Haru

1. Shu-Bu-Ki

2. Paennorae

3. Ye Shen Chen

4. Han Obaeknyon

5. Kairyu

6. Shumichi Nagahama Bushi

Tracks:

Sakura, Sakura
Chin-Chin-Chidori
Yamanakabushi
Toryanse (Children's Song)
Chidori No Kyoku
Defune
Oharabushi
Shimabara No Komoriuta
Imayoh
Imayo
Chugoko-Chino-No-Komoriuta
Jogashima No Ame
Haru No Umi
Sakura, Sakura

Customer Reviews:

Good Traditional Japanese music.......2007-07-14

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.

Perfect background.......2007-04-02

Not only does the music appeal to dinner, but just sitting and reading or doing a crossword puzzle it allows your mind to relax, just enjoy! All the tracks are pleasant.

Super-relaxing.......2007-03-05

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.

One of the Best Japanese Music Album's I've found.......2006-11-04

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.

Softener for the ears..........2006-08-26

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.

Average customer rating:

sublime and fascinating
Insomnia- No Way! This one is hot!
Insomnia? No Way-This is for the living!

Insomnia

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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John Cage: In a Landscape
John Cage: Music for Prepared Piano, Vol. 2
Indeterminacy
4'33"
Cage: Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano

ASIN: B000026CMT
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Haru No Umi
Nocturne
Stanza 2
Insomnia
Les Fils De Etoiles: Prelude Du Premier Acte 'La Vocation'
Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Preludio
Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Pastorale
Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Canzonetta
Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Sogno
Cinque Piccoli Duetti: Rondo
'Daphne' Etude
Six Melodies: No. 1 (Rubato)
Six Melodies: No.2 (Legastissimo)
Six Melodies: No.3
Six Melodies: No.4
Six Melodies: No.5
Six Melodies: No.6
Spiegel Im Spiegel
Il Padrino
Suite In The Old Style: Pantomime

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:

sublime and fascinating.......2006-02-25

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!

Insomnia- No Way! This one is hot!.......2000-06-16

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.

Insomnia? No Way-This is for the living!.......2000-06-15

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.

Average customer rating:

Terrific for harp and asian/water sound lovers
my new Kondonassis favorite
SUBMERGE YOURSELF!!!
Wow!
hauntingly beautiful harp music

Pictures of the Floating World
Marcel Tournier , Claude Debussy , Michio Miyagi , Alphonse Hasselmans , Yolanda Kondonassis , George Rochberg , and Jacques Ibert
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Quietude
Sky Music
Debussy's Harp
A New Baroque
Romantic Harp

ASIN: B000007OMD
Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

Small River Flowing
By The Brook In The Woods
On The Boat
Ocean In Springtime
The Brook
Liquid Shadows
The Sunken Cathedral
Pictures Of The Floating World
Reflections In The Water

Customer Reviews:

Terrific for harp and asian/water sound lovers.......2005-08-30

This is the first harp-intensive CD I have bought, purchased after hearing selections from it on my classical music station, WGMS. Its even better than I expected. I love this CD! It is a great combination of familiar music by Debussy and other selections reminiscent of the flow and play of water, some with an wonderful asian flavor. This product would be great for soft mood music, background sound for an intimate dinner, etc. If you want or need only one harp CD, make this the one!!!

my new Kondonassis favorite.......2005-07-16

I needed a new CD player for my new relax space...Because this CD is my new "must have /required/ part of relax time".....the title "fits"...

SUBMERGE YOURSELF!!!.......2003-07-15

Tapping into the "mythological mystique" of the harp, and having "been mesmerized by water" since she "was a little girl," Yolanda Kondonassis compels our attention and praise with her atmospheric and flowing recital of "liquid thoughts," the aim of which is to musically combine and conceptualize conscious and subconscious images of brooks, rivers, oceans and imaginary universes of water. Drawing on a diverse collection of composers--- from Debussy [1862-1918] and Marcel Tournier [1879-1951] through the lesser known Michio Miyagi [1894-1956] and Alphonse Hasselmans [1845-1912] to George Rochberg [b.1918], whose own surprisingly luminous work, "Ukiyo-E," from the Japanese "Pictures of the Floating World," and, evocatively enough, the apt title of the CD is, at nearly thirteen minutes, the longest composition--- Kondonassis graces us. Her playing is subtle, caressing, fabulously impressionistic, and never less than convincing in establishing an inspired, other-worldly ambience. As well, with her own mysterious and memorable piece, "Liquid Shadows," she delves even further into moody fantasy. Due to the extraordinary ability of the harp to easily transport us to the most pleasurable of aural places, the enveloped listener is simply a captive audience, especially when the works are as remarkably meditative, reflective and soothing as they are here.

