Customer Reviews

Sakura-Japanese Melodies for Flute & Harp

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an extraordinarily beautiful collection of music. I have enjoyed it since it came out originally in LP form in 1978 and purchased it again as a CD in 1995, so that I could play it on the CD decks in my office and car. These are two places where the pastoral quality and calming effect of these performances are particularly welcome.

The blending of flute and harp comes off extremely well, and there is not a low point in the entire collection.

I am so glad to find this again. Due to space constraints, I had to give up all my vinyl. I have missed this album, especially in the hot weather. I always think of it as "cool water over smooth stones". It makes a hot night bearable: lights off, a candle or two. Silence. And then...the music. So peaceful, so liquid.

Studying Japanese language and culture led to many hours listening to koto and sakuhachi recordings. While wondering how those instruments might sound to the Western ear, it was pure chance that led to this collaboration. Listening to Rampal had always been a pleasure, but his adaptation of Japanese music in this CD was a special delight. Whatever plaudits might be due Rampal for any of his work, this one seems to rise above the rest. He is able to stretch the qualities of an historic Western instrument to encompass what should be, but isn't, an alien musical form. Rampal's superb talents are brought fully to bear in this work, which remains a particular favourite in my household.

This is an excellent CD with the wonderful music of Rampal's flute and Laskine's harp, a perfect and unique match. Whereas the CD contains many beautiful works, there are three that are sublime and deserve mention.

"Nambu Ushioi Uta" a Japanese folksong is a unique work as the sad willow melody is pierced by sharp flute interruptions, like an obstinate sparrow continually breaking the silence of melancholy. The piece tip-toes like an elegant silk veil floating on a branch over a night garden. With its broken pacing, the melodies remain sad and reflective, but always interrupted by the pesty bird chirp, like a crocus on a dark mid-winter morning.

"Defune", a mature echoing ghosty melody builds a sad journey of experience and time. I would listen to this song over and over, allowing it to release any grief that I harbored. There is a lilting passage that builds and allows the harp to mirror or reflect the building lilting passage established by the flute. Then the piece moves toward a resolution of quite contemplation.

The CD ends with "Sakura Sakura" which Rampal and Laskine play for all it is worth, starting with a minimal slow paced introduction of the melody which is no sooner established than is rendered with a pastoral interpretation of the classic tune. And as the flute wavers like a songbird, a triump of music begins to build and anchors the central presentation of the work. Now having established and adorned this rich tapestry, Rampal and Laskine begin pulling every golden and silver thread from this whole cloth to integrate minimal repetitions of the central melody finally offered to us in atonal windstorms and durges, retaining its uncanny beauty, made even more beautiful by the lack of perfection, the final sour note.

This CD is superb in that it balances the 3 tragic pieces I describe above with 8 other works of more gaity and light. I predict that this will be one of your favorite CDs for years to come.

This cd is a timeless piece. Beautiful, soothing, peaceful. A must have for every collector of classical or (dare I say) "new age" music. This is a wonderful meditation cd...or perfect for just relaxing. One of my favorite sunday afternoon cd's.

I bought this CD after reading the first customer review below, and it is excellent. The music is very peaceful and soothing while still being musically stimulating and interesting. I have never owned any Japanese music before, and now I am looking for more. This CD has become one of my daughter's favorites (age 4) and she has suggested it as a gift idea for others several times. The harp and flute is a very classic combination, and if you enjoy either, you'll like this non-Mozart-type CD for a change.

I purchased this CD initially for the enjoyment of the two adults in our family, as we appreciate the virutoso performances of Rampal and Laskine in everything they've done. We have a sizeable classical music collection as well as a variety of performances of traditional Japanese music. Installed in our car CD changer we've been listening to it for a year, and it is now a favorite of our two children (age 4) and my Japanese mother-in-law as well! Soothing and melodic for children, superb interpretation and performances for the trained adult ear, this CD will deight non-Japanese and Japanese listeners, young and old.

I have always been a huge fan of Rampal,and when I happened upon this CD here at amazon,I snatched it up.I am building a stockpile of music to help me deal with stress.Music has always helped,and this CD in particular is perfect. From the first notes of track one,you begin to relax. Draw yourself a bath and light some candles.Get into the tub and close your eyes.The beautiful music on this CD will take you away for a short time, albeit a wonderful,relaxing time.Repeat daily if necessary.
Seriously:this CD is gorgeous in a very quiet,elegant manner.Perfect stress-buster.

We bought this for our daughter (13) who had problems sleeping. It is so soothing and mellow, it works like a dream!

Japanese Melodies for Flute & Harp was recommended by a friend. While this would not typically be my first choice for a CD purchase, I found the CD to be a great choice. The music is relaxing and tranquil. It feels as if you are transported to another time and place. I play this CD often on Sundays while reading the Sunday paper. If you are looking for a CD that is a good value and beautifully done, then you can't go wrong with this one.