Splendor of the Shamisen

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 26, 1994)
• Original Release Date: July 14, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Playasound
• ASIN: B000005G1S
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,694,903 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Edo-Matsuri

2. Kuruwa: Yoshiwara-Suzume/Shinnai-Nagashi/Kurokami/Sawagi-Odori/Yoshiwara-Sawagi

3. Kabuki: Tsuzenji/Echigo-Jishi/Musume-Dodoji/Kagami-Jishi/Kanjincho

4. Four Seasons: Hanami-Odori/Ayame-Yukata/Aki-No-Irokusa/Yuki/Kazoe-Uta

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nagauta Shamisen Virtuosity, May 29, 2002

By 

"labormac" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Splendor of the Shamisen (Audio CD)

"Splendor of the Shamisen" is a wonderful collection of excerpts from numerous, well-known, predominantly nagauta shamisen compositions, although there are a few samples of jiuta and shinnai shamisen music. Included, as the last excerpt on Track 3, is the "Takinagashi Aikata" interlude from Kanjincho that was written for virtuoso shamisen players. This interlude is very difficult to play, but on this recording, it is played with perfection and is quite exciting and enjoyable to hear.

Although most shamisen music contain lyrics, this CD showcases the shamisen melody and does not include any vocals, except for "kakegoe," the occasional drum or shamisen timing calls. With the singing omitted, the listener can more readily appreciate the subtleties, complexities, and beauty of nagauta shamisen music.

If you are looking for a recording of the complete version of "Hanami Odori," "Musume Dojoji," or "Echigojishi," you will have to look elsewhere. But if you appreciate and enjoy shamisen music, especially nagauta, this CD is a must have!