Kubo and the Two Strings: The Fusion of East and West in its Musical Score
The sonic landscape of Kubo and the Two Strings is more than just a background accompaniment; it is a bridge between cultures. To capture the essence of feudal Japan while maintaining a contemporary cinematic energy, composer Dario Marianelli crafted a score that blends traditional Eastern instrumentation with Western musical sensibilities.
The Composition Process
Hired in November 2015, Dario Marianelli sought to move beyond a surface-level interpretation of Japanese music. While Western perceptions of Eastern music often center on the pentatonic scale (a five-note scale common in many cultures), Marianelli delved deeper into a variety of authentic Japanese scales to provide the score with greater emotional depth.
To achieve this, he integrated several ethnic Japanese instruments, including the shakuhachi (a bamboo flute), taiko (percussion drums), and the koto (a plucked zither). Central to both the music and the film's plot is the shamisen, a traditional three-stringed Japanese lute.
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Blending Genres and Styles
Marianelli did not limit the score to traditional sounds. He infused the composition with contemporary Western instruments and unexpected genres. For the character of Kubo, the music incorporates elements of rock-and-roll and soul. This approach was intended to give the action sequences a modern vibe, allowing the music to shift from delicate, soulful melodies to high-energy performances that Marianelli described as "unleashing hell" with the instrument.
Director Travis Knight praised this synthesis, describing the melding of East and West as an exquisite expression of emotion that perfectly aligned with the film's narrative needs.
Collaborations and Performances
The production employed a global team to ensure authenticity and quality. Two music consultants from the United Kingdom and Japan were brought on board, while Kevin Kmetz of Estradasphere, performing with his band Monsters of Shamisen, played both the Western and traditional Japanese cues.
A standout moment in the soundtrack is the cover of The Beatles' 1968 classic, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," performed by Regina Spektor. The arrangement features a dense tapestry of strings and a solo shamisen, concluding with a reflective piano coda. According to Spektor, the inclusion of a boys' choir at the end of the song symbolizes the children taking on the song of the mother to carry the story forward.
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For the Japanese dubbed version of the film, Laika requested an instrumental version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which was performed by the renowned Yoshida Brothers.
Key Facts
- Composer: Dario Marianelli (hired November 2015).
- Traditional Instruments: Shamisen, shakuhachi, taiko, and koto.
- Musical Influence: A blend of traditional Japanese scales, Western contemporary instruments, rock-and-roll, and soul.
- Featured Song: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" covered by Regina Spektor (English) and the Yoshida Brothers (Japanese instrumental).
- Key Collaborators: Director Travis Knight, Kevin Kmetz (Monsters of Shamisen), and consultants from the UK and Japan.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Japanese Instruments | Shamisen, Shakuhachi, Taiko, Koto |
| Western Influences | Rock-and-roll, Soul, Contemporary Orchestra |
| Key Vocal Performance | Regina Spektor ("While My Guitar Gently Weeps") |
| Japanese Dub Variation | Instrumental version by Yoshida Brothers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Japanese instruments were used in the score?
The score features the shamisen (a three-stringed lute), the shakuhachi (a bamboo flute), taiko drums, and the koto.
How did Dario Marianelli approach the Eastern scales?
Rather than relying on the basic pentatonic scale common in Western perceptions of Eastern music, Marianelli researched and utilized a wider variety of authentic Japanese scales to add depth to the composition.
What is the significance of the song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in the film?
The song serves as an emotional anchor; the arrangement by Regina Spektor uses a boys' choir to symbolize children carrying on the story and the legacy of the mother.
Who performed the music for the Japanese dub?
At the request of Laika, the Yoshida Brothers performed an instrumental version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" for the Japanese version of the film.
What genres were used to create the "action film vibe"?
Marianelli incorporated rock-and-roll and soul music to give the action sequences a more experimental and energetic feel.