Search - Joe Hisaishi, Mario Klemens :: Princess Mononoke: Symphonic Suite

"great film in animation ~ Hisaishi's score is Fantastic!"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 05/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Would put this film right up there with "Star Wars" ~ the music is as good or better than John Williams, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith or Ennio Morricone, each cue expressing the story-line with inner-feelings that give the characters life.This album of symphonic suite's was a brain-storm bringing new arrangements of an already wonderful and successful score from the original soundtrack "PRINCESS MONONOKE" (73138-35864-2 on Milan Records) ~ (see my review on amazon.com/music). Milan and Hisaishi give us another insight to the opening track "THE LEGEND OF ASHITAKA" (1st movement) with a new version performed by the Czech Philarmonic Orchestra, conducted by Mario Klemens over-lapping blending counterpoints with each measure, the result is a wonderful and outstanding performance ~ stirring your emotions once again as you recall this epic animated film and the power-mood-setting score by ~ JOE HISAISHI! Total Time: 47:26 on 8 Tracks ~ Milan Entertainment 73138-35944-2 ~ (2001)"

Just when you think you've heard it all...

xpianox | Massachusetts, USA | 03/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tchaikovsky would have loved this score. This rich European symphonic performance takes Joe Hisaishi's masterwork to another level. The only thing missing is the beautiful vocal track (get the OST Japanese version for the magnificent countertenor). This score beautifully conveys the sense of quest, the loyalty, the conflict, and the hopefulness of the film. The soundtrack to Princess Mononoke is an integral component of the movie, as much as the story and the artwork. More than most directors, Miyazaki in intimately involved in the creation of the music. Scan the web for the poetry that Miyazaki provided to Joe Hisaishi to inspire this score."

A Perfect Articulation from Screen to Sheet

professional_shizoku | Washington St. | 01/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Hisaishi is responsible for some of the more memorable soundtracks for today's family classics. Movies such as the 2003 Academy Award winner (for best animated feature film)"Spirited Away," and other family favorites like "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Kiki's Delivery Service," can pay their debt to this man for giving them their musical soul.Hisaishi's ability to write symphonic tracks that appeal to both children and adults alike is a unique ability. The music on the Princess Mononoke Symphonic Suite CD will easily find ubiquity among both crowds of classical and popular music.Each track contains its own feelings, and each note reflects a moment in the film. There isn't a song on this CD that cannot be instantly framed to a part in the movie. This is one of those albums that you can listen to straight through. Joe Hisaishi perfectly articulates screen to sheet in the way that only he can.I know a lot of buyers might be wondering why Joe Hisaishi used The Czech Philharmonic for the symphohic suite instead of the original Tokyo Philharmonic. But don't be alarmed, the Czech players give the music a unique European touch that flows through-and-through with the film, original OST (Original Soundtrack), and overall theme of man vs. nature. After hearing the symphonic suite I would have to agree with Hisaishi San's choice of spice.All in all, I would have to say that this CD is an essential for both fans of soundtracks, anime, and classical music alike."