In the spring of 2023, the Spanish fashion brand Loewe captivated the hearts of girls worldwide, transforming their unrequited love into ownership of Howl — Loewe's collaboration with Studio Ghibli on "Howl's Moving Castle" (hereinafter referred to as "Howl") merchandise, featuring iconic characters Howl, Sophie, and Calcifer as everyday essentials, be it bags, clothing, or even fragrances, sparking passionate discussions.
When it comes to "Howl's Moving Castle," beyond its captivating plot, its music, including "Merry-Go-Round of Life" and "The Promise of the World," stands as classics among classics. Sometimes, even before recalling specific scenes from the movie, the music floats into our minds — a distinctive characteristic expected from the collaboration between composer Joe Hisaishi and animation master Hayao Miyazaki.
Miyazaki's animations, worthy of careful appreciation, are accompanied by equally intriguing soundtracks. Over the years, we've come to understand Howl's heart, but have you ever "listened" to it?
The synergy between Miyazaki's animations and Hisaishi's music has crafted numerous beloved works from Studio Ghibli. As if destined to collaborate, Miyazaki often handpicks music demos blindly, repeatedly selecting compositions by Hisaishi.
For decades, their collaboration has romantically warmed the hearts of audiences large and small. In "Howl," as an animation, the soundtrack includes 26 Non-Diegetic Music tracks. What secrets lie within? And which melodies reveal Howl's seemingly carefree yet lonely heart?
Unveiling the Musical Secrets of "Howl's Moving Castle"
1. Making Melodies the Film's Core:
Hisaishi's career in composing, apart from Miyazaki's films, also extends to films directed by Takeshi Kitano. Hisaishi stated, "Miyazaki's films focus on melodies, while Kitano's films lean more towards minimalist music."
This means that in Miyazaki's works, the "soundtrack" isn't just a supporting role in creating an atmosphere. Its weight equals that of dialogue and visuals, serving as one of the performers in the animation, conveying information like emotions and moods more comprehensively to the audience.
From "Howl," one can hear Hisaishi's focus on melodies.
Take, for example, the scene where Sophie first meets Howl. Initially, Sophie walks alongside the rumored handsome man, feeling puzzled. At this moment, Hisaishi creates a lively atmosphere through string instruments. Then, when encountering the Witch of the Waste, the addition of flutes adds tension to the music. Finally, in the romantic scene where Howl flies Sophie through the sky using magic, the use of triple meter and brass percussion gives the soundtrack a dance-like surge.
In this pivotal scene, the soundtrack not only incorporates different instruments to enhance the visuals, but this layered progression also deepens the emotional buildup of the characters for the audience, becoming a characteristic of Miyazaki's works where "music and visuals are equally the protagonists of animation," reflecting the secret of many people instantly associating the movie's title upon hearing its melody.
2. The Musical Magic of Modulation:
When you start "Howl," the first thing you encounter is the complete theme song, "Merry-Go-Round of Life."
Besides serving as the opening, the film also concludes with this theme song, making it an important soul that runs through the entire work. However, what's even more eye-opening is that Hisaishi uses the tonality and structure of this song (G minor, Ternary Form) as a basis, and through variations, incorporates it into the scene where Sophie and Howl first meet. This piece of music is also named "A Walk in the Sky" in the soundtrack, aligning with the story's narrative.
The ending's vocal version of "Merry-Go-Round of Life" starts with the piano, evoking warmth from melancholy, which also fits the film's setting: a love story amidst a cruel war.
The intricate arrangement of the "Howl" soundtrack stems from Miyazaki's expectations for the film: "I want to make a true love story and unfold this romance through the development of events." The recurring appearance of the theme song throughout the film's music deepens the intended message of the animation.
The fluidity of the notes and the delicate storyline leave lingering echoes of "Howl," allowing each viewer to interpret the details differently. With the inclusiveness of the 26 soundtrack pieces, everyone becomes an interpreter of "listening" to "Howl."
After reading this, do you feel a deeper understanding of the mysteries in Miyazaki's music, eager to revisit "Howl's Moving Castle"? This year, Miyazaki is also set to release his action-packed film "What Will You Do with Your Life?" after a decade-long hiatus. Animation enthusiasts, don't miss out!
