The term "contemporary classical music" may sound straightforward, but it isn't. That is why one of Japan's most influential composers has made it his mission to guide people through what is essentially a sonic labyrinth.
Although the term can refer to any classical music made after World War II, the movement is considered to have begun in the mid-1970s when the modernist, electronic, postmodern and minimalist movements were brought together under one umbrella. Many composers in this genre also incorporate artistic developments from other arts, particularly film and dance.
"What I place most importance on is trying to create more opportunities to showcase the music, in a way that new listeners will be able to understand and feel passionate about," says composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi, the man at the forefront of Japan's contemporary classical scene and who is also known around the world for the soundtracks he has created for director Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli animated films.