Customer Reviews

Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan)

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Although recorded more than two decades ago, this is an excellent album for any lover of classical Japanese music to have. In small chamber ensembles, the members of Ensemble Nipponia prove themselves true masters of their craft, and weave an intricate tapestry of sound for the listener.

Each piece is performed with exacting instrumental (and in one case vocal) technique combined with sensitive interpretation, making for a truly enjoyable musical experience. Drawn from the classical repertoire of both court and theater, the eight-piece program creates a good balance between the contemplative and the energetic, the gentle and the forceful. It also does a good job of representing a wide variety of traditional forms, while still maintaining a sense of continuity.

Two tracks in particular stand out (in my view) as gems -- "Ogi no Mato (Folding Fan as a Target)," a lengthy narrative for biwa (lute) and voice, and "Godanginuta" for koto duet. The first is a quite passionately rendered tale, at times half-spoken, using a variety of vocal techniques unknown to Western audiences (and hence, perhaps, an acquired taste for some). "Godanginuta," in contrast, is a finely rendered musical scene, exuberant and yet refined... embodying the sounds of Japan perhaps most familiar to Western ears.

Overall, I cannot recommend this album highly enough. Of the many "ongaku" (classical) albums in my personal collection, "Japan: Traditional Vocal & Instrumental Music" one remains my favorite.

I really can't add to the other well written reviews other than to reassure those that don't much care for Japanese vocals (as one of the other reviewers said, usually an aquired taste to Occidental ears). There are only two tracks on the disc that contain vocals. Fortunately, in my case, this was the CD that got me over my distaste for Japanese traditional singing. Although I still prefer pure instrumental, I now perceive, albeit dimly, a certain beauty in the sparse, haunting singing. To put it more bluntly, it no longer makes me wince.

Don't let your dislike of Japanese traditional vocals keep you from owning this CD: the music is phenomonal and it's a truly enriching experience to listen to.

This really is one of the best CDs of Japanese music out there. The music is incredible, with virtuosi performances by the Ensemble Nipponia that are talented, inspired, authentic, and approachable. Every track is a wonder to hear. The music itself covers a broad range of different types and moods of Japanese music and features all four of the major musical instruments (clearly identified on the track list on the back), making this CD the perfect crash course in Japan's music for those just beginning to acquaint themselves with it--and of course it's a classic that bears repeated listenings over the years for those whose acquaintance is longer.

Japanaphiles who arent very familiar with Japanese culture, or just starting out, will enjoy the beautiful arrangements and compositions of the Nipponia Ensemble. Using traditional Japanese instruments such as the Shamisen, and the Koto, the ensemble paints vivid musical imagery that is both tragic and beautiful. A must have for those just getting interested in Japanese folk music.

If You are either a fan of Traditional Japanese Song and/or the 1982 film Blade Runner, then look no further. At first listen one is transported to another time and place, where the restless mind and spirit are calmed. Blade Runner fans can now also hear the complete version of Ogi No Mato, used as source music in the film and was sometimes found on various CD soundtrack bootlegs along side the Vangelis score. I am very happy to have this one for My collection. : )

This is a well put together collection of traditional Japanese music. The ensemble are soloists from Ensmble Nipponia, a well-known and distinguished group of performers and composers from Japan who tour the world. In this recording we have two koto players (a six-foot zither), a shakuhachi (a wooden flute),a shamisen (three string banjo), and a biwa (Japanese lute) played and sung by Ayako Handa. There are 8 compositions totalling 45:14 min. The music is a good cross-section of this type of classical sound, with excellent performances all around. If you have never heard traditional Japanese music before, this is a good place to start. A recommended companion recording by the same label and performing group is "Kabuki & Other Traditional Music." For the most part this music is accessible to Western-trained ears, and sets the mood at an Eastern dinner party, or just meditating. Hope you enjoy the album!

This is my first Japanese music cd and I have to say that it's great for beginners. Inside the cover, there's a little information about Japanese music and the instruments used. It says for example: "The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument whose nearest Western analog is the banjo. It is played with a large ivory plectrum held in the right hand..."
They also explain each of the songs and the instruments used in parenthesis. For example # 1: "Kumoi Jishi (shakuhachi) This shakuhachi solo is played on a 2.1 foot instrument, and is characteristic of meditational music..."
I didn't know that Japanese music was relaxing. By the middle of the cd, I feel very, very relaxed. Unfortunately, the cd lasts only 45 minutes.

I have heard Japanese music since very young, and found this to be a good overview for a beginer to Japanese music.