[Running time: 54:29]

Wow!.......2002-05-22

This is really a fantastically beautiful sounding CD. It is so dignified and spacey at the same time. The selections are extremely eclectic....a little Debussy...a little koto music....an orginal piece..but it all fits together and sounds very natural. If you are interested in something to listen to with the lights turned low, I don't think you can go wrong here.

hauntingly beautiful harp music.......1998-12-11

This is the most hauntingly, surreal, beautiful harp recording I have ever heard. I use it in my massage therapy practice all the time. Just perfect for relaxing to!!

The Legendary James Galway: Man With the Golden Flute

Average customer rating:

Galway is a Master

The Legendary James Galway: Man With the Golden Flute

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

James Galway - Dances for Flute
James Galway ~ Meditations
James Galway - Serenade
Music For My Friends
James Galway ~ Flute Sonatas - Franck · Prokofiev · Reinecke / with M. Argerich · P. Moll

ASIN: B00005LN5X
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

Hora Staccato
Serenade
Moto Perpetuo, Op.11
Minuet & Badinerie
Haru No Umi
Waltz
The Flight Of The Bumblebee
Adagio & Var
'Minute' Waltz
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Fant Pastorale Hongroise, Op.26

Customer Reviews:

Galway is a Master.......2002-04-22

I have returned to playing the flute after a long 15 year hiatus and went in search of good flute music to hear for inspiration. Of the 3 flute cd's I bought this has proved to be my favorite. The range of repertoire, the beautiful tone Mr. Galway achieves to play it and the orchestra that accompanies him make all the songs delightful to hear. I often find myself humming some of the melodies even after I've put the cd away...a sure sign I've really grown to like the music. I usually only hum tunes to rock or pop songs I hear on the radio - but now I do it for these songs too. If you enjoy the sound of the flute this would be a good cd to have for a collection.

Average customer rating:

collaboration and contrast
Charming Intermezzo

Beau Soir

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Telemann: Flute Concertos; Emmanuel Pahud
Khachaturian & Ibert: Flute Concertos; Emmanuel Pahud
Emmanuel Pahud - Paris
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, Orchestral Suite No. 2/ Emmanuel Pahud
Flute Master Pieces

ASIN: B00018ZRWC
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

I ere Arabesque
Beau Soir
Berceuse
Entr'acte
En Bateau
Sicilienne Op.78
Andantino
Piece En Forme De Habanera
Meditation
Csardas
Gymnopedie I
Le Fils Des Etoiles
I. The Night
II. Moby Dick
III. Cape Cod
Haro No Umi

Amazon.com

This is mellow in the extreme, practically New Age. As a mood album, it's unbeatable--the combination of flute and harp is ethereal and light, yet also oddly warm. Much of the music is familiar and sounds right in this context. Satie's first Gymnopedie and the Debussy selections take to these instruments easily; indeed, it becomes clear that French music has something about it--and it's not just its "sweetness"--that lends it to these translucent, some might say "wispy," transpositions. The Meditation from Thais, originally for violin, at first sounds a bit anemic, but then one begins to note how simply beautiful the melody is when stripped absolutely bare. The non-French pieces are effective as well, and the CD closes with a piece by Takemitsu, which is wonderfully evocative of similar feelings, but with a Japanese Garden in the moonlight. Flutist Emmanuel Pahud and harpist Mariku Anraku are thoroughly committed to this music and this project, and it comes across. Perhaps not a CD for all times, but when the mood for meditation strikes, this would be nice to have around. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

collaboration and contrast.......2006-12-21

I bought this after buying anonther album by Pahud entitled Paris. I loved his playing which seemed flawless but the selection of music seemed to me to be of the parts of the French repetoire that have a little too much creative confusion and chaos, at least for my present frame of mind. But after on line listening to online bits and pieces from Beau Soir, I took the plunge and I am glad I did.
The pairing with harp accompaniment was an inspired choice in the hands of Mariko Anraku who mangages to avoid the too sweet sound so easily found from the harp. The range of French pieces goes from the almost too well know such as Satie's Gymnopedie No 1 (remember Blood, Sweat, and Tears)to pieces by Nobolot, Monti, and Faure I had never heard but am pleased to have now. The Japanese pieces, especially the Takemitsu, are in a musical langauge that seems very alien to me with little apparent rythmn, notes coming in sequence only becuase the last one was finished. "But we know what we like becuase we like what we know." Perhaps I will grow into those in time.
Regardless, Emmanuel Pahud's playing seems sure and certain and his coordination with his accompanist perfectly done. Perhaps with a fully appreciated selection this would have been five stars. Any way, I certainly give it a full recommendation.

