"Merry Go Round of Life" was originally composed by Joe Hisashi for the acclaimed film Howel Moving Castle. This piece, "The Merry-Go-Round of Life," symbolizes life's cyclical nature, with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. It emphasizes the unpredictability of existence and the need for resilience in navigating through its twists and turns. This can be seen in the waltz-style nature of the piece as well as the use of the dynamic to keep the listener on their toes. This piece was originally composed for an orchestra to play; however, due to the song's popularity, many solo versions have been composed.

  Before we played this song, I thought that it would be a speedy song in E major. I think the tempo will be intermediate, and the style will be jazzy.  The bass feels like it's walking.  I like how the melody is simple, yet mixed with the bass, it sounds super complex.

This song will be aggressive and passionate. It will be in the key of A minor.  It sounds somber, and it also sounds split, but somehow whole as well.

 The song will have a jazzy theme similar to The Girl From Ipanema. 

Upon listening to the song, I was correct; the song definitely has a very tropical theme to it. I enjoy the base, and I'm excited to learn how to play it. The song also has some knocking, making me wonder how the parts are split up. But overall, I enjoy the song, and I'm ready to learn it. 

However, I think some difficulty might be pedal changes in between those pieces; however, I think I'm up to the challenge.

Composed in 1866, The Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau) is one of Johann Strauss II's most renowned waltzes. Initially premiered as a choral work, it gained immense popularity in its orchestral form. It became a symbol of Viennese culture and is often referred to as Austria's second national anthem. Strauss drew inspiration from a poem by Karl Isidor Beck, which repeatedly mentioned the "beautiful blue Danube," despite the river not being particularly blue. The piece is characterized by its flowing melodies and elegant rhythms, capturing the grace and charm of the Danube River. Its enduring appeal has led to its inclusion in various cultural events and films, solidifying its place in the classical music repertoire.