Culture / Music
Joe Hisaishi releases symphonic album based on “The Boy and the Heron”
The composer performs at the piano with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a new concert version of his film music.
Status: source-checked.
Deutsche Grammophon lists Nov. 6 as the release date for Joe Hisaishi’s “The Boy and the Heron,” an album presenting his music for Hayao Miyazaki’s film as a symphonic suite for piano and orchestra.
The recording is intended as a separate concert work rather than a reproduction of the original soundtrack, according to the label. Its announcement says Hisaishi rewrote the music for the concert hall while drawing on themes from the film.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the project with Hisaishi as piano soloist. In the label’s announcement, the composer described allowing more time than usual before returning to the score: “This time I waited a little longer, and then decided to entirely rewrite the music for the concert hall.”
The album is available digitally, on CD and on vinyl, according to Deutsche Grammophon. The catalog also lists a Dolby Atmos edition, extending the release beyond the physical CD and LP versions.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- The label lists a Nov.6,2026 release and describes the album as available.
- Hisaishi performs at the piano with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, according to the label.
What we don't know
- No independent listening review was conducted.
The source record