Studio Ghibli Music Explained by a Jazz Pianist

Charles Cornell
11 Mar 202116:36

TLDRIn this video, a jazz pianist explores the music of Joe Hisaishi, known for composing scores for Studio Ghibli films. The pianist analyzes chord progressions, noting unique substitutions like using a four chord instead of a two chord in a progression. They also discuss the effective simplicity of string writing, allowing natural resonance, and highlight Joe Hisaishi's impressive career. The video showcases beautiful and interesting musical elements, with the pianist expressing admiration for Hisaishi's ability to create both simple and complex yet engaging music.

Takeaways

  • 🎶 Joe Hisaishi, the composer of many Studio Ghibli films, is renowned for his unique approach to film music and has won multiple Japanese Academy Awards for Best Music.
  • 🎹 The music uses interesting jazz techniques, including the substitution of the typical two-five-one progression with a four-five-one progression, creating a fresh harmonic effect.
  • 🎧 The strings in the composition are written simply but effectively, allowing the natural resonance of the instruments to enhance the sound without cluttering the harmony.
  • 🎵 The video demonstrates how slightly altering a section of a repeated chord progression can provide a subtle yet engaging twist to keep the listener’s ear interested.
  • 🎶 The use of the minor four chord instead of the expected half-diminished chord in a two-five progression creates a distinct sound and emotional effect.
  • 🎶 The concept of a ‘deceptive cadence’ is explored, where the listener expects a resolution, but the progression takes an unexpected turn, creating tension and intrigue.
  • 🎹 Joe Hisaishi’s music is praised for its simple, effective writing and beautiful voice leading, even when using complex harmonic structures.
  • 🎶 A section in the video highlights how simple bass lines moving consistently in a single direction can have a strong emotional impact and guide the harmonic progression.
  • 🎵 The video emphasizes how Hisaishi’s compositions often lead the listener to expect certain progressions, only to surprise them with an unexpected but satisfying direction.
  • 🎶 The music’s orchestration and chord choices are noted for blending simplicity with sophistication, offering a unique and emotional listening experience.
  • 🎬 The video concludes with a call to dive deeper into Hisaishi’s music, inviting viewers to share their thoughts and suggestions for future analysis of specific tracks.

Q & A

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

    -Joe Hisaishi is a renowned 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. He has also composed music for four of the top 11 highest-grossing films in Japan of all time.

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

    -A 'two five one' progression is a common harmonic sequence in jazz, consisting of a ii chord (minor), a V chord (dominant), and a I chord (major or minor). In the music discussed, a variation of this progression is used, starting on the IV chord instead of the ii chord, creating a unique sound.

  • Why does the jazz pianist mention the use of 'simple' string writing in the music?

    -The jazz pianist mentions that simple string writing is effective because it allows the strings to naturally resonate with harmonic overtones, creating a richer sound. When string harmonies are too complex or clustered with notes, it can prevent the strings from resonating in this way.

  • What is the significance of Joe Hisaishi's stage name?

    -Joe Hisaishi's stage name is inspired by Quincy Jones. The name 'Hisaishi' is actually a Japanese translation of 'Quincy,' reflecting his admiration for Quincy Jones.

  • 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 goes in a different direction. In the music discussed, a deceptive cadence is used to create an unexpected and interesting turn in the chord progression.

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

    -The bass line plays a significant role in guiding the harmonic motion. In the music discussed, the bass line often moves consistently in a singular direction, creating a smooth and effective progression that leads the listener through the chords.

  • How does the composer use repetition and variation in the music?

    -The composer uses repetition with slight variation to create familiarity and interest. For example, a section may be repeated with a small change or substitution in the chord progression, guiding the listener's ear and adding a unique touch without being repetitive.

  • What is the key of the music discussed in the latter part of the transcript?

    -The music discussed in the latter part of the transcript is functioning in the key of D flat major.

  • Why does the jazz pianist describe some of the music as 'simple' but not necessarily 'easy'?

    -The jazz pianist describes some of the music as 'simple' in terms of its structure and execution, but not 'easy' because it is crafted in a way that makes it feel simple while still being complex and interesting. This level of execution is impressive and requires skill.

  • What is the overall impression of the jazz pianist regarding Joe Hisaishi's music?

    -The jazz pianist is very impressed with Joe Hisaishi's music, describing it as beautiful, well-executed, and interesting. The music is praised for its simplicity and complexity, and the pianist expresses a desire to explore it further.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Introduction to Joe Hisaishi's Music

The speaker introduces the music of composer Joe Hisaishi, expressing excitement about exploring new pieces. They discuss the concept of 'two five one' progressions in jazz, explaining how this piece uses a variation starting on the four chord instead of the two. The speaker demonstrates this substitution with musical examples, highlighting how it creates a unique sound. They also mention the importance of simple harmonies in string writing, noting that fewer notes allow strings to resonate more naturally, producing beautiful harmonic overtones.

05:01

🎶 Analysis of Harmonic Progressions

The speaker delves deeper into the harmonic structure of the music, analyzing a progression in C minor (or E flat major) that features a deceptive cadence. They describe the chords used, such as A flat major 7, G minor 7, and F minor 7, and how the progression unexpectedly restarts instead of resolving as expected. The speaker also discusses the use of suspended chords and how they create tension and interest. They mention Joe Hisaishi's background, noting his success as a composer for Studio Ghibli films and his inspiration from Quincy Jones.

10:04

🎵 Exploration of Bridge and Chord Sequences

The speaker examines a bridge section that alternates between B flat minor 7 and C minor 7 chords, highlighting the use of a B flat dominant chord to transition back to the main section. They describe the entry of percussion, adding a dramatic effect with a cymbal crash. The speaker then analyzes another section in the key of D flat major, noting the effective use of a descending bass line and a two-five progression to introduce new chords. They emphasize the importance of good voice leading and how it contributes to the overall beauty and coherence of the music.

