I purchased two piano solo sheet music books by V. K. Katsu, as mentioned in my article "Recommended Composers for Games and Anime," so I'd like to share my thoughts on their contents.
Recommended for those who like cool music: Game and anime composers
I think one of the strengths of this person's music is its "simplicity."
It might not sound like a compliment, but many of their songs are pleasant to listen to and evoke strong emotions in anyone who hears them.
Another characteristic is that, because the music is melody-driven, it never bores the listener.
Composers in a similar vein in Japan include Joe Hisaishi and Taro Hakase.
①BEST OF VK INTERMIDIATE PIANO COLLECTION
This is sheet music with a green pattern on a white background.
As the name "INTERMIDIATE" suggests, the content is at an intermediate level.
Therefore, unlike the original song, this arrangement is slightly gentler.
The level of detail is fairly high, but I feel it's a little lacking.
01.Kagamiya Reflection
This song is so good that I could say I bought the album just for it.
However, there are parts where the violin's sound takes center stage, so having only the piano in those sections is rather boring.
By the way, the title "Kyouya (Reflection)" is incredibly cool and stylish.
02.Yawning Lion
A lion yawns widely.
Just as the title suggests, it's a heartwarming and relaxing song.
This might be the most faithful reproduction of the original song.
03.Pure White
This is one of my favorite songs in this collection.
The section where the key changes and the tempo speeds up is a great opportunity to nail a cool trill.
This is a passionate song that allows for easy dynamic range.
This song gives the feeling of "sing to your heart's content."
04. Melody of Elves
A beautiful song with a melancholic atmosphere.
It reminds me of the opening of Laputa.
In the original song, let's try to recreate the melody parts played by the harp and woodwinds well on the piano.
05. Star At Dawn
Play the syncopated parts smoothly.
Since the same phrase is repeated, you'll want to vary how you play it.
06. Wings of Piano
Let's unleash our energy and play with vigor!
This is irrelevant, but it reminds me of the intro to Thelma Aoyama's "Soba ni Iru ne" (I'll Be By Your Side).
Let's end this on a slightly exaggerated, grand note.
07.Guardian Angel
The melody structure is similar to "Morning Star," but the chords here are gentler and more soothing.
08. Earth's Teardrop
A grand and solemn song.
I think it's best to play quietly and powerfully until the chorus, and then pour all your emotion into the chorus.
I like the part where the drums come in midway through; it really builds up the excitement.
09. Atlantis Love
A song with a Ghibli-esque feel.
Trills are difficult, but you can get away with it by just lowering the note by a semitone.
The chord progression is a bit unusual, and there are a lot of accidentals, making it difficult to play.
10. Hua-Sui-Yue
Healing, dramatic music.
If you play with clear dynamics and a somewhat pretentious tone, it will sound more authentic.
11. Tear's voice
The songs around here all have similar openings.
It's difficult to tell them apart.
However, what's interesting is how, as the song unfolds, each part becomes a completely different piece.
12. Evolution Era
It's a bright and energetic song.
The chorus has some notes that are difficult to play strongly, but it's a part you want to play with a strong, climactic feel.
13.1 Billion Lightyear of Distance
It's a song with a melancholic atmosphere.
As expected of a piano piece, it's a highly faithful reproduction of the original work.
14.Snow Dance Xue Wu
The song's atmosphere is, in my opinion, very "pure white."
I felt it sounded similar to the main theme song of the PC game "The Shell Girl".
I like how the frequent use of duplets, despite the 6/8 time signature, gives it a floating, ethereal feel.
Finishing it might be quite difficult.
15. Reverse • Parallel Universe
It's an upbeat song, and it's fun to play.
However, this also involves many accidentals, so it's difficult until you get used to it.
16.Paper Plane's adventure
With your left hand, keep a steady, precise rhythm to provide the accompaniment.
It's great that it gets more and more exciting, but it's really difficult to play at the end.
VK Piano Sheet Music Selection [Intermediate] (BEST OF VK) (Amazon)
②Our Story Piano Collection
This is sheet music with an orange cover.
This version is very faithful to the original song and is quite difficult.
However, this one is far superior in terms of accuracy.
Since I only recently bought it, I'll keep my comments brief.
01. My Summer Love
It's an upbeat song that gives off the feeling that summer is just beginning!
However, the printing on the 13th measure is shifted down by three notes.
This is unacceptable.
I'd like to exchange it if possible...
02.Paper Plane's Adventure
A more difficult version of the green sheet music.
03.A Promise Not Kept
It looks like a "guardian angel."
It's a quiet and gentle song.
04. Green Jade [feat. Musou Band]
Let's play it in the style of Utada Hikaru's "Never Let Go."
This is my second favorite song from this sheet music.
05. Forest Festival
If you ask me which is my favorite song, it's this one.
I bought this sheet music because I wanted to play this song.
This song evokes images of a forest regenerating!
This is a masterpiece that you can sing with all your heart and soul.
The sheet music for ensemble playing is also included, so it would be great if we could all play it together.
06. Our Story
This song has a feeling like, "The story of these two is about to begin."
It has the same atmosphere as the opening of the drama.
07.Black Silently
It's a short interlude-like piece. Quiet.
08. Galaxy Traveler
It has a "billion light-years away" kind of feel to it.
This is a classic and easy-to-play song.
09. Re-watched, Nativity Good Bye, Mrs. Santa
This song has a different feel from their previous work; it's like a fairy tale.
10. Pure White with String Quartet (Live Version)
The complete version, pure white.
I'd love to play this perfectly if possible, but it's quite difficult.
11. Pure White (Wings Remix Version) Pure White (Wings Remix Version)
The song is titled "Shall we mix these two together?", but since both are good songs, it ends up being like katsu curry (a type of Japanese curry dish).
But I'd like to play them separately.
12. Amore Mio
It's a quiet song, like the perfect ending to a meal of rice porridge.
A light, salty flavor.