Gake no Ueno Ponyo - Music by Joe Hisaishi

Just a few days ago, I had one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences I've ever had at a movie theater. I saw Hayao Miyazaki's new film, Gake no Ueno Ponyo, in Japan. Nothing out of the ordinary happened at the theater, but because I don't speak Japanese and there we no subtitles, the experience was purely about the music and visuals. I was left to interpret the movie based on those two things. It was an incredibly unique experience, and one that I won't soon forget.

Like all of Miyazaki's films, Ponyo, contains a touching and, at times, thrilling score by composer Joe Hisaishi. However, unlike their previous three films -- Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle -- Ponyo it is a decidedly lighter film, comparable to My Neighbor Totoro. Therefore, listeners can expect a less dramatic album.

One of the traits that has always attracted me to Hisaishi's music is that he is not afraid of leitmotif, a style of writing that is unfortunately dying off with amazing speed. Ponyo contains around 7-8 recurring themes and motifs. There are four primary themes -- Ponyo's theme, Sosuke and Ponyo's theme, the villain theme, and the theme for the Mother of the Sea (which also seems to act as a overall theme for the film). Each of these themes are heard numerous times throughout in several different variations.

The album runs for a fairly lengthy 68 minutes, but it's thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish minus a few moments of comedic meanderings and mickey mousing. With playful woodwinds, thoughtful strings, and even some old fashioned swashbuckling it stays interesting. And of course, no Hisaishi album would be complete without his wonderfully simple, yet beautiful piano writing and playing.

One aspect of this score that stood out to me was the use of the woodwinds. There isn't anything particularly spectacular about the writing, but to hear them so prominently and so often is a breath of fresh air. Unabashed woodwind use is unusual these days as composers, producers, and directors seem to be shying away from them for whatever reason.

Gake no Ueno Ponyo is another winner for Hisaishi. This will undoubtedly be one of the best scores of the year. The soundtrack is currently only available in Japan, but can be imported from various websites, such as Amazon.co.jp.

4/5