Joe Hisaishi Essentials

Since the early ‘80s, prolific Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi has meandered over the sonic map, releasing both dreamy solo piano compositions and riveting readings of Beethoven symphonies. To many, however, he’s best known as the composer for some of Hayao Miyazaki’s most successful anime films with Studio Ghibli. His delicate touch at the keyboard gives Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle an almost Debussyan elegance and sense of buoyancy, while My Neighbor Totoro finds adventure at the nexus of minimalism and electronic music. Hisaishi’s contemplative cello melodies also anchored the Academy Award-winning Japanese film Departures.