Music History
Deja Vu
During the 19th century, transcriptions and arrangements were part of a pianist's repertory as it was considered an acceptable compositional practice (Kmyt, 2010). Many composers such as Franz Liszt regularly created arrangements and transcriptions of other composer’s works (Friedheim, 1962). Approximately 376 out of the 600 piano pieces written by Liszt were arrangements of ensemble, orchestral and vocal works (Friedheim, 1962).
In the journal article titled “The Piano Transcriptions of Franz Liszt,” Philip Friedheim stated that
“(1) they served to make available to his audience orchestral compositions which were infrequently performed, as well as the music composers whom Liszt was championing, and (2) they served as outlet for a display of piano virtuosity" (Friedheim, 1962, p. 83).
The same reasoning can be applied to Animenz as his arrangements aim to promote anime music and anime piano music to a wider audience. By sharing his covers on YouTube and publishing sheet music, he is making it even more accessible. Similar to Liszt’s arrangements, Animenz’s arrangements also provide an outlet for piano virtuosity. Both Animenz and Liszt also use the entire range of the piano to achieve an orchestral effect.
Additionally, Liszt also serves several other purposes:“These transcriptions served a triple purpose: (1) they promoted the name of Schubert, little known outside Vienna; (2) they advanced the field of piano technique, posing special problems of spacing and timbre which had never before been solved; and (3) they widened Liszt's own repertory" (Walker, 1991, pg. 250).
The second point applies to Animenz as his arrangements push the boundaries of piano technique. Some of his arrangements are notoriously difficult and require countless hours of practice. Animenz’s arrangements also delve into the topic of spacing and timbre since it is polyphonic and orchestral-like. One can argue that Animenz’s arrangements and career are reminiscent of Liszt’s legacy.
Ferruccio Busoni
Another historical figure that Animenz could be compared to is Ferruccio Busoni, a prolific Italian composer who is more remembered for his arrangements and transcriptions of other composers’ works than his own compositions (Knyt, 2010).
In fact, his habit of arranging other people’s works affected his own compositions which frequently contained borrowed material thus blurring the lines between original works and arrangements (Knyt, 2010). He argues that the composer’s role was to form and develop existing material (Knyt, 2010).
In comparison, Animenz would sometimes borrow passages from classical music and insert them into his arrangements. Animenz frequently mixes both borrowed and original materials in his arrangements. It can also be argued that Animenz is elevating the original works by developing them further through variations and new ways of expression.
Vladimer Horowitz
Vladimir Horowitz is another famous arranger that Animenz could be compared to. Horowitz created many transcriptions and arrangements to highlight his own pianistic abilities (Loudermilk, 2010). They are frequently used as encores and are some of the most anticipated moments of his concerts (Loudermilk, 2010). Horowitz’s transcriptions and arrangements have helped him become one of the greatest virtuosic pianists of the 20th century (Loudermilk, 2010).
In comparison, some of Animenz’s arrangements can serve as a vehicle to display his technical prowess such as Unravel, for which the anime music community has a deep fascination due to its high level of technical proficiency and fast tempo. Both Horowitz and to a greater extent, Animenz are known for the transcriptions and arrangements which helped cement their careers in their own respective fields.
Classical arrangements are not as popular when compared to music originally written for the piano. Starting in the 20th century, the practice of arranging and transcribing became less popular as it started to become an aesthetically questionable method (Knyt, 2010). It is possible that Animenz’s arrangements of anime music could spark a wider debate on the role of arrangers and transcribers in music history. Anime piano arrangers such as Animenz are part of this history.