Joe Hisaishi’s The Boy and the Heron Symphonic Suite Review

If you grew up watching Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films, Joe Hisaishi’s music probably feels familiar. His melodies are easy to enjoy, but they also carry a sense of mystery and imagination. On the new album, Symphonic Suite: The Boy and the Heron, Hisaishi plays piano and leads the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra brings out the score’s changing colours and moods, moving naturally between quiet, reflective passages and more dramatic moments. Hisaishi’s gentle, subtle piano playing adds warmth to the orchestral sound, letting the melodies speak for themselves.

Joe Hisaishi © Ben Wolf

The suite opens with Ask Me Why (I) with the piano establishing the chordal progressions. The violins come in to provide accompaniment, and the main theme is soon established. The theme is simple, nostalgic, and comforting. The piece has no major dramatic developments, but the orchestration is magical. It is a good example of how Hisaishi’s music can be emotionally expressive without being showy.

Sanctuary ~ The Master of the Tomb

The nostalgic feeling continues in Memories, which stands out for me on the album. It starts softly and gradually becomes richer, building in intensity but keeping its meditative quality. I like how the music develops slowly and keeps its calm, reflective character. Sanctuary ~ The Master of the Tomb has a different kind of mystery. It begins with more than a minute of solo piano, using just a few repeating notes. The repetitive patterns and sparse texture remind me a little of Philip Glass. Each note has space before the orchestra gradually joins in, increasing richness. The piece ends without a clear resolution, which leaves a sense of mystery.

Joe Hisaishi: The Great Collapse

The suite also has energetic, lively moments. Rain of Fire and The Great Collapse are fast-paced and build momentum, unlike the quieter pieces. The King’s Parade has a different character, with strong drumbeats, pizzicato strings, and triangle. These shifts keep the suite varied, and each piece delivers something new. Reincarnation is especially beautiful, and The Last Smile creates a lasting impression.

Ask Me Why (II)

When Ask Me Why (II) returns at the end of the album, the music feels fuller as the orchestra joins the piano, adding warmth to the melody. The theme seems more emotional than before. Its return brings the suite full circle and leaves a sense of acceptance and hope.

With its memorable melodies, shifting moods, and emotional warmth, Symphonic Suite: The Boy and the Heron will likely appeal to both dedicated longtime Hisaishi fans and those unfamiliar with his music. The piano and orchestra come together to create a musical experience that stands on its own, welcoming listeners to follow where the music leads. It shows that Hisaishi’s music can tell a story and convey emotion even without images.