Even after two decades, the impact of a timeless anime film from 2001 continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its captivating story, well-crafted characters, and unforgettable original soundtrack have contributed to its status as an Oscar-worthy masterpiece. When a pianist as exceptionally talented and passionate about anime as Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 performs an arrangement of one of the film's iconic songs, it becomes a truly remarkable experience. Join us as we delve into the enchanting rendition of this beloved movie theme. Prepare to be captivated!
Immerse Yourself in the Timeless Beauty of 'Spirited Away': An Unforgettable Cinematic Experience
"Spirited Away" is a 2001, fantasy/ adventure, captivating animated film directed and written by the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows a 10-year-old girl who stumbles into a mysterious world governed by gods, witches, and spirits, where humans undergo transformations into beasts. This visually stunning masterpiece has garnered numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film and the Golden Bear. It has received critical acclaim and recognition from prestigious institutions such as the Critics' Choice Movie Award, Japan Academy Prize, and New York Film Critics Circle Award. The film's remarkable achievements extend to its music, with Youmi Kimura receiving a Special Award from the Association at the Japan Academy Prize for her contribution. With its enchanting storytelling and breathtaking animation, Spirited Away has become a beloved classic that continues to receive praise from audiences and critics alike.
Photo Credit: maxresdefault
Rediscovering the Melody: Hayao Miyazaki's fascinating rediscovery with Yumi Kimura's Song
Yumi Kimura (木村 弓, Kimura Yumi) is a Japanese singer and lyre performer hailing from Osaka Prefecture, Japan. She gained prominence in 2001 with her enchanting song "Itsumo nando demo" (いつも何度でも, "Always With Me"), which served as the closing theme for the widely acclaimed anime film Spirited Away, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. Kimura's connection with Miyazaki blossomed when she expressed her admiration for his film Princess Mononoke and shared her album with him. This led to a correspondence where Miyazaki mentioned his work-in-progress film, Rin the Chimney Cleaner. Kimura, alongside lyricist Wakako Kaku, composed "Itsumo nando demo" hoping it would be featured in Rin, although the project was ultimately abandoned. However, fate intervened when Miyazaki began working on Spirited Away and rediscovered Kimura's song. He found the song's message of finding inner peace resonated perfectly with the coming-of-age story of a young girl discovering her inner strength. Throughout the film's production, Miyazaki became captivated by the song, listening to it obsessively. Yumi Kimura's timeless composition continues to be celebrated as a profound musical contribution to the cinematic masterpiece Spirited Away.
Photo Credit: MUBI
Always with Me - Spirited Away
Meet Ru's Piano Ru味春捲: The Sensational ACG Pianist from Taiwan
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 also known as RuRu is an ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games) pianist hailing from Taiwan. She is known for her incredible piano covers and sheet music arrangements of Anime and Game music. If you enjoy her videos, she kindly invites you to subscribe and share them with your friends. RuRu joined YouTube on March 14, 2018, and has amassed a remarkable total of 340 million views and almost 2.5 million subscribers. With 502 videos on her channel, her most popular video is the DRAGON BALL PIANO MEDLEY - 30,000 Subscribers Special - Ru's Piano, which has garnered an impressive more has 20 million views since its premiere on June 15, 2019. Notably, RuRu adds an extra touch of creativity by cosplaying the character from the anime for which she performs a specific song. In addition to her music channel, RuRu also has a gaming channel called Ru's Gaming Ruちゃん.
Always with me
from the Anime movie Spirited Away
- Artist: Yumi Kimura
- Released: July 18th, 2001
- Lyrics: Wakako Kaku
- Label: Joe Hisaishi
- Genre: Anime OST
- Album: Spirited Away Soundtrack
- Key: F Major
- Length: 3'35"
An Ode to Spirited Away: Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's Remarkable Rendition of a Beloved Song
"いつも何度でも" (Always with Me) is a viral and cherished song from the renowned film "千と千尋の神隠し" (Spirited Away). It has captured the hearts of countless fans, inspiring numerous renditions and covers by talented artists. Among these renditions, one standout version is by Ru's Piano Ru味春捲, who shared their rendition on YouTube. Since its premiere on November 13, 2021, the video has amassed an impressive more than 700 thousand views. Ru's rendition remains faithful to the original key signature of F major, highlighting their exceptional musical prowess. However, they infuse their interpretation with a unique twist by adjusting the tempo to 104 BPM, resulting in a more relaxed and introspective atmosphere compared to the original song's 145 BPM. The song maintains its enchanting allure with a time signature of 3/4, evoking a graceful and waltz-like rhythm that captivates listeners. With their rendition, Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 pays homage to the beauty and magic of the original song while infusing it with their own artistic flair.
