Search - East Winds Ensemble :: Theme Music from H. Miyazaki Anime/ Spirited Away

BEAUTIFUL

L. E. Roberts | Escondido, CA | 09/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always loved the koto, and it is best paired with the shakuhachi. It can do a great deal more than play japanese court music, as anyone who has listened to Eto Kimio knows. It evokes a very Japanese setting and puts Joe Hisaishi's incredible film scores firmly into Japanese culture. It is not evocative for everyone, as not everyone enjoys something as diverse (and similar) as solo highland bagpipe music. I happen to like Japanese music (Jean Francois Paillard's "Japanese Melodies," is one of my favorites, and my favorite counter-tenor is Mera Yoshikazu). Hishaishi's music (and that of Youmi Kimura, on the album also) is very Japanese in style, yet holds its' own with western classical for melodic and harmonic content. (Hisaishi's Princess Mononoke Symphonic Suite, performed by the Czech Philharmonic shows this beyond a shadow of a doubt.)



Aside from the above, the album is one of the most pleasant and relaxing CD's I have purchased. It can be played to listen to with strict attention, and enjoyed that way. It can also be used to relax and set a mood of pleasant ease while reading or just enjoying a cup of tea.



The two artists are technically superb on their instruments, and the recording quality is superlative. I recommend it to any Studio Ghibli fan who loves music, and to any music fan who enjoys Japanese music."