Joe Hisaishi - NHKスペシャルドラマ「坂の上の雲」オリジナル・サウンドトラック 3 (LP)

Joe Hisaishi's NHKスペシャルドラマ「坂の上の雲」オリジナル・サウンドトラック 3 is a masterfully crafted album that showcases the renowned composer's skill in blending Japanese classical and anime elements. Released on 9 November 2011 through EMI MUSIC JAPAN INC., this 1 hour and 11 minute soundtrack is a testament to Hisaishi's ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music.

The album's tracklist is a journey through a range of moods and themes, from the hauntingly beautiful "孤影悄然" to the dramatic "日本海海戦". Hisaishi's use of instrumentation is characteristically inventive, with pieces like "Stand Alone for Clarinet & Glockenspiel" and "Stand Alone with Piano" demonstrating his flair for arrangement.

Throughout the album, Hisaishi's signature style is evident, with sweeping orchestral passages and delicate solo moments combining to create a rich and immersive listening experience. The inclusion of tracks like "大英帝国のテーマ" and "獣たちの宴" adds a sense of depth and complexity to the album, highlighting Hisaishi's versatility as a composer.

With NHKスペシャルドラマ「坂の上の雲」オリジナル・サウンドトラック 3, Joe Hisaishi has created a work that is both a fitting accompaniment to the NHK special drama and a standalone masterpiece of Japanese classical and anime music. Fans of Hisaishi's work will find much to appreciate in this album, and newcomers will be introduced to a world of beautiful and evocative soundscapes.