Joe Hisaishi is a relatively new musical influence. He is probably most famous for his musical scores to the studio Ghibli films. These films only really caught my attention within the last 5-6 years but it was actually hearing a piano playlist to the films to brought me to them. Although he doesn't record the soundtracks to every film you would probably consider his works to be the most famous.
I think I'm quite sterotypical with my favourites by Hisaishi. “merry Go Round Of Life” is an absolutely beautiful waltz and seems to be everywhere these days. I also love the music from the film's “Spirited Away” and “Kiki's Delivery Service”. This latter film having so many fantastic works. I particularly love his piece's “One Summer's Day” and also “A Town With An Ocean View”.
I think the thing that sings to me in his music is the way he uses a beautifully simple melody which is covered over with strange dissonant chords. This gradually makes way incorporate so many extended jazz chords until it builds to a grand ending. The melodies are soaring, tender and are so elegant.
I will often go through stages in my life where I really get caught up in these elegant melodies and you can tell by the music I produce. A lot more classically based and a lot more waltzes!
I still like to detach myself from the films and listen to these works out of context and I absolutely love hearing the solo piano versions.
I now teach quite a few of his works to my students and they seem to go down well. Again, it's hard to step away from the big hitters but I will throw a couple of others into the mix like the theme's from “Castle In The Sky” and also “Valley Of The Wind”.
These films have become my family's comfort food which we will often put on once a month to chill out too. Therefore, I get the chance to listen to these beautiful works quite a lot without needing to find versions on youtube and spotify. I definitely need to get my monthly fix of Joe's music!
I really need to experiment more with the modern classical jazz approach to creating stunning music. They instantly feel like they come from a Japanese or Korean series or film.
If you get the chance, look up a solo piano ghibli playlist and indulge in some beautifully melodic and relaxing music. You won't be disappointed.
