





“Angels in America” is a miniseries by HBO which is based on a play written by Tony Kushner. It revolves around the various relationships of a group of people during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Without explaining the plot, let me just say that it is indeed quite an odd show. This adjective is also commonly used by his critics to describe Thomas Newman’s music – what a coincidence.
“Angels in America” seems like the perfect project for Newman. It is a drama at its core, but with quirky aspects to numerous scenes and characters. Thus, while Newman’s dramatic side can shine, he also brings his more unique side (such as in “American Beauty”) to the table, but on a larger scale, effortlessly merged with the orchestra…(Click title to read more)
The moment in “Whisper of the Heart” where Shizuku, prodded along by Seji, begins to sing nervously, and is soon joined by Seji’s uncle and his friends to form an ensemble, is my favourite moment in any Ghibli film, and one of my favourite film moments altogether. The reasons for this are half-quality wise and half-personal. It’s a well directed scene, of course. The version of the song itself is a wonderful arrangement, portraying the simplicity of the scene and expressing how beautiful such simplicity can be. This is the sort of scene where Ghibli films have a clear distinction from Disney films. In a Disney film, this moment, a song, would perhaps start with the solo violin and then quickly transform into a full musical number with a professional singer and production. But Ghibli keeps the simplicity……(click title to read more)
In addition to the Totoro sheet music posted below, I have more for you - I’ve arranged sheet music for Fugainaiya , from Honey and Clover, recorded an mp3, and also recorded an mp3 of Waltz. Neither of these appear on the actual OST for some reason. Here they are:
Fugainaiya Sheet music - http://www.omohide.com/Fugainaiya_theowne@gmail.pdf
Fugainaiya Mp3 - http://www.omohide.com/Fugainaiya - theowne@gmail_dot_com.mp3
Waltz Mp3 - http://www.omohide.com/Waltz - theowne@gmail_dot_com.mp3
Someone asked me to write down the arrangement of the Totoro opening theme that I usually play on piano. So, I have done so and I’m sharing it with all of you:
http://www.omohide.com/Totoro_Sampo_Theowne.pdf
In case you don’t play, but would like to hear it, here’s (a somewhat low quality) recording of myself:
http://omohide.com/Sampo_piano_Totoro_theowne.mp3
Feel free to contact me with any comments you may have.
Jon is now one of my favourite people in the world. What an inspirational speech. My favourite part is when he says “In 1993 I was rejected at the screening for the Van Cliburn piano competition” and then gives his fellow Van Cliburn judges a mockingly angry look.
This was the first Debussy pieces I learned, and is still a favourite of mine. It’s an early Debussy piece, and is very simple and pleasant. It is very accessible and sure to put a smile on any listener’s face, and it’s also a treat for the performer due to the movement and […]