Always with me Ru's Piano Ru味春捲
The musical structure of "いつも何度でも" (Always with Me) follows a traditional verse-chorus format. Let's break down the structure:
Verse 1
The song begins with a captivating four-beat instrumental introduction, setting the stage for Yumi Kimura's soaring vocals. The lyrics of the verse explore the presence of a voice that calls from the depths of one's heart, acknowledging that these dreams may bring a sense of sadness. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as the journey promises to lead to the discovery of the people one seeks. This verse establishes the main melody and evokes the powerful emotions at the heart of the song's theme.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 takes a more minimalist approach, starting with a simpler four-beat introduction and gradually adding complexity by incorporating the right hand. This layering enhances the atmospheric quality established in the first verse. As the lyrics unfold, Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 maintains a similar tone, repeating it twice with subtle variations to avoid monotony. Notably, Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's rendition is slightly slower-paced compared to the original, creating a serene ambience that complements the piano performance.
Chorus
The chorus of the song commences, marked by the piano maintaining the same approach as the verse in the original version, accompanied by the singer's captivating higher-pitched vocals. The lyrics delve into the concept of resilience, emphasizing how each time they stumble, they are reminded of the boundless blue sky, motivating them to persist as if it were their first attempt. The future may appear daunting and seemingly distant, but the end remains elusive. Yumi Kimura's exceptional vocal range shines through in this section, becoming a notable highlight of the song. The chorus is recurrent throughout the composition, steadily intensifying and leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's rendition of this segment showcases a deliberate and beautiful slow-paced rendition. Both hands skillfully synchronize to create an atmospheric ambience reminiscent of the original song. The anime imagery seamlessly intertwines with Ru's piano performance, offering a relaxing and immersive experience for enthusiasts. As this section concludes, the song gracefully transitions by lowering the tempo and incorporating a subtle instrumental passage that seamlessly leads into the next verse. Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's rendition of the chorus is executed with remarkable ease, making it an ideal learning opportunity for anime and piano enthusiasts alike.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song unfolds, with the singer maintaining the same melodic pattern as heard in the first verse. The lyrics delve into the emotions associated with a farewell, describing how the heart comes to a halt amidst the profound silence. It is during these moments that one begins to comprehend the essence of reality and ponders the interconnectedness of life, death, wind, town, and flowers, realizing their unity.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 preserves a similar structure and melody to the first verse while incorporating subtle variations. These musical embellishments serve to captivate the listener and keep them engaged throughout. The right hand takes a position on the higher-pitched side of the piano, creating a slightly different and refreshing ambience. Eventually, the right hand ceases its play, leaving only the left hand to gracefully guide the transition into the subsequent chorus.
Chorus
This particular chorus stands out from the rest as it lacks traditional lyrics, instead featuring captivating vocalizations such as 'la-la,' 'ooh-ooh,' and 'lu-lu' that seamlessly complement the music. Yumi Kimura's vocals soar alongside a rich instrumental arrangement, resulting in a powerful and unforgettable moment within the song.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 masterfully captures this section using only her piano, showcasing her exceptional craftsmanship. While listening to her piano performance, one can appreciate the meticulous attention given to every detail of this piece. The right hand, positioned at the higher end of the piano, evokes a sense of Yumi Kimura's vocal expression, while the left hand accompanies the overall musical composition. Once again, the section concludes with the left hand gracefully playing a divided section, preparing to seamlessly transition into the next part of the song.
Verse 3
The song transitions into its third verse, where the lyrics emphasize the voice that calls to the heart and the importance of holding onto dreams without letting them fade away. Instead of dwelling on the sorrows and miseries of life, the verse encourages singing a gentle song. The musical composition and rhythm maintain continuity with the previous verses, creating a cohesive flow.
In line with the original song, Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 skillfully preserves the harmony of the other verses. Through her delicate piano performance, listeners can truly connect with Yumi Kimura's heartfelt lyrics, visualize the accompanying anime, and immerse themselves in the story conveyed through this section of the song. The video presentation is also noteworthy, featuring different camera angles that capture Ru's proficient piano playing, further enhancing the visual experience. The transition to the next chorus follows a similar pattern as the preceding verses, maintaining a seamless progression.
Chorus
Once again, the chorus of the song resurfaces, featuring the familiar repetitive rhythm observed in previous choruses. This section emphasizes a whispering voice that lingers in memory, guiding the future with each passing day. It highlights the transformative nature of broken shards of glass, offering glimpses of new life and reflection.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 faithfully interprets this chorus, while infusing subtle variations. The tempo is heightened, and the keys are pressed with greater force and volume compared to earlier choruses. However, the essence and progression of the song are maintained. Eventually, the performance transitions to a softer and more delicate rendition, as both hands unite on the right side of the piano to introduce the final verse of the song.
