The album features his soundtracks for films including Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Japanese film and classical composer Joe Hisaishi is set to release A Symphonic Celebration on 30 June via Deutsch Grammophon. The album features symphonic arrangements of his original work soundtracking Studio Ghibli films.
The release includes the music from a range of Hayao Miyazaki films that the Japanese composer, conductor and pianist has soundtracked. This includes the title themes from films including Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service as well as Merry-Go-Round Life from Howl’s Moving Castle and music from Ponyo, Porco Rosso and Castle in the Sky.
Speaking on the release in a press statement, Hisaishi said: “I love the fact that Deutsche Grammophon pays special attention to both creativity and sound quality. Working with its team of dedicated professionals to conjure new symphonic worlds for classical music-lovers will be a joy.”
Hisaishi first collaborated with Miyazaki on the soundtrack for 1984 film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. In addition to scoring some 100 films he has also released 30 studio albums encompassing his work as a contemporary classical music composer and conductor.
Listen to Ciel’s Studio Ghibli mix below.
