Merry-Go-Round of Life (Howl’s Moving Castle)

The piece at a glance

Composer

Joe Hisaishi

Year

2004

Origin

Film score for Howl’s Moving Castle

Key

F major

Level

Intermediate

Keys recommended

76

How difficult is it?

Triple metre with a wide left hand and a melody that roams across the whole range.

The real hurdle

The left hand strides far in waltz steps – that needs certainty without looking.

How long does it take?

Four to six weeks.

A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.

Which instrument suits it?

The bass leaps need room – from 76 keys.

Instruments that suit it

Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500
Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.

Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650
Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.

Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550
The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.

The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.

Where to find the sheet music

This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.

Modern editions and arrangements

Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.

Frequently asked questions

If this suits you

Comptine d'un autre été Yann Tiersen
Amélie’s theme – eight notes in the left hand, a melody in the right, and unmistakable all the same.

One Summer’s Day (Spirited Away) Joe Hisaishi
The quiet melody from Spirited Away – restrained and one of the most beautiful pieces on this list.