Rusty Sword-Yutaka Yamada

This is an original piano arrangement of Rusty Sword (錆びた剣), composed by Yutaka Hamada for the Vinland Saga soundtrack. To me, this reflective and emotional piece has become a representation of loss, transition, and acceptance — of death itself. I remember it best from Season Two, when it plays in full as Gardar passes away in the arms of Arnheid, held within the quiet of the carriage. The quiet, yearning nature of the first half feels like a retelling — a reflection on a life lived with its joys and regrets. This nostalgic tone eventually modulates to C#, sounding firm, almost satisfied. But then that same C# strikes again — more solemn now, alone. It descends through a scale into F#, settling in C# minor instead of E major. For me, this represents the realization of death, the sobering return to reality. From there, the piece begins alternating between anxiety and quiet reflection — struggling to reconcile what was lived, what never was, and what could have been. All this turbulence culminates in a final cry: a climax of arpeggiated runs and painful, striking chords beginning on A major. The piece then concludes in E — graceful, nostalgic, and bittersweet. An acceptance of destiny. Every time i play this piece or listen to it i'm reminded of the anime and all the tragedy that surrounds it, represented by this piece. I will always admire Yutaka Hamada and the ability he has to paint such a realistic and raw picture with just the piano, and his interpretation is straight up otherworldly. I'm very grateful i have gotten the chance to experience this anime and Hamada's work!