Charming Intermezzo.......2004-03-28

After two heavy-duty releases (the charming recital of Telemann concerti released in 2002, and the fiendishly difficult transcription of the Khatchaturian violin concerto released last year)flutist Emmanuel Pahud takes a little break here with some lovely miniatures arranged for flute and harp. True, the flute and harp repertoire can seem like so much sweet candy, but when in the hands of a masterful artist like Pahud it can be as meaty, and as nourishing, as anything by Bach or Beethoven.
And Pahud is a masterful artist, no mistake about it. The Faure Sicilienne, which can be treacly if overdone, is, on this recital, as poignant and moving to the listener as if he were hearing it for the first time. The Debussy pieces, as well, have the ability to open even the hardest heart, and the oft-heard Meditation from Thais also seems remarkably fresh here.
Of course, Pahud throws in a wild card, which, in this case, is the Takemitsu. But it is not the least bit jarring, it seems to fit in the program perfectly.
The recital ends grandly with the gorgeous "Haro No Umi", which casts its spell, transporting the listener to a dreamy Japanese garden. The only other recording of this of which I know is James Galway's, which was featured on his recording entitled "The Man with the Golden Flute", but, in my opinion, Pahud's is by far superior, raising the piece from kitsch (the spirit with which Galway injects it) to true art.
Pahud is accompanied by Mariku Anraku, who provides excellent support and is a fine harpist in her own right. The pairing seems perfect, and I hope we hear more from her.
All-in-all this is a wonderful getaway album, lovely for daydreaming on a sunny day, or for late night listening. A brief intermezzo between more "serious" projects perhaps, but a welcome one.

Isshin - Emerging: Music for Japanese Koto

Average customer rating:

Elizabeth Falconer...

Isshin - Emerging: Music for Japanese Koto
Elizabeth Falconer
Manufacturer: Koto World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Deep Pool
Island Dreams - songs and lullabies carried on the wind
Oyasumi: Japanese Lullabies and Restful Melodies

ASIN: B0009DVIG8
Release Date: 2005-04-06

Tracks:

Higure (Sunset)
Gaku (Joy) I
Gaku (Joy) II
Gaku (Joy) III
Five Sketches in Autumn Colors~Inidgo Jewel
Five Sketches in Autumn Colors~Pale Green
Five Sketches in Autumn Colors~Crimson Clouds
Fives Sketches in Autumn Colors~Azure
Five Sketches in Autumn Colors~Amber
Little Overture
Lullaby for My Doll
Letter from a Stranger's Childhood
Ai no Uta (Song of Love)
Jipushi no Uta (Song of the Gypsy)
Mizu (Water) - From Chiisana Haru (Touch of Spring)
Yume (Dreams) - From Chiisana Haru (Touch of Spring)
Hana (Flowers) - From Chiisana Haru (Touch of Spring)

Product Description

Lyrical works by for the Japanese harp-like instrument, the koto, performed by an award-winning musician with "a feather-like touch." This CD features works by much-loved contemporary Japanese composers Sawai Tadao, Miki Minoru, Nagasawa Katsutoshi, and Yuize Shin'ichi. It also includes a work written for bass koto by Robin Williamson, and a work by Elizabeth Falconer. "I simply selected my all-time favorite pieces," says Falconer, who began playing koto in 1979 and studied under Sawai during her 12 years in Japan. "These pieces speak to me - they are very melodic and artful, with a sense of tradition about them that reaches out to us through the ages." This is a re-release of the 1997 Music and Arts recording.

Customer Reviews:

Elizabeth Falconer..........2005-12-13

This is my first CD featuring the Koto. Not knowing what to expect, I took a chance, and, I must say, I am quite pleased with the disc. Ms. Falconer possesses a great talent for the instrument. I dare say that she makes it talk and tell stories (very well I might add). She flavors her music with Middle Eastern as well as Asian influences. I play this music at home and at work, it's very relaxing and it blends in with my day without being a distraction! I recommend it - get a copy at a good price and enjoy it!
Four stars!!