Traditional Japanese Koto Music [Import]

1. Rokudan

2. Oedo-Nihonbashi

3. Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

4. Nagare

5. Chidori No Kyoku

6. Kojo No Tsuki

7. Defune

8. Midare

Traditional Japanese Koto Music,Various Artists,E-2 Classics,China / Japan / Korea,Int'l & World Music,Japan,Japanese,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: Good Traditional Japanese music Perfect background Super-relaxing One of the Best Japanese Music Album's I've found Softener for the ears...

Dinner Classics: The Japanese Album Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | New Age General | New Age | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Japanese Melodies for Flute and Harp Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Koto Music of Japan Japanese Melodies The Very Best of Japanese Music ASIN: B0000026XT Release Date: 1990-05-17

Tracks:

1. Sakura, Sakura
2. Chin-Chin-Chidori
3. Yamanakabushi
4. Toryanse (Children's Song)
5. Chidori No Kyoku
6. Defune
7. Oharabushi
8. Shimabara No Komoriuta
9. Imayoh
10. Imayo
11. Chugoko-Chino-No-Komoriuta
12. Jogashima No Ame
13. Haru No Umi
14. 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: The Best Available The Reigning King of all Koto CDs Exceptional clarity, nuance and rare beauty

The Art of the Koto, Volume 1 Nanae Yoshimura Manufacturer: Celestial Harmonies ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Art of the Koto, Vol. 2 The Art of the Koto, Volume 3: Works for Nijugen Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) Koto Music of Japan Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi ASIN: B00004X0T4 Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

1. Rokudan
2. Midare
3. Zangetsu
4. Godan-ginuta
5. Chidori

Customer Reviews:

The Best Available.......2006-06-21

The selections on this release are excellent, and the quality of sound is quite good. Yoshimura is talented. At times her performance is somewhat cooler and less inspired than other renderings I have heard. In my opinion, the best recorded koto music is from a Nonesuch Explorer Series LP which never made it to CD format. It's also available as an audio cassette. How unfortunate. Still I recommend looking for it. It's entitled: The Koto Music of Japan, performed by masters Hagiwara, Hatta, Kitagawa, and Kikusui. It is exquisite. Don't be fooled by two releases currently available that have the same title. The other Nonesuch releases by Ensemble Nipponia are also very good.

The Reigning King of all Koto CDs.......2006-05-29

This is without doubt one of the best CDs of Japanese koto music out there; I'd give it six stars if I could. The sound quality is crystal clear, the performances inspired and superb, and the music simply beautiful to hear. Most of the selections on this CD are solid classics, standard pieces in the koto repertoire, so as a long-time fan of the koto I've heard many of them before, but the versions on this disc are such excellent renditions that they really came alive.

In terms of the selection, the first two tracks are compositions by Yatsuhashi Kengyo in the 1600's, and more or less mark the origins of koto music as we know it today. Track three moves us into the 1700's with a work by Mitsuzaki Koto, representing developments in koto music from the Osaka scene of the time. Tracks four and five feature developments during the mid-1800's with the work of Mitsuzaki Kengyo and Yoshizawa Kengyo. Again, all five are classics in their own right.

The liner notes for this album are the most extensive I've ever seen for a CD of Japanese music. It is readily apparent that a lot of work went into them, and one gets a real crash course in koto music from reading it--people new to the koto will learn what they need so as to have a pretty good idea what they're listening to, and people who've loved koto music for ages will still probably learn something new (I sure did, anyway). First the historical context of the music is quickly sketched, and then a succinct description of the instrument and its history (keyed to the music pieces on this disc) is given. Next each track is introduced and explained in fine, loving detail (and the main performer relates her rationale for the selection). Even the lyrics to the vocals on tracks three and five are given: first in the original Japanese (transcribed in romanji), then in a literal word-for-word translation, and then afterwards in a smooth idiomatic English rendition. So few CDs bother to do this; I was happily impressed. Musicological details for the music expert are included, too. Finally, each performer is introduced along with a quick summary of her career.

If you are new to the koto, this is definitely the best CD with which to start. But if you're a long-time koto fan don't pass this excellent CD up just because you already have "Rokudan"--I made that mistake for a while, and I'm glad I changed my mind and gave this CD a try. It will make you fall in love with the koto all over again.

