17
Feb
Joe Hisaishi in Budokan
If there’s one thing I can consistently count on in life it’s that Studio Ghibli can makes some awesome, emotional movies. Hayao Miyazaki is an incredible genius and one of the best filmmakers of our time. But this entry is about a different genius behind the films. Without him the movies would definitely not be as powerful. And that man of course is Joe Hisaishi, the composer of every single Ghibli film and undoubtedly also the best in his field.
A couple of years ago along the Japaense release of Ponyo, a concert was held celebrating the 25 years that Hisaishi had spent with Studio Ghibli. For this concert they assembled a 200 piece orchestra, a 400 person choir, and even a marching band possibly making this one of largest productions for this kind of concert. The concert featured music from various Ghilbi films while clips from the movies were projected onto a gigantic screen behind the orchestra.
Recently a Bluray/DVD of the concert hit the markets and I was finally able to watch it. Suffice it to say I was blown away. The emotion it welled up was practically unparalleled. It almost makes me depressed that I was not able to see it in person. It also makes me wish there were more big orchestra productions in the US. To give you all a little taste, I included one “track” from the concert. It features the pieces “One Summer’s Day” and “Reprise” from Spirited Away with vocals performed by jpop star Ayaka Hirahara. Normally two hauntingly beautiful instrumental pieces, she elevates them even further with her sweet voice. Definitely one of my favorites from the concert.
So give it a list down below and I definitely recommend seeking out either the CD or Bluray/DVD to get the full experience. It will be money well spent. Hopefully this won’t be the only one because I’d travel to Japan just to see another concert on this scale.
