Princess Mononoke (Symphonic Suite)

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

It wasn't until 2001 that Joe Hisaishi broke through in European circles, after his wonderful success of Le Petit Poucet and above all Spirited Away. But before and after he has crafted too the winning albums. And one to proof that is Princess Mononoke, first released in a rather difficult to enjoy 32 track release in 1999. Difficult because it covered too many short tracks and for people it wasn't always easy to get into the flow of the album. In 2001, in correspondence to the success of Spirited Away and Le Petit Poucet, Milan Records issued a perfect taste of the whole picture, namely a symphonic suite of the best moments in this time 8 tracks. While somewhat 10 minutes shorter, the basic plus point is that everything is glued together now and you get now 8 long suites which expand so much better together then apart. And its this album that people should buy in the end. With 'The Legend of Ashitaka' we receive the typical main theme concert suite, and its as all the rest of Hisaishi written in the same soothing vain, with occasional Postman like strings rising to the brassy performances that make the theme again rather epic. Its not his best theme but again a winner. With 'Ta Ta Ri Gami' we receive Hisaishi's answer to his European sound, with a percussion on edge approach, a trumpet marching rhythm and an extra layer of unease. It basically revolves around these parts for the track's time. In 'The Journey to the West' the theme slightly alters its performance, here it nonetheless rises first lovely through strings, and then the theme is reborn by the orchestra in a graceful manner. And with the oh so lovely 'Mononoke Hime' its becoming entirely Hisaishi's territory, when he performs the piano and brings his own unique sound to the score with a touching led piano variation on the theme, the orchestra just soothes his way through it, the strings glide softly with the emotion and an sole rise of the orchestra takes you up in heaven from the 3rd minute for sure.

Hisaishi is a master in these situations and alone for this he is beloved. With 'The Forest of the Deer God' he brings back however the uneasy approach, blazing trumpets at times make sure of that. 'Requiem / The Demon Power' has that same feeling but still has relaxing qualities in the middle and a brief pompous finish. That all to guide us to 'The World of the Dead / Adagio of Life & Death', a typical wonderful piece of art. Starting with a militaristic march based on the theme and ending the long concert piece with an impressive fanfare and mighty drums, its the way Hisaishi builds to this climax that makes all the fuzz. 'Ashitaka and San' is the closing suite and it ends with the piano in a light emotional mood, the orchestra sooths still around it but the piano stays center stage this time. It proves one thing, Princess Mononoke was already long before Spirited Away a score born into grace by a composer with a distinct sound but a keen eye for themes and above all craftsmanship. Hisaishi is no fluke, he's proven that by now. And Princess Mononoke "Symphonic Suite" is just another confirmation of that. Despite all its best points, the creativity still runs higher in Le Petit Poucet and above all his ever best Spirited Away. But with a wonderful concert suite divided into 8 movements, Joe Hisaishi still brings a lot to enjoy. Whether you want a 32 track divided score with 10 minutes more of material, or a neatly packaged symphony is up to you. Together they bring the same majestic material. Its however when all is combined that Hisaishi's true meaning comes to the surface, and alone for that to happen, the Symphonic Suite is a piece of art and recommended concert arrangement. Its along with Spirited Away the beloved treasures of a composer I will be calling from now on Mr. Hisaishi.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. The Legend Of Ashitaka (5.49) Excellent Track

2. Ta Ta Ri Gami (6.44)

3. The Journey To The West (4.58) Excellent Track

4. Mononoke Hime (4.43) Excellent Track

5. The Forest Of The Deer God (6.09)

6. Requiem / The Demon Power (7.09)

7. The World Of The Dead / Adagio Of Life & Death (7.21) Excellent Track

8. Ashitaka And San (4.30)

Total Length: 47.26

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=== Link to Composer Site: Joe Hisaishi ===