15:11

🎶 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

The speaker expresses admiration for Joe Hisaishi's composition, noting the balance between simplicity and complexity in the music. They highlight how some sections feel simple yet are executed in an impressive manner. The speaker encourages viewers to leave recommendations in the comments and mentions the possibility of making a more detailed video about a specific track. They conclude by thanking the audience for watching and expressing gratitude for their support.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Joe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi is a renowned Japanese composer known for his work on numerous Studio Ghibli films. In this video, the focus is on analyzing his music, highlighting his innovative approaches to composition. The script mentions how Hisaishi's compositions often feature unique chord progressions and harmonic substitutions, such as using a minor four chord instead of a half-diminished chord in a ii-V-I progression. His music is described as both simple and complex, executed with great skill, which is a key theme of the video.

💡ii-V-I progression

The ii-V-I progression is a fundamental harmonic sequence in jazz and many other genres of music. It consists of a minor seventh chord (ii), a dominant seventh chord (V), and a major seventh chord (I). In the video, the host discusses how Joe Hisaishi sometimes substitutes chords in this progression, such as starting on the IV chord instead of the ii chord. This substitution creates a different harmonic feel while still maintaining the familiar resolution of the progression. The example given is a progression in G minor where the IV chord is used instead of the ii chord.

💡String writing

String writing refers to the way composers arrange music for string instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The video highlights that simple string harmonies can be very effective because they allow the strings to resonate naturally, creating rich overtones and a beautiful sound. The host contrasts this with more complex piano writing, explaining that the simplicity in string writing can enhance the natural resonance of the instruments. This concept is illustrated through the analysis of Joe Hisaishi's music, where the string sections are described as beautifully written with simple yet effective harmonies.

💡Chord substitution

Chord substitution is a technique used by composers and musicians to replace a chord in a progression with another chord that has a similar harmonic function. In the context of the video, Joe Hisaishi's music often features interesting chord substitutions. For example, instead of using a standard ii-V-I progression, he might use a IV-V-I progression. This substitution adds variety and interest to the music while still maintaining the overall harmonic structure. The host demonstrates this by playing examples of both the standard progression and the substituted progression, showing how it affects the sound.

💡Harmonic overtones

Harmonic overtones are additional frequencies that are present when a note is played on an instrument. They contribute to the richness and complexity of the sound. In the video, the host explains that simple string harmonies can allow these overtones to resonate more freely, creating a more beautiful and natural sound. This is in contrast to more complex harmonies that might cover up these overtones. The concept of harmonic overtones is used to explain why simple string writing is effective in Joe Hisaishi's music.

💡Deceptive cadence

A deceptive cadence is a harmonic progression where the music seems to be leading to a resolution but then moves to a different chord, creating a sense of surprise or suspense. In the video, the host describes a section of Joe Hisaishi's music where the listener expects a resolution to a certain chord, but instead, the music moves to a different chord. This technique is used to keep the listener engaged and add interest to the composition. The example given is a progression where the music seems to be leading to a resolution but then goes in a different direction, creating a beautiful and unexpected sound.

💡Voice leading

Voice leading is the way in which individual notes (voices) move from one chord to another in a harmonic progression. Good voice leading ensures that the transitions between chords are smooth and natural. In the video, the host praises Joe Hisaishi's use of voice leading, noting that the transitions between chords are executed in a way that is both interesting and pleasing to the ear. This is illustrated through the analysis of a chord progression where the bass line moves consistently, creating a sense of direction and flow in the music.

💡Suspended chord

A suspended chord is a type of chord where the third of the chord is replaced by either the second or the fourth note of the scale. In the video, the host mentions a suspended fourth chord (sus4) being used in Joe Hisaishi's music. This chord creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as it does not resolve directly to a stable chord. The use of suspended chords is highlighted as a way to add interest and variety to the harmonic progression, contributing to the overall beauty and complexity of the music.

💡Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio known for its high-quality and artistically significant animated films. The music composed by Joe Hisaishi for Studio Ghibli films is a central theme of the video. The host discusses how Hisaishi's music enhances the storytelling and emotional impact of these films. The mention of Studio Ghibli in the title and throughout the script emphasizes the connection between Hisaishi's music and the visual storytelling of these beloved animated movies.

💡Minor key

A minor key is a type of musical key that is based on a minor scale. It has a distinct sound that is often described as sad, dark, or introspective. In the video, the host analyzes several sections of Joe Hisaishi's music that are in minor keys, such as G minor and C minor. The use of minor keys is highlighted as a way to create a specific emotional atmosphere in the music. For example, the host discusses how a ii-V-I progression in a minor key can have a different emotional impact compared to the same progression in a major key.

Highlights

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

Explanation of a unique chord progression substitution using the four chord instead of the two chord.

Discussion on the effective use of simple string harmonies to allow natural resonance.

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

Analysis of a deceptive cadence in the music, creating an unexpected resolution.

Explanation of the harmonic relationship between C minor and E flat major.

Highlighting the use of a sus chord to create tension before resolving.

Analysis of a chord progression in D flat major with a descending bass line.

Discussion on the importance of good voice leading in creating smooth harmonic transitions.

Appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of Joe Hisaishi's compositions.

Highlighting the use of a 2-5 progression to introduce a new chord.

Observation of unexpected yet effective harmonic choices in the music.

Explanation of how a simple chord sequence can create a beautiful harmonic picture.

Mention of Joe Hisaishi's numerous awards and contributions to high-grossing films.

Request for viewer feedback and suggestions for further analysis of specific tracks.