Verse 4
The final verse of the song introduces a subtle variation compared to the previous verses, maintaining the overall tone, rhythm, and music. However, it incorporates an echo effect, where certain lines are shifted and repeated, adding depth and breaking the repetitive nature of the song. This verse explores themes of new beginnings, finding inner brightness, and being reborn amidst the dawn's mist.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 skillfully and delicately performs this section, using gentle and soft key presses. The original tone of the song is faithfully reproduced. As the song nears its conclusion, echoing the introductory verse, a subdued variation of the main melody emerges, leaving the listener with a sense of resolution and emotional resonance.
Chorus
The final chorus of the song serves as a poignant climax, making it a perfect ending for the movie. With its familiar "la-la," "ooh-ooh," and "lu-lu" melodies, this rendition takes on a slower and more gentle pace. The song gracefully concludes with a soothing outro, gradually fading away.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 skillfully captures the tender essence of this section, adding a touch of magic to the performance. It serves as a fitting conclusion, aligning harmoniously with the storyline of the anime. Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 delicately brings the song to a soft and satisfying close. Finally, the video concludes with additional recommendations for Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's captivating content.
Harmony and chord progression:
The harmony and chord progression in Always with Me features a delicate and emotive quality. The song primarily utilizes diatonic chords, often in a major or minor key, to evoke a sense of longing and introspection. The chord progressions are often simple yet effective, supporting the melodic structure and creating a harmonically rich backdrop for the vocals and instrumentation.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 showcases exceptional artistry by consistently and masterfully maintaining the harmonious essence of the song. This rendition cleverly employs diatonic chords, allowing the piano arrangement to truly do justice to the original composition. The careful attention to harmony displayed by Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 enhances the overall musical experience and further elevates the beauty of the song.
Melody:
The melody of Always with Me is beautifully crafted, with graceful contours and memorable phrasing. Yumi Kimura's vocals glide through the melody, expressing the emotional depth and resonance of the lyrics.
The Ru's Piano Ru味春捲’s melody often incorporates expressive leaps and intervals, adding a sense of yearning and vulnerability to the overall composition.
Rhythm and Groove:
The song maintains a gentle and flowing rhythm, with a moderate tempo that allows for lyrical delivery and emotional expression.
The rhythmic patterns often followed by Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 is steady and relaxed beat, providing a sense of stability and allowing the melody and lyrics to shine. The groove is subtle, focusing more on creating a contemplative atmosphere rather than driving energy.
Texture and Instrumentation:
The texture of Always with Me is characterized by its delicate and intimate nature. The instrumentation is typically minimalistic, centred around the piano and Yumi Kimura's vocals. The song may also incorporate subtle orchestration, such as strings or light percussion, to enhance the emotional impact. The sparse texture allows the melodic and lyrical elements to take prominence, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's solo piano performance adds a captivating texture to the song, making it a standout feature of her rendition. Her ability to layer multiple emotions and intricacies through her piano playing is truly remarkable. With a delicate and intimate approach, she masterfully weaves minimalist variations that stay true to the essence of the original song. This attention to detail and artistic interpretation sets her performance apart.
Dynamic and Expressive Elements:
The dynamics in Always with Me range from soft and tender to moments of heightened intensity and emotional release. The song often begins softly, gradually building in intensity as it progresses, particularly during the chorus sections. Yumi Kimura's vocal performance showcases dynamic control, with moments of gentle restraint and powerful emotional delivery. Expressive techniques, such as subtle vocal inflexions, melodic ornamentation, and slight variations in phrasing, add depth and nuance to the overall interpretation.
Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 skillfully captures the delicate and tender moments of the song, effortlessly expressing them through her piano rendition. Her interpretation also adeptly covers the dynamic range that Yumi Kimura's vocals bring to the original. With a combination of gentleness and power, Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's performance has the ability to mesmerize anyone who listens to this exquisite song.
In conclusion, the enduring influence of a classic anime film from 2001 remains as strong as ever, captivating viewers of all generations. The film stands as a true masterpiece deserving of its accolades. When a pianist of Ru's Piano Ru味春捲's caliber, whose passion for anime knows no bounds, takes on the task of performing an arrangement of one of the movie's iconic songs, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we embark on a journey into the mesmerizing rendition of this cherished theme. Brace yourself to be captivated by the magic.
If you love this arrangement, you can check the arrangement here. There are other Ru's Piano Ru味春捲 arrangements that are definitely worth checking out.
If you like this song or any other song, there are many more sheet music you can find on MyMusicSheet or mymusicsheet.com
Until next time, Happy Music!
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