Insomnia

Michio Miyagi (Composer), Kaija Saariaho (Composer), Toru Takemitsu (Composer), Yuji Takahashi (Composer), Erik Satie (Composer), Jean Francaix (Composer), Richard [1] Strauss (Composer), John [1] Cage (Composer), Arvo Part (Composer), Nino Rota (Composer), Alfred Schnittke (Composer), Gidon Kremer (Performer), Naoko Yoshino (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Gidon Kremer, Naoko Yoshino
• Composer: Michio Miyagi, Kaija Saariaho, Toru Takemitsu, Yuji Takahashi, Erik Satie, et al.
• Audio CD (February 8, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B000026CMT
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #254,011 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Haru No Umi

2. Nocturne

3. Stanza 2

4. Insomnia

5. Les Fils De Etoiles: Prelude Du Premier Acte 'La Vocation'

6. Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Preludio

7. Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Pastorale

8. Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Canzonetta

9. Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Sogno

10. Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Rondo

11. 'Daphne' Etude

12. Six Melodies: No. 1 (Rubato)

13. Six Melodies: No.2 (Legastissimo)

14. Six Melodies: No.3

15. Six Melodies: No.4

16. Six Melodies: No.5

17. Six Melodies: No.6

18. Spiegel Im Spiegel

19. Il Padrino

20. Suite In The Old Style: Pantomime

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This may be one of the least abrasive albums of contemporary music you'll ever hear. On this culture-melding disc, violinist Gidon Kremer and harpist Naoko Yoshino explore the dizzying roots and offshoots of modern compositions from the Far East and Europe. Every work on Insomnia--whether written by John Cage, Arvo Pärt, or Richard Strauss--seems to share influences and similarities with the next. While Japanese composer Michio Miyagi (1894-1956) was looking to France for influences on Haru no umi, Erik Satie (1866-1925) was looking to the East on the preludes to Le Fils des Étoiles. The comparisons are fascinating, and Kremer and Yoshino make this difficult music sound easy and hypnotic. Especially effective: Pärt's gorgeous Spiegel im Spiegel and Schnittke's almost New Age-sounding "Pantomime" (from Suite in the Old Style). Great stuff for modern lovers. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insomnia- No Way! This one is hot!, June 15, 2000

By 

chris jenkins (Slums of Madison) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Insomnia (Audio CD)

The title is misleading if not down right dubious. This is one hot album. Gidon Kremer is a performer of rare ability and he is at his best with the broad range of composers featured here. He is accompanied by an excellent harpist Naoko Yoshino who adds her own special charm to these pieces. They work well together and their skills are clearly evident. This album is not for everyone; it challenges the listener and forces you to pay attention but it is worth it.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sublime and fascinating, February 24, 2006

By 

Campbell Roark "tri-zeta" (from under the floorboards and through the woods...) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Insomnia (Audio CD)

I could not agree more with the next reviewer: this is one of the most cohesive collections I've heard; each track segues effortlessly into the next. While the dissonance and atonality of much modern music grates on me; this CD is devoid of such things. The compositions are wonderfully luminous and the performer(s) approach rivets the listener. Excellent night-time composition music, seduction music- what have you. I strongly encourage you to take a chance on this!

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insomnia? No Way-This is for the living!, June 14, 2000

By 

chris jenkins (Slums of Madison) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Insomnia (Audio CD)

Gidon Kremer is at his most provocative best! The wide range of composers played here require all of his skill and he comes through. This album is not for everybody but those who want something new won't be disappointed. Naoko Yoshino's contributions on the harp are a delight in themselves and shouldn't be missed. From a musical point of view this is not for quiet nights! It gets you up and keep you up This album may challenge some people but that's one of its charms. Need a challenge go for it; its truly an adventure.