Customer Reviews

The Japanese Album

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Japanese Album was my first foray into the realm of traditional Japanese music, and after eleven years this disc is still my favourite. The music is delicate, refined, and mysterious. It is a blend of both East and West, featuring the harpsichord, flute, violin and cello along with the traditional sounds of the koto, shakuhachi, and Japanese percussion. Excellent performances by Jean-Pierre Rampal, Isaac Stern, and Yo-Yo Ma, and a rather unexpected forward and recipes from Martha Stewart make this an unforgettable disc for dining, studying, or simply relaxing.

Even if you don't know much about Japanese music it is very easy to enjoy this disc.Traditional instrumental tunes are mixed in with contemporary compositions,played on a diverse collection of instruments including the koto.With Isaac Stern on violin, Yo Yo Ma on cello and Jean-Pierre Rampal on flute the performances are top notch.All in all a delightful album for relaxing,reading,dinner, or a long,hot bath.

A gentle sample of fine, traditional Japanese music at its best. Highly recommended for the novice - "1st timer" - as well as those of more cultured taste. Hauntingly beautiful.

Beautiful selection of Japanese music. Very calming and soothing music. Mainly slow, but does include some quicker pieces of music. Great variety of instruments used such as flute, violin and harpsichord. CD also includes recipe for a Japanese dinner. Great background music for a dinner party. If you like the Soundtrack to Memoirs of a Geisha, you'll enjoy this.

I am not satisfied with this version of traditional Japanese music at all. In my opinion traditional Japanese music is much more impressive and intense when played on original Japanese instruments. The best example is "Sakura, sakura", one of the most famous Japanese songs. When it is played on Koto and Shakuhachi (Japanese flute) instead of transverse flute it has a different feel and much better quality of expression.

The whole CD is like a softener for an audience which might not be used to a non western sound. At the same time it will get a wrong idea about what Japanese music is and will miss its real quality.

This cd is very enjoyable, and relaxing, and pleasant on the ears.It would be a good introductory to Japanese music for the first timer to this music.

This is one of my favorite Japanese albums. If you're into traditional Japanese music this is a CD that you should have. I lost the one that I originally had and I finally bought another one. I couldn't beat the price and I think that this album is great.This is a must have CD if you're into this kind of music or just enjoy a broad spectrum of music.

A very good introduction to koto music and a lot less cheesy than the concept would suggest. The first track is by far the best.

This music creates an exquisite japanese ambiance. No wonder: Jean Pierre Rampal, Yo Yo Ma and Isaac Stern: All my musical wishes during my japanese diners are fulfilled.

Great CD, perfect soundtrack for a lot of activities around the house.

Goes well with Sake and kimonos.