Joe Hisaishi’s 2005 symphonic variation “Merry-Go-Round of Life”1 is perhaps one of the most recognizable, (if not the most, in this writer’s opinion) motif-led soundtrack of Hisaishi’s work, and for good reason. Its 3/4 waltz structure keeps steady motion inevitable, repeated via piano, plucky strings, horns, clarinets, flutes, and other members of the orchestra. It’s polystylism and floating tonality create smooth transitions for variations on the well-known theme, as well as create an ambiguous, dreamlike musical texture.