Exceptional clarity, nuance and rare beauty.......2002-07-09

I have more than three dozen recordings of traditional Japanese music in my collection, and this is one that stands out for its purity, musicality and outstanding recording quality. Yoshimura's playing is always definitive, subtle and highly nuanced. "Chidori" is particularly beautiful, with the instruments and vocals carefully placed in the stereo field to evoke a strong sense of live presence. If you can only afford one recording of koto music, buy this one.

Average customer rating: Very nice, but I think I may be cured japanese Flute A peek into the Japanese concept of musical composition Instant Tranquility It's A Goodie!

The Art of Japanese Bamboo Flute & Koto Yamato Ensemble With Richard Stagg Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Koto Music of Japan Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) The Very Best of Japanese Music ASIN: B000001IHL Release Date: 1994-06-21

Tracks:

1. Hachidan
2. Zangetsu
3. Shika No Tone
4. Yaegoromo
5. Yamaji

Customer Reviews:

Very nice, but I think I may be cured.......2007-01-12

This review is about me. I think I'm finally cured of trying to get in touch with the real Japan through its music. I think I became part of a bubble where people like me create a demand and other people, with the best of intentions, do their best to satisfy it, and together we float off to God knows where. I guess for me the bubble just burst. Partly what burst it was noticing how much supposedly traditional Japanese music consisted of variations on traditional melodies. It is possible that that's authentic, but I suspected it had more to do with the musicians than the music. It sowed doubts and pricked the bubble. All this is no fault of this fine recording.

japanese Flute.......2006-03-23

G'day, I teach T'ai Chi and the sound work's well for my teaching.

Cheers Joseph a bit over 13 hitting 74 and going well.

A peek into the Japanese concept of musical composition.......2002-09-12

On this CD, the shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and koto (Japanese stringed banjo) are played in such a way that one instrument trails the other in an interesting way. The music on this CD brings to light the different mentality of Japanese music; whereas Western harmony plays simultaneously, perhaps in counterpoint, the Japanese concept of composition staggers the musical line in time, so that one instrument follows the lead of the other--a bit like "Row Row Row Your Boat" (a canon or round) but not exactly. It's more like jazz improvisation, where the lead instrument of the moment, takes the rest of the combo on a musical ride.

It's hard to write about what you hear, but I liked this CD and found real insight into some aspects of Japanese music. Fascinating.

Instant Tranquility.......2000-09-29

This is just a great CD. Whenever I need to restore inner harmony after work, or dealing with any upsetting situation, this is the one I go to. Instantly I am transported to the calm, soothing setting of a traditional Japanese house and garden. It is fantastic for meditation, too. Let all the nonessentials of life slip away while you listen to this beautiful recording.

It's A Goodie!.......2000-04-30

One of my favorite CDs. Light some incense and get ready to be transported to Japan. Ideal for meditation or just soothing background music, this CD is a must for anyone who has wondered where to buy the type of music typically heard in Japanese restaurants. It produces a calming effect being that this CD has no "screeching" licks -- a trait which sometimes characterizes music performed on the Koto. This CD would also help create superb ambiance at your next sushi party! While (it is fairly obvious) I am not versed in Japanese music, I know that I love this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Japanese Traditional Koto and Shakuhachi Music Satomi Saeki , and Alcvin Takegawa Ramos Manufacturer: Oliver Sudden Productions Inc. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International Folk | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Art of the Koto, Volume 1 Art of the Koto, Vol. 2 Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) Eastwind: Japanese Shakuhachi Music Traditional Japanese Music ASIN: B000CQNIHY Release Date: 2005-12-06

Tracks:

1. Chidori no Kyoku (Song of the Plover) Traditional
2. Seki Setsu (Meditation on Rocks and Snow)
3. Aki no Koto no Ha Traditional
4. Rokudan (Etude in Six Movements) Traditional
5. Sagano
6. Shoganken Reibo (Yearning for the Bell of the Pine Boulder Temple)
7. Midare Traditional
8. Fuyu Momiji (Winter Maple)

Product Description

Enjoy the soothing sounds of Japanese traditional koto and shakuhachi music as performed by Satomi Saeki & Alcvin Takegawa Ramos. This digital recording is accompanied by a 16 page booklet in English and French.

Average customer rating: I love this band.

