Joe Hisaishi Spirited Away (sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) O.s.t. [2002]

Joe Hisaishi, the acclaimed Japanese composer behind some of the world’s best-loved anime films, has announced his new album, Dream Songs: The Essential Joe Hisaishi, will be released on 21 February. On the same day thirty albums from the composer’s extensive catalogue will be released on streaming services worldwide for the first time ever.

For his first album on Deutsche Grammophon, Joe Hisaishi, the revered Japanese composer whose work has become synonymous with the magical Studio Ghibli animations of director Hayao Miyazaki has created an exciting series of symphonic arrangements of his original soundtracks for such Ghibli classics as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and My neighbor Totoro. Fittingly titled A Symphonic Celebration, it presents state-of-the-art recordings of his extraordinary work for this much-loved artistic force in animated movie-making. Recorded in London by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the composer, its tracks are newly arranged by Hisaishi for symphony orchestra and features Grace Davidson, Avi Avital, Bach Choir and Stephen Morris.

'The most acclaimed Japanese composer to have ever worked in film' (Pitchfork), Joe Hisaishi releases 'Songs of Hope: The Essential Joe Hisaishi Vol. 2'. Following the massive success of 'Dream Songs: The Essential Joe Hisaishi (Vol. 1)', this album features even more of Hisaishi's greatest hits from iconic films including Spirited Away and Porco Rosso, orchestral works and solo piano recordings, plus two brand-new recordings: 'Kids Return' and 'HANA-BI.'