Joe Hisaishi - Joe Hisaishi Conducts (2025)
Joe Hisaishi Conducts captures a live concert moment where two major works—Hisaishi’s own dramatic suite The End of the World and Reich’s The Desert Music in its Japanese premiere—are performed with precision and emotional weight. The contribution of Ella Taylor as soprano soloist on Hisaishi’s work and the involvement of The Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo amplify the scale: the human voice and chorus become integral to the narrative, not just accompaniment. The programming is bold—linking themes of war, destruction, hope and legacy through orchestral means, underscoring Hisaishi’s comment that his piece responded to 9/11 and Reich’s work touches on nuclear aftermath. The production and performance value are high—recorded at Suntory Hall, with Hisaishi leading his own ensemble Future Orchestra Classics, the sense of occasion comes through in both sound and interpretive ambition. For listeners open to modern classical that blends drama, history and emotional resonance in orchestral and choral form, this album stands out; though those expecting light thematic classical may find the conceptual weight and intensity demanding.
Genre: Minimalism
Country: Japan
Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 239th / 771
Highlight: The End of the World (Version for Soprano) : Joe Hisaishi: The End of the World (Version for Soprano): I. Collapse
Made me think of:
Philip Glass
Arvo Pärt
Max Richer
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