Whether you are a fan of Studio Ghibli or not, one thing is certain: Joe Hisaishi writes some of the most distinctive and emotionally affecting film music ever composed. Quirky, resplendent, cinematic, and joyful, his scores have become just as iconic as the films themselves, and hearing them performed live by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl was a reminder of just how timeless they are.
Hisaishi has composed more than 100 film scores and nearly 40 solo albums, while also establishing himself as one of today’s most sought-after conductors. Best known for his decades-long collaboration with Hayao Miyazaki, his music effortlessly blends lush symphonic writing with minimalist influences, creating melodies that linger long after the concert is over.
While Studio Ghibli fans certainly got their money’s worth, the evening wasn’t solely devoted to the beloved animation studio. The first half of the concert explored Hisaishi’s work outside of Ghibli, including selections from Water Traveler – Samurai Kids and La Lune Brille pour Toi, featuring a lovely vocal performance by soprano Ariadne Greif. The program also included music from four of his collaborations with filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, including Sonatine and Kids Return, showcasing a more introspective and dramatic side of his work.
One of the evening’s most enjoyable surprises was a live performance accompanying Buster Keaton’s silent comedy classic The General. Watching the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform the score while the film played on the Bowl’s giant screens reminded the audience why silent film with a live orchestra remains one of cinema’s great experiences.
The second half belonged entirely to Studio Ghibli. More than a dozen films were represented, from classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle to the recent Academy Award-winning The Boy and the Heron. Accompanied by beautifully edited film clips, each suite celebrated not only the unforgettable imagery of the films but also the remarkable emotional storytelling found within Hisaishi’s music.
Joining Hisaishi was his daughter, Mai Fujisawa, a Tokyo-born singer and lyricist who has built a successful recording career of her own. Her warm, expressive vocals added an intimate quality to several selections. At the same time, the Cal State Fullerton University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Robert Istad, gave the choral pieces an added richness that perfectly complemented the wonder and whimsy of the Studio Ghibli scores.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic was, unsurprisingly, superb throughout the evening. Hisaishi’s music allows many members of the orchestra to shine, and the concert featured several memorable solo moments that highlighted both the elegance and playfulness of his compositions.
By the end of the night, it wasn’t unusual to hear audience members leaving the Hollywood Bowl humming “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.” It’s a testament not only to the enduring popularity of Studio Ghibli, but to Hisaishi’s extraordinary gift for writing melodies that become inseparable from our memories. Even removed from the films they accompany, his music remains every bit as magical.
Joe Hisaishi Film Music Concert plays the Hollywood Bowl July 21-23rd. For information and tickets visit hollywoodbowl.com.
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