Track Listing

1. Kumoi Jishi - Ensemble Nipponia, Kohachiro Miyata
2. Ozatsuma - Ensemble Nipponia
3. Ogi No Mato (The Folding Fan as a Target) - Ensemble Nipponia, Ayako Handa
4. Edo Lullaby - Ensemble Nipponia, Ayako Handa, Minoru Miki, Kohachiro Miyata, Keiko Nosaka, Hirokazu Sugiura
5. Godanginuta - Ensemble Nipponia, Ayako Handa, Keiko Nosaka
6. Esashi Oiwake (Esashi Pack-Horseman's Song) - Ensemble Nipponia, Kohachiro Miyata
7. Mushi No Aikata - Ensemble Nipponia, Hirokazu Sugiura
8. Azuma Jishi (Azuma Lion Dance) - Ensemble Nipponia, Ayako Handa, Koto, Kohachiro Miyata, Hirokazu Sugiura

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26653 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Limited Edition
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Customer Reviews

Gripping and well-executed
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.

Beautiful Instrumentals, Minimal Vocals
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.

A Brilliant Microcosm of Japanese Music
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.