When it comes to Japanese music bucket list, seeing Joe Hisaishi live in concert is definitely at the top of my list. For a long time I thought the only chance to hear him perform Ghibli music was to go to Japan. But Hisaishi’s increasing age, and the fact that I’m unlikely to travel overseas any time soon, means I can’t check that box off. So when news broke that Hisaishi would be heading to the United States to conduct and perform with the Silicon Valley Symphony, a trip to the Bay Area was a no-brainer.
The gloomy passage comes from Nausicaa of the Valley of the WindThe concert’s opening song, “Legend of the Wind,” promised that I was in for a treat. The piece carries a strong sense of nostalgia, sweeping from Hisaishi’s piano to the audience. As images from the movie flashed on the screen in front of me, I was mesmerized by his performance and shed tears for his emotion. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Blistering on the surface.
Never mind that, at 67, Hisaishi no longer has the nimble fingers needed to dance around the piano like a top performer. What the concert lacked in technical perfection, it made up for in a heartfelt mixture of awe, wonder and joy! Joe Hisaishi, supported by the Silicon Valley Symphony Orchestra, will unleash timeless melodies that express timeless grandeur and representation of humanity.
The former through such as Princess Mononoke“The Legend of Ashitaka”. The Silicon Valley Symphony Choir takes us into the magical and mysterious depths of the film, setting the tone for the adventure theme. This theme then extends to “The Devil” with its concentrated intensity and terrifying vigor. PonyoThe colorful “Deep Sea Ranch” is also visually grand and vivid. But it was soprano Lisa Froman who really brought both suites to life. Her beautiful voice gave Princess Mononoke As she sings, her signature haunting tones immerse the audience in a soothing, motherly atmosphere Ponyo“Mother Sea”.
Hisaishi’s melodic depictions of human nature, however, prove most compelling in a live setting. Qiqi’s delivery service The string section bounces and rolls in “Ocean View” and ends with the sentimental violin solo of “Mother’s Broom”. music The wind blows Taking a different angle, conjuring dreams with a bittersweet sadness. But the most moving piece played by the Silicon Valley Symphony was the romantic “Days Gone” red pigwhich quickly brings out the characters’ dreams, desires, and doubts.
Hisaishi Joe’s daughter Fujisawa Mai also performed a beautiful chorus at the concert. Spirited Away“One Summer Day”. But her highlight was her singing of “Hey Let’s Go” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” The upbeat, joyful melody brought a smile to my face and I found myself swaying to this delightful theme. Students from the Reedley High School Symphony Orchestra also made an appearance when they performed “The Dove and the Boy” in the parade. Laputa. Although their addition was probably the biggest head-scratcher of the night, they held their own well despite the fanfare and then had Joe Hisaishi deliver the soulful “Carrying You.”
The encore performance also proved to be a must-see. red pig‘s “Madness” seeps through Hisaishi’s lyrically seductive phrasing, making its thematic components known. Next up is “Ashitaka and San” Princess Mononoke End the concert. It had just the right melody to give a sense of finality, but also a warm and inspiring sense of revival, and at the end of the concert the cheering audience left their seats with a roar of applause.
Note: Joe Hisaishi will perform at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 21st. Ticketing information can be found here For those interested in seeing him live.