2023 Joe Hisaishi made his triumphant debut on the podium of a sold-out Vienna Musikverein, conducting a programme of his own works. Deutsche Grammophon is now thrilled to announce the release of Joe Hisaishi in Vienna – the world-renowned and multi-award-winning Japanese composer, conductor and pianist’s second album for the Yellow Label. The new recording follows on from his immensely successful DG debut, A Symphonic Celebration – Music from the Studio Ghibli films of Hayao Miyazaki, one of the best-selling classical albums worldwide in 2023. 

Joe Hisaishi in Vienna presents the world premiere recording of the composer’s Symphony No. 2, captured live at the Musikverein with the Wiener Symphoniker. After this elevating experience Hisaishi came back to record another world premiere in Vienna: his Viola Saga, featuring renowned soloist Antoine Tamestit. 

Joe Hisaishi is known across the globe for his film music, in particular his collaborations with Studio Ghibli creator and 2-time Oscar-winner Hayao Mayazaki on such movies as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro. For his DG debut album he created symphonic arrangements of music from several of these soundtracks, achieving global chart success and widespread critical acclaim. 

Over the decades, however, Joe Hisaishi has also earned great respect for his work away from the film world, having built up a wide-ranging catalogue of contemporary classical works. Many of these are inspired by minimalism and the experimental compositions of friends and colleagues, as well as by the rich musical heritage of Japan and Western classical traditions. This second DG album, available on vinyl, CD and digital, therefore, focuses on Hisaishi the concert-hall composer – highlighting the originality and versatility of his musical craftsmanship – as well as on his long-honed skill and sensitivity as a conductor. 

Tracklist:

1. Symphony No. 2 / Movement 1 - What The World Is Now
2. Symphony No. 2 / Movement 2 - Variation 14
3. Symphony No. 2 / Movement 3 - Nursery Rhyme
4. Viola Saga / Movement 1
5. Viola Saga / Movement 2