Princess Mononoke
Joe Hisaishi
" As symphonic as Hayao Miyazaki paints them "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the regular release
It wasn't until 2001 that Joe Hisaishi broke through the European boundaries, especially through the success of Le Petit Poucet and Spirited Away. But he has created so many examples of his talent, you don't know where to begin first. Well let's begin then with one of the albums that will most like captivate you. Princess Mononoke was first released in a rather peculiar 32 track release in 1999. Peculiar because it covered too many short tracks, probably creating no constancy in the listening experience. In 2001, in correspondence to the success of Spirited Away and Le Petit Poucet, Milan Records issued a perfect taste of the whole picture, namely a symphonic suite of the best moments of Princess Mononoke.
While somewhat 10 minutes shorter, the basic plus point is that everything's glued together, receiving eight long suites in the end. And in my opinion I think this is the best possible release of all.
We open the CD with "The Legend of Ashitaka", receiving the typical main theme concert suite. Everything you expect is here, soothing material, brassy encounters and main themes that shine in both soft and epic form. With "Ta Ta Ri Gami" we receive Hisaishi's answer to his European sound, with a percussion on edge approach, a marching trumpet rhythm and an extra layer of unease. It basically revolves around these parts for the track's time.
In "The Journey to the West" the theme slightly alters its performance while the oh so lovely "Mononoke Hime" brings us his main theme on piano, leaving room for the unique sound of Joe Hisaishi's soothing voice. Hisaishi is a master in these situations and for this alone he will be remembered. However "The Forest of the Deer God" brings back the uneasy approach, with blazing trumpets reminding you of this. "Requiem / The Demon Power" has the same approach, but with a calmer middle and a pompous end. This all guides us to "The World of the Dead / Adagio of Life & Death". We start with a militaristic march based on the theme and we end with an impressive fanfare and some mighty drums. Basically it is how he builds to all this that makes him a god.
"Ashitaka and San" is the closing suite, ending with the piano in a light emotional mood. While the orchestra continues to sooth you, it is the piano that remains the central element.
All this proves one thing, Princess Mononoke is a score born into grace by a composer with a distinct own sound, but above all with a keen eye for themes and development. Whether you want a 32 track divided score with 10 minutes more of material, or a neatly packaged symphony is up to you. Together they bring I guess the same majestic material. However when all is combined, Hisaishi's symphonic suite still speaks the loudest. And together with Spirited Away and Le Petit Poucet, it leaves me without breath every time I end the CD of Princess Mononoke.
Tracklisting
1. The Legend of Ashitaka (5.49) Excellent track
2. Ta Ta Ri Gami (6.44)
3. The Journey to the West (4.58) Excellent track
4. Mononoke Hime (4.43) Excellent track
5. The Forest of the Deer God (6.09)
6. Requiem / The Demon Power (7.09)
7. The World of the Dead / Adagio of Life & Death (7.21) Excellent track
8. Ashitaka and San (4.30)
Total Length: 47.26
While somewhat 10 minutes shorter, the basic plus point is that everything's glued together, receiving eight long suites in the end. And in my opinion I think this is the best possible release of all.
We open the CD with "The Legend of Ashitaka", receiving the typical main theme concert suite. Everything you expect is here, soothing material, brassy encounters and main themes that shine in both soft and epic form. With "Ta Ta Ri Gami" we receive Hisaishi's answer to his European sound, with a percussion on edge approach, a marching trumpet rhythm and an extra layer of unease. It basically revolves around these parts for the track's time.
In "The Journey to the West" the theme slightly alters its performance while the oh so lovely "Mononoke Hime" brings us his main theme on piano, leaving room for the unique sound of Joe Hisaishi's soothing voice. Hisaishi is a master in these situations and for this alone he will be remembered. However "The Forest of the Deer God" brings back the uneasy approach, with blazing trumpets reminding you of this. "Requiem / The Demon Power" has the same approach, but with a calmer middle and a pompous end. This all guides us to "The World of the Dead / Adagio of Life & Death". We start with a militaristic march based on the theme and we end with an impressive fanfare and some mighty drums. Basically it is how he builds to all this that makes him a god.
"Ashitaka and San" is the closing suite, ending with the piano in a light emotional mood. While the orchestra continues to sooth you, it is the piano that remains the central element.
All this proves one thing, Princess Mononoke is a score born into grace by a composer with a distinct own sound, but above all with a keen eye for themes and development. Whether you want a 32 track divided score with 10 minutes more of material, or a neatly packaged symphony is up to you. Together they bring I guess the same majestic material. However when all is combined, Hisaishi's symphonic suite still speaks the loudest. And together with Spirited Away and Le Petit Poucet, it leaves me without breath every time I end the CD of Princess Mononoke.
Tracklisting
1. The Legend of Ashitaka (5.49) Excellent track
2. Ta Ta Ri Gami (6.44)
3. The Journey to the West (4.58) Excellent track
4. Mononoke Hime (4.43) Excellent track
5. The Forest of the Deer God (6.09)
6. Requiem / The Demon Power (7.09)
7. The World of the Dead / Adagio of Life & Death (7.21) Excellent track
8. Ashitaka and San (4.30)
Total Length: 47.26