Customer Reviews

Princess Mononoke: Symphonic Suite

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
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Would put this film right up there with "Star Wars" ~ the music is as good or better than John Williams, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith or Ennio Morricone, each cue expressing the story-line with inner-feelings that give the characters life.

This album of symphonic suite's was a brain-storm bringing new arrangements of an already wonderful and successful score from the original soundtrack "PRINCESS MONONOKE" (73138-35864-2 on Milan Records) ~ (see my review on amazon.com/music).

Milan and Hisaishi give us another insight to the opening track "THE LEGEND OF ASHITAKA" (1st movement) with a new version performed by the Czech Philarmonic Orchestra, conducted by Mario Klemens over-lapping blending counterpoints with each measure, the result is a wonderful and outstanding performance ~ stirring your emotions once again as you recall this epic animated film and the power-mood-setting score by ~ JOE HISAISHI!

Total Time: 47:26 on 8 Tracks ~ Milan Entertainment 73138-35944-2 ~ (2001)

Tchaikovsky would have loved this score. This rich European symphonic performance takes Joe Hisaishi's masterwork to another level. The only thing missing is the beautiful vocal track (get the OST Japanese version for the magnificent countertenor). This score beautifully conveys the sense of quest, the loyalty, the conflict, and the hopefulness of the film. The soundtrack to Princess Mononoke is an integral component of the movie, as much as the story and the artwork. More than most directors, Miyazaki in intimately involved in the creation of the music. Scan the web for the poetry that Miyazaki provided to Joe Hisaishi to inspire this score.

Joe Hisaishi is responsible for some of the more memorable soundtracks for today's family classics. Movies such as the 2003 Academy Award winner (for best animated feature film)"Spirited Away," and other family favorites like "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Kiki's Delivery Service," can pay their debt to this man for giving them their musical soul.

Hisaishi's ability to write symphonic tracks that appeal to both children and adults alike is a unique ability. The music on the Princess Mononoke Symphonic Suite CD will easily find ubiquity among both crowds of classical and popular music.

Each track contains its own feelings, and each note reflects a moment in the film. There isn't a song on this CD that cannot be instantly framed to a part in the movie. This is one of those albums that you can listen to straight through. Joe Hisaishi perfectly articulates screen to sheet in the way that only he can.

I know a lot of buyers might be wondering why Joe Hisaishi used The Czech Philharmonic for the symphohic suite instead of the original Tokyo Philharmonic. But don't be alarmed, the Czech players give the music a unique European touch that flows through-and-through with the film, original OST (Original Soundtrack), and overall theme of man vs. nature. After hearing the symphonic suite I would have to agree with Hisaishi San's choice of spice.

All in all, I would have to say that this CD is an essential for both fans of soundtracks, anime, and classical music alike.

It took me a while to convince myself to buy this CD, because I already had the OST. However, I am glad I bought it. I can't exactly say that it is that much better than the OST, but is better recorded (less static in the background). It is also an interesting take on the soundtrack. In general, it seems that the parts are cut off harder, instead of fading out, and what was slurred more in the OST is tounged. Some of my favorite solos are sometimes almost inaudible and sometimes the balance of instruments is off, but that's alright. The general feeling is not the same as the movie as it feels less somber, so I belive that the OST goes with the movie better. Don't bother with listening to the online samples, as they don't really display what this album has. Very interesting sound, buy it if you are a hardcore Mononoke or classical music fan.

I have been familiar with those works by John Williams,James Horner or someone else who are famous in film music composing in America. Suddenly,I found this album which gave me a great surprise! It has a total different style from those western composers,it's a blending of big orchestration and Asian feelings.It is full of beautiful melodies and harmonies that created a whole epic of human being's emotion.Hisaishi is a terrific composer,we can definitely put this CD(along with the original soundtrack) to the level of best soundtracks.I think any fan of those great American film composers should absolutely get this CD, even I just think everyone should have it.

This album was a real ear-opener. Every song on this CD elaborates upon the original tracks to amazing results. I thought the OST (Original Soundtrack) was good, but the symphonic suite was brilliant. On this album Jo Hisaishi composes for the Czech Philharmonic, for the European-Slavic feal that the music needed. The Tokyo Philharmonic just wasn't doing the music justice. I was at first sceptical, but not anymore. The Symphonic Suite blows the OST out of the fores (bad joke).

Buy this CD if you wan't superb songs, sound quality, and some good Mononoke music.

When I first saw the movie I knew I had to get the soundtrack. When I finally did, it turned out to be one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. When I saw this CD I figured "What the hey, why not". I was amazed. The orchestrations are much bigger and it is an overall better preformance than the original soundtrack. This CD is more of a concert than a soundtrack. It's less programatic and just flows better. If you enjoyed the themes of the movie, but wish they were drawn out more, this is definately a CD for you.

Wow, this really adds some extra flesh and substance to the already amazing Princess Mononoke soundtrack. Full orchestral bliss!

I love this CD. The music is very beautiful. I had listen to the song from one of the anime website before I saw the movie. After listening to it, I knew that I must see the movie. The music is very moving. I bought the DVD and later this CD. I am not disappointed at all. I am listening to it right now. The only thing that I miss is the vocal to the theme song Mononoke Hime in Japanese which I love.

If you are a fan of the movie, then you will love this music CD, the only drawback is they dont have the original song sung in Japanese on the CD. But the soundtrack is so coool!