Higher Than Heaven Louder Than God Manufacturer: Reverse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA7TVG Release Date: 2005-04-12

Customer Reviews:

I love this band. .......2006-07-28

I love this band. Heavensdust is one of those unique bands out there, the metal aspect is not that original but I do love the hard metal riffs, but the unique part comes in with the instruments that are Japanese. If I owned a record label or anything I would sign these guys in a second because I know they would become a fairly successful band in the United States. The whole atmosphere is beautiful at the same time it is brutal, but the only complaint I have is that the CD should sound better like the quality isn't that good but it doesn't matter I still love it.

Average customer rating: Music that mesmerizes

Art of Japanese Koto, Shakuhachi and Shamisen Yamato Ensemble Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Far East & Asia | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Art of Japanese Bamboo Flute & Koto Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Japan: Kabuki & Other Traditional Music Shamisen ASIN: B000001IKR Release Date: 1996-11-05

Tracks:

1. Shin Musume Dojoji (The Young Girl of...)
2. Tsuru No Sugomori (Tenderness of Cranes)
3. Yuki (Snow)
4. Hoshun (Springtime)
5. Shikyoku Ichiban (Poem No. 1)
6. Ryukyu Minyo Ni Yoru Kumikyoku (Folksongs...)

Customer Reviews:

Music that mesmerizes.......2000-11-06

I got this CD 4 years ago in a music shop in Istanbul,Turkey.Its my first CD on Japanese chamber music. What captures me is that the CD features music from some of the main musical instruments from Japanese chamber music, namely the shamisen, shakuhachi and the koto, which is quite a good deal. To be truthful, all these instruments actually originated in China,but got to Japan during the Tang Dynasty. One of them, the Shakuhachi (known as 'Chi Ba' in Chinese), is now a lost art in China, and is frequently thought of as being the same as the Chinese bamboo flute. My favourite track is track #4, entitled Hoshun(meaning Spring Time). The music is just hauntingly beautiful.The music of the shakuhachi and the koto do not compete for dominance but just complement and blend with each other so well. The music is simply mesmerizing. I would also like to mention track #2: Tsuru no Sugomori, which means Tenderness of Cranes, a solo performance by the Shakuhachi. The musician actually uses the the technique of koro-koro(double trill) to imitate the crane's call, which is rather fascinating. Although there are only six tracks in this CD, it certainly is a good introduction for music fans who are interested in Japanese chamber music.

Average customer rating: NEO-TRADITIONAL JAPANESE ON TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS . . . Masters of Zen

Masters of Zen (Koto Shakuhachi) Various Artists Manufacturer: Playasound ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi Komuso: The Healing Art of Zen The Art of the Shakuhachi, Volume One Shakuhachi Meditation Music Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute ASIN: B000005G2G Release Date: 1995-11-20

Tracks:

1. Emu - H. Kuribayashi/K. Sugawara
2. Aika - K. Nakagawa/R. Yonemura
3. Hoshun - S. Ikegami/S. Matsuda
4. Ame - Y. Noguchi/S. Matsuda
5. Tanshi - E. Takezawa/M. Yagi/K. Sugawara
6. Tanshi - E. Takezawa/M. Yagi/K. Sugawara
7. Star Dust - H. Hamano/K. Nakagawa/H. Baba/R. Yonemura
8. Kaze No Uta - Y. Nishi/K. Sugawara

Customer Reviews:

NEO-TRADITIONAL JAPANESE ON TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS . . ........2004-04-12

___________________________________________________________________________________________

This album was my introduction to Japanese music and I continue to consider it one of the best. Most of the music is neo-traditional and by that I mean music composed by contemporary artists. Not completely devoid of western influence, neo-traditional Japanese continues in the classical Japanese tradition though the melodies are more complex. The pieces on this CD are played on koto (stringed instrument) and shakuhachi (flute). The shamisen (3 stringed instrument) is used along with the other two in the rendition of Star Dust. This is most definitely a 5 star album. All songs are very soothing and restful.

Masters of Zen.......2003-12-10

This has long been one of my favorite albums to listen to while drinking green tea and snacking on wagashi. It's a great album. Quiet, never intrusive and always magical. If you are making a romantic Japanese dinner for someone, play this in the background. It's sure to please.

Average customer rating:

Traditional Japanese Koto Music Various Artists Manufacturer: E-2 Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000028D3T Release Date: 2000-07-18

Tracks:

1. Rokudