A tale as old as time played on some instruments invented in olden times.
As working adults, we don’t always have time to sit down and enjoy our favorite movies from our childhood, but getting some work done while listening to our favorite songs is completely in the realm of plausible productivity.
And at the top of our list of favorites has to be the Disney songs from all the animated classics that inspire wonder and fond memories. Being such well-received works of art, musicians of all ages have loved to take the familiar tunes and add their own signature spin to them.
For the Singaporean Chinese group The TENG Ensemble, that meant adding in some traditional Chinese instruments to compliment the original melodies of several Disney songs.
The six-member ensemble pairs familiar modern instruments such as the guitar, keyboard and cello with lesser known instruments like the sheng (reed instrument with pipes), the pipa (four-stringed lute), and the guzheng (stringed instrument with flat base and 21 strings).
They expertly weave the instruments together giving us a chance to enjoy some new arrangements of our favorite Disney songs from Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Frozen.
▼ Can you spot each of the items that hint at each movie?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRM8XrEBjHy/?taken-by=thetengensemble
▼ Being attacked by Frozen confetti is all part of a day’s work.
If nothing else, this musical video inspires us to blow the dust off of some classics and sit down for a trip down memory lane. Or at least one more chance to rewatch the classics before the inevitable remakes and reboots ruin our childhoods forever.
For some other unique musical arrangements, check out this classical musician’s take on PPAP and this Japanese-style arrangement of a Lady Gaga song. Don’t blame us if they get stuck in your head all day!
Source: Facebook/The TENG Ensemble via Stomp
Featured image: Facebook/The TENG Ensemble

SamuraiGuitarist’s Disney song medley will bring a smile to your face【Video】
Japanese musicians create incredible music and visuals using open tape reels【Videos】
Luna’s ancient Korean instrument beautifully interprets Adele’s voice, rock classics【Video】
Modern concerto fuses classical music and ping-pong for an epic performance【Video】
Percussionists recreate classic 8-bit video game music with enormous xylophones 【Videos】
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Monsters of Shamisen: New music for an old instrument 【J-Tunes】
Better than barbershop: Amazing a cappella renditions from Street Fighter and other classic Japanese games
Shovel shamisen is a quirky and fun addition to the Japanese music scene【Video】
Famikoto celebrates Nintendo with medley of game music played on traditional instruments【J-Tunes】
Tokyo Bon Japanglish song is a crazy way to learn Japanese 【Video】
New Sputniko! music video presents modern take on traditional myth, inspired by real life science
Multi-orchestra video game music festival to be held at the online Tokyo Game Show 2021