Porco Rosso music, by Joe Hisaishi

Porco Rosso music, by Joe Hisaishi

Porco Rosso (Kurenai no Buta, 1992) is one of Studio Ghibli’s most charming and underrated films, blending adventure, romance, and nostalgia with Hayao Miyazaki’s signature flair. The music, composed by Joe Hisaishi, perfectly complements the film’s 1930s Adriatic setting, evoking a mix of romanticism, melancholy, and swashbuckling excitement.

The best sheet music download from our Library.

Key Musical Themes in Porco Rosso

1. "The Bygone Days" (昔の日々, Mukashi no Hibi)

• The most famous track from the film, a hauntingly beautiful piano and orchestral piece that underscores Porco’s past regrets and lost love.
• Often played during reflective moments, especially scenes involving Gina and the war.

1. "Porco Rosso Main Theme"

• A jaunty, adventurous melody with a 1930s jazz/swing influence, matching the film’s aerial dogfights and Mediterranean setting.
• Features playful woodwinds, brass, and a sense of motion, evoking flight and freedom.

1. "Fio’s Theme"

• A lighter, more optimistic motif representing Fio, the young engineer who repairs Porco’s plane.
• Has a youthful, spirited quality, contrasting with Porco’s world-weariness.

1. "The Sea of Nothingness"

• A dreamy, atmospheric piece that plays during Porco’s surreal "pilot’s graveyard" sequence.
• Mystical and slightly eerie, reinforcing the film’s themes of fate and memory.

1. "The Battle of the Pirates"

• A fast-paced, action-packed track accompanying the air battles, with brassy fanfares and propulsive rhythms.

Please, subscribe to our Sheet Music Library.

Musical Style & Influences

• 1930s Jazz & European Nostalgia – Hisaishi incorporates accordion, mandolin, and light swing to evoke the Adriatic setting.
• Classical Romanticism – Tracks like The Bygone Days have a Chopin-esque melancholy.
• Italian Folk & Sea Shanties – Some cues feel like they belong in a Mediterranean coastal tavern.

Search your favorite sheet music in the Sheet Music Library Catalog

Why the Soundtrack Stands Out

While not as fantastical as Spirited Away or as grand as Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso’s music is deeply personal and nostalgic, mirroring the protagonist’s bittersweet life. The blend of adventure and wistfulness makes it one of Hisaishi’s most unique Ghibli scores.

Recommended Listening

• The Bygone Days (for emotional depth)
• Porco Rosso Main Theme (for adventure)
• The Sea of Nothingness (for dreamy atmosphere)

I’m glad you’re interested in exploring Porco Rosso’s music further! Here are some must-listen performances, covers, and official releases of the soundtrack:

---

1. Official Studio Ghibli Soundtrack Albums

• "Porco Rosso Image Album" (1992) – Early versions of themes before the final film score.
• "Porco Rosso Soundtrack" (1992) – The complete film score by Joe Hisaishi.
• "Ghibli Best Stories" (2005) – Includes a symphonic version of The Bygone Days.

Where to listen:

• Apple Music / Spotify (Search for Porco Rosso Joe Hisaishi)
• YouTube Music (Full official album available)

---

2. Stunning Live Performances

A. "The Bygone Days" – Ghibli Symphony Concert (2008)

• Performed by the New Japan Philharmonic, conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself.
• A heart-wrenchingly beautiful piano and orchestra rendition.
• Watch on YouTube (Fan Upload) (Note: Official links may vary due to copyright, but searching "Porco Rosso Ghibli Concert" will yield results.)

B. "Porco Rosso Medley" – Ghibli in Park (2022)

• A recent outdoor orchestral performance in Japan, blending Main Theme and The Bygone Days.
• NHK Official Video (Partial)

---

3. Beautiful Piano & Cello Covers

A. "The Bygone Days" – Piano Solo (Rousseau)

• A masterful piano cover with delicate emotion.
• Watch on YouTube

B. "Porco Rosso Suite" – Cello & Piano Duet (The Piano Guys Style)

• A creative arrangement blending themes.
• [Search "Porco Rosso Cello Cover" on YouTube]

---

4. Jazz & Accordion Arrangements (For the 1930s Vibe)

• "Porco Rosso Jazz Version" – Some artists have rearranged the main theme in a swing style.
• Accordion Covers – Perfect for the film’s Mediterranean feel.

---

5. Joe Hisaishi’s Personal Performances

• Hisaishi occasionally performs The Bygone Days solo on piano during his world tours.
• Check his official site for updates: Joe Hisaishi’s Website

---

Where to Start?

1. First listen: The Bygone Days (Official soundtrack version).
2. For adventure: Porco Rosso Main Theme (Orchestra version).
3. For nostalgia: The Sea of Nothingness (Film version).

Wonderful! Let’s dive deeper into both:

---

1. Similar Ghibli Soundtracks (Aviation, Nostalgia, Romance)

Since you love Porco Rosso, these Ghibli scores share its melancholic beauty, aviation themes, or jazzy nostalgia:

A. The Wind Rises (2013) – Joe Hisaishi

• Why you’ll love it: Another Miyazaki aviation film, but with a more solemn, historical tone.
• Key tracks:
• The Wind Rises (Main Theme) – A soaring, bittersweet violin melody.
• A Journey (Dreamy Flight Sequence) – Light and whimsical, like floating on air.
• Caproni – Nostalgic and grand, like Porco Rosso’s romantic themes.

B. Castle in the Sky (1986) – Joe Hisaishi

• Why you’ll love it: Adventure with brassy, pirate-like energy (similar to Porco Rosso’s air battles).
• Key tracks:
• The Girl Who Fell from the Sky – Mystical and sweeping.
• Dola and the Pirates – A playful, swashbuckling theme.

C. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) – Satoshi Takebe

• Why you’ll love it: 1960s Japan setting with jazz, school choir, and nostalgic melodies.
• Key tracks:
• Summer of Farewells – A wistful, romantic ballad.
• The Ship of the Past – Gentle and reflective.

D. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013) – Joe Hisaishi

• Why you’ll love it: Minimalist, hauntingly beautiful piano/strings (like The Bygone Days).
• Key track: The Procession of Celestial Beings – Ethereal and sad.

---

E. Curated Playlists

• Spotify:
• "Ghibli’s Sky Adventures" (Porco Rosso, The Wind Rises, Castle in the Sky).
• "Joe Hisaishi’s Most Nostalgic Pieces" (Includes The Bygone Days).
• YouTube:
• Search "Ghibli Jazz Compilation" (For Porco Rosso-style 1930s swing).

---

3. Hidden Gem: The Red Turtle (2016) – Laurent Perez Del Mar

• Not Ghibli, but co-produced by them—a wordless, emotional score with piano/cello like Porco Rosso.
• Key track: The Red Turtle Theme (Melancholic and oceanic).

---

Next Steps?

1. Listen to The Wind Rises soundtrack (Closest to Porco Rosso’s mood).
2. Try playing The Bygone Days on piano (Intermediate-level sheet music available).
3. Watch The Red Turtle for another atmospheric, music-driven film.

Browse in the Sheet Music Library:

Or browse in the categories menus & download the Library Catalog PDF: