 30 to 33, practice the right hand melody slowly while keeping a steady left-hand pulse.

• Use crescendo and decrescendo exercises aiming to practice one hand at a time before integrating both. This approach is beneficial between measures 45 and 48. Work on maintaining a clear distinction in volume as you switch between sections.

Suggested Exercises:

• Rhythmic Clapping: Before attempting the piano piece, clap the rhythmic patterns to internalize the timings, especially useful in measures 9 through 12.

• Breaking Down Sections: Divide the piece into smaller sections, focusing on one at a time. For example, take measures 18-24 and work on achieving fluidity before stitching it back to the larger context.

• Slow Play: Utilize a metronome starting at a slower tempo (70 bpm) to master difficult passages such as the syncopated rhythms in measures 35 to 39 before gradually increasing the tempo to the original 130 bpm.

The arrangement of Merry Go Round of Life showcases a structured yet whimsical exploration of musical themes in B♭ Major and a 3/4 time signature. This piece primarily features a melodic line interwoven with harmonic textures, making it both engaging and challenging for performers.

Key Features:

• Form and Structure: The piece adheres to a ternary structure, which is evident in the recurring themes that revisit earlier musical ideas, enhancing coherence across sections.

• Chord Progressions: The piece prominently employs diatonic chords (I, IV, V, vi) characteristic of the B♭ major scale, with interesting modulations to create a sense of movement and emotional shifts. For example, the transition sections between measures 9 and 12 introduce unexpected harmonic pivots which add intrigue.

• Rhythmic Patterns: The rhythmic framework maintains a lively character with syncopated intervals and varying note durations, particularly noticeable in the sixteenth notes and eighth notes arrangements. These rhythmic variations create an engaging flow, particularly dominant in measure 25 where the syncopation enhances the melodic intensity.

• Dynamic Elements: The piece incorporates dynamic contrasts, especially in articulations and dynamics that suggest a playful yet melancholic atmosphere reflective of the film’s narrative. For instance, in measure 18, a sudden dynamic change elevates the emotional depth.

Merry Go Round of Life

• Artist
  Joe Hisaishi
• Number of imitations:
  163
• Genre
  Joe Hisaishi
• Key
  Bb
• Tempo
  130
• Pages
  2
• Notation
  Joe Hisaishi
• Compose
  Rearranged By Me
• Introduction
  Merry Go Round of Life' - Rearranged By Me, This music is undefined, arr. by Joe Hisaishi, Suitable for all students to learn