Silent Early Disney Films! A Summary of All 8 Classical Music Pieces Featured in "Fantasia" ♩

Have you ever seen "Fantasia"?

"Fantasia," Disney's third animated film released in 1940, following "Snow White" and "Pinocchio," is one of the early animated feature films.

The most distinguishing feature of this film is that it has no dialogue!

Surprisingly, Mickey doesn't speak at all!

However, it's not a silent film without any music;

instead, the characters dance to world-famous classical music that everyone has heard before♩

There's also an attraction called "Mickey's PhilharMagic" at Tokyo Disneyland,

so you're likely familiar with this image of Mickey wearing a blue sorcerer's hat♡

The classical music featured in the film features a total of 8 pieces♩

"Fantasia" has always been well-regarded as an artistic work among Disney fans and movie enthusiasts, even without dialogue.

The film comprises eight segments, each accompanied by one of eight classical music pieces!

At that time, Walt Disney commissioned an orchestra conducted by the famous conductor Leopold Stokowski to create the original background music for the film♩

Here are the eight classical music pieces featured in "Fantasia"＊

① "Toccata and Fugue in D minor" J.S. Bach

The first classical piece featured in "Fantasia" is Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D minor."

It is characterized by abstract visuals with various colored lights and human shadows, combined with a powerful musical score that feels quite different from Disney's usual style＊

This piece plays from 1:50 in the video♩

② Suite "The Nutcracker" Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky's famous "The Nutcracker" also makes an appearance♩

Fairies, mushrooms, and flowers dance to the charming melody＊

This piece plays from 11:50 in the video♩

③ "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" Dukas

While the first two segments didn’t have much of the typical Disney feel,

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Dukas features Mickey as he apprentices with a sorcerer, adding a narrative element♩

The frantic behavior of Mickey and the slightly darker, mysterious tone of the music create a wonderful visual experience＊

This piece plays from 26:35 in the video♩

④ "The Rite of Spring" Stravinsky

The next segment features Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" as the background music♩

It starts with animations of galaxies and volcanoes, transitions to the ocean, and eventually includes dinosaurs, portraying the evolution of humanity.

The music has a somewhat heavy tone＊

This piece plays from 37:05 in the video♩

⑤ "Pastoral Symphony" Beethoven

In the fifth segment of "Fantasia," Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony" serves as the background music♩

Set in a temple, unicorns, centaurs, and angels appear, creating a narrative reminiscent of Greek mythology.

The melody is bright and creates a joyful atmosphere＊

This piece plays from 5:10 in the video♩

⑥ "Dance of the Hours" Ponchielli

Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours" features a humorous story where ostriches, hippos, and elephants perform ballet＊

The music is elegant and gentle, fitting the ballet theme.

This piece plays from 27:45 in the video♩

⑦ "Night on Bald Mountain" Mussorgsky / ⑧ "Ave Maria" Schubert

Finally, the seventh segment "Night on Bald Mountain" and the eighth segment "Ave Maria" are presented together.

A great demon emerges from a volcano, and the scene of the world enveloped in ghosts is expressed with ominous and eerie music.

This piece plays from 40:30 in the video♩

"Fantasia," what a film it is!

"Fantasia" is an unusual Disney film that comprises eight segments without dialogue.

At the time of its release in 1940, it received mixed reviews as it was the complete opposite from "Snow White" and "Pinocchio."

However, it is now supported as one of Disney's best films in terms of artistry and musicality.

All eight classical music pieces featured in the film are world-renowned,

and if you were to use them at a wedding,

I recommend:

② Suite "The Nutcracker" Tchaikovsky

⑤ "Pastoral Symphony" Beethoven

⑥ "Dance of the Hours" Ponchielli

for their brighter musical qualities＊

If you love classical music or "Fantasia," be sure to give them a listen.

➡ Check out the full list of Disney movie background music here＊

➡ See "Fantasia" CDs on Rakuten