Joe Hisaishi’s ‘Viola Saga’ Music Video Explores the Streets of Vienna Frozen in Time

Rich Hall crafts a touching piece for Joe Hisaishi in Vienna, a city full of rich artistic expression and beautiful architecture. Within the film, Vienna feels like a reflection of the quiet struggles we all face, offering a powerful sense of release in a world that seems empty and forgotten. It's as if the city's soul is frozen in time, leaving behind a lonely, deserted Vienna.

Rich Hall comments, "About three months ago I got to make a music video for a hero of mine. Joe Hisaishi, composer of 11 of the most iconic 'Studio Ghibli' films since 1985, (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbour Totoro, The Boy And The Heron). Now, he's made his first ever narrative video for a seminal classical music album recorded in Vienna."

"The Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated musician presents 'Viola Saga', a beautiful composition represented by the single performance of the formidable actress Jessie Mei Li running through the empty streets of Vienna at night, shot timelessly on 16mm film by Uri Barcelona. The idea grew out of loneliness, and the in between spaces that are so prevalent in Joe’s music. Time is relative, it only travels forward, so we played on the idea of traveling back in time to change a mistake or to meet a loved one again, only to find it was a world absent of people. I have grown up with Joe’s music, and so have a lot of you without even realising it. Mayao Miyazaki’s and his work have invigorated me when in need of inspiration, and comforted me when desperately hungover. This was truly an honour. Thank you to everyone at Riff Raff and Chelsy who made it possible, for multiple evenings of night recces and all the effort put it in."