DISNEY/PIXAR’S UP: FILM AND ORCHESTRA
Music composed by Michael Giacchino
Music conducted by Hiroyuki Tsuji
Performed by The Orchestra Japan
July 4, 2024
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
Tokyo, Japan
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
A hot and balmy 34-degree Tokyo day was the backdrop for last night’s heartwarming performance of Disney/Pixar’s UP with orchestra live-to-picture.
Showcasing Michael Giacchino’s Oscar-winning score in all its glory, the music was performed with impeccable precision and passion by The Orchestra Japan under the baton of prolific conductor Hiroyuki Tsuji.
Before the concert began, Tsuji enjoyed a lighthearted discussion on stage about his childhood with guest host Francesco Sasaki. He then explained that he would be conducting the night’s concert with the assistance of a small monitor showing the film as well as a “click track,” which is a metronome-like “click” in his earpiece that would keep him in time with each frame of the film.
And with that, the concert began.
PART 2: THE FIRST HALF
The ubiquitous Walt Disney Pictures logo started to play and I immediately got the chills when the majestic sound of the first cymbal crash filled the auditorium. I had never heard the logo music live before, so hearing it played so powerfully last night was really something.
After the opening news report in black and white chronicling the adventures and downfall of famed explorer Charles Muntz, we were then introduced to a young Carl Fredricksen walking down the street to the instantly likeable strains of Giacchino’s “Spirit of Adventure” theme. With that insanely catchy main theme carried by muted trumpet, all I wanted to do was whistle along while tapping my feet.
When Carl meets Ellie in the dilapidated house for the first time, we heard the first seeds of the iconic “Married Life” theme on strings and a playful arrangement for piano. Knowing what scene was about to come next, my eyes already started welling up.
Mention the film UP to anybody and they will immediately point to the iconic 4-minute sequence, “Married Life.” Beautifully chronicling the joys and despairs of life, it is the perfect example of the power of storytelling and music. And hearing it live? It sounded SO good. And this was not just an arrangement or YouTube cover – this was the real deal, using the orchestrations from the original score.
With sax, piano, muted trumpet and solo violin highlighting the early and carefree days of Carl and Ellie, the piece then slowed to a crawl, taking us through a deeply heartbreaking performance of the “Married Life” theme on solo piano as it becomes clear that Ellie has had a miscarriage and is unable to have children. By this point, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The piece continued as Carl’s loss and loneliness is laid bare with Giacchino’s sensitive music gently taking us by the hand.
If the concert had ended there, I would have been perfectly satisfied. Seeing and hearing the “Married Life” sequence live with orchestra was certainly worth more than the price of admission.
Another highlight in the first half was the ferocious music accompanying the storm as Carl and Russell journey to Paradise Falls in their house in the sky. The orchestra really shined here, hitting every beat with terrifying precision.
PART 3: INTERMISSION & SOME ADORABLE COSPLAY
As I was walking in the foyer during the intermission, I was pleasantly surprised to find a few people – all women – walking around in adorable UP character cosplay. There was a small group of friends identically dressed as Carl complete with brown bow ties. I also spotted a girl dressed as Russell carrying a “Dug” popcorn bucket. Very cute 😊
(unfortunately, I couldn’t take any pictures – socially, it’s a bit of a no-no to take unsolicited photos of people in Japan)
PART 4: THE SECOND HALF
A short suite of music played before the second half of the film began. I couldn’t quite place it at first but mentally noted that it was a sped-up, almost marching band-like version of “Married Life.” I would later identify the piece as being “Memories Can Weigh You Down” on the train home after the concert.
The film resumed as Carl and Russell are led to Muntz’s lair. The music scoring this scene was fabulously ominous, especially as Muntz’s face is finally revealed.
The “Escape from Muntz Mountain” sequence was another thrilling showcase of the orchestra’s prowess under the baton of Tsuji. The music was fast and frantic, and featured brass and percussion that was so powerful yet crystal clear.
Later, as they try to release Kevin back into the wild, the “Married Life” theme returned in a glorious arrangement full of hope and anticipation before immediately being dashed by the appearance of Muntz’s airship. It was only a short few seconds, but my was it powerful!
Following Kevin’s kidnap and the partial destruction of Carl and Ellie’s home, Carl sits alone on his chair looking deeply dejected. He then flips through Ellie’s scrapbook and makes a startling discovery: before her death, Ellie had secretly filled in the blank pages of her book with pictures of them together. As this sequence played out, “that” theme* started on solo piano, with strings entering and gently swelling as Carl begins to have a change of heart about what he should do next: move on and let go of the past. There were again tears around me, no doubt from those that know what it means to love someone, lose them and have no choice but to move on.
* “that” theme = the “Married Life” theme!
Fast forwarding to the final scene when Russell receives the “Ellie badge” from Carl, the “Married Life” theme returned, but this time in a more positive, forward-looking arrangement – a perfect way to end this sweet and life-affirming film.
Giacchino’s masterful end credits suite was then performed by the orchestra. Again, it was hard not to smile as a charming arrangement of “that” theme was played by piccolo, muted trumpet, violin and sax. This was followed by a touching piano performance and then a soaring arrangement for full orchestra which made us feel as if we were in the skies with Carl and Russell. A highly addictive bossa nova/lounge version came next, which made it impossible – for me at least – to not want to get up in the aisles and dance along.
The English vocal version of “The Spirit of Adventure” was the last piece of music to be performed and this was followed by a huge round of applause.
As this was happening, the Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar logos started to play one last time. Even though the music had already ended and the audience was still clapping, Tsuji remained facing the screen, and in a fun but cute moment, he used his body to mimic the iconic Pixar lamp jumping onto the letter “I” 😊
Tsuji finally turned to the audience to receive their hearty applause.
PART 5: APPRECIATING THE ORCHESTRA
In an amazingly warm gesture, Tsuji then signalled to each first chair in the orchestra to stand up and receive the spotlight. This was not just a handful of people as is usual in the many concerts I’ve been to, but it was every single first chair in the orchestra. Once that was done, he got each section to stand up and take their bows together.
It was a wonderful show of appreciation towards the musicians and made me respect Tsuji even more. His appreciation was genuine and you could truly feel it.
All of the musicians then bowed to each other and the night was over.
PART 6: CONCERT MERCH
Unfortunately, there was no concert merch on offer.
However, two different concert flyers were being given out to all attendees (the reverse side is the same for both flyers):
It is very unfortunate that the CD release of UP went out of print many years ago – I’m sure it would have sold like hotcakes if it was available last night.
All the more reason to treasure the copy I do have 😊
PART 7: OVER TO YOU
Did you also go to this concert? How did you like it?
And what did you think of my report? Feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly in the “Contact Me” section.
