The incredibly immersive universe of Studio Ghibli is one that has sculpted generations’ views on Japanese animation and filmmaking over the four decades of its lifespan. Hayao Miyazaki’s creation has become a staple for audiences of all ages, with each film plunging us into a magical world beyond our imaginations. Two key features of these motion pictures are responsible for the creation of such masterpieces: the story, and the music.

The storylines of the films are so intricate and well-constructed that the stories beyond and around the main character’s perspective are clearly illustrated without any dialogue. The incredibly nuanced details within the bathhouse of Spirited Away, and even the daily bustling life in and around the bakery in Kiki’s Delivery Service are just examples of how even the smallest elements within each frame help create a tactile and realistic story that draws the audience into these worlds. However, Studio Ghibli is arguably best known for its accompanying soundtracks. These musical masterpieces can bring listeners back to each respective film with just the opening notes of each piece. Even those who have not watched the films rediscover surges of childhood emotions from these musically simple yet emotionally complex pieces. The genius behind this is none other than Joe Hisaishi.

On September 25, the WE Philharmonic Orchestra performed a showcase of Hisaishi’s best works at the Daejeon Arts Center. The 90-minute program consisted of pieces from Studio Ghibli classics such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) and Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), as well as some of his more modern pieces in works such as The Wind Rises (2013) and Ponyo on the Cliff (2008). This concert was part of a series conducted all around Korea starting from the middle of the year, the last concert to be performed in Incheon on Christmas Eve. 

The popularity of Hisaishi’s music cannot be overstated, with tickets selling out weeks before the concert with an average cost of 90,000 KRW. Led by conductor and pianist Jae Won Kim, the live performance brought a certain X factor  to the already magical music. As an audience member, it was quite evident that many of the attendees were first-time concertgoers, at least in a classical concert hall; there was an audible uncertainty as to when to clap after each piece. Thankfully the audience seemed to get the hang of it rather quickly, which was presumably to the relief of the musicians on stage. 

Hisaishi’s score was beautifully executed, with the emotions from each film pouring through the notes of the orchestra. Each of the soloists’ interpretation of their parts added another layer of flavor to Hisaishi’s music. The pushing and pulling of tempo, and the crescendo before each piece’s leitmotif were just some of the characteristics of Hisaishi’s music that were put into the background for the purpose of the films. However, these were placed front and center during the concert for the audience to experience, delivering a new dimension to the already loved pieces. 

Hisaishi’s latest contribution to Studio Ghibli was showcased in 2018, with the film Boro the Caterpillar, but we have yet to see his final work. Director Hayao Miyazaki has once again come out of retirement to showcase his skills a final time, reportedly dedicating the anticipated film to his grandson. Unfortunately, this may potentially be the last collaboration between the incredible storytelling of Studio Ghibli and the film music mastermind Hisaishi. Nevertheless, the legacy that Joe Hisaishi has engraved onto the walls of classical and cinematic music is one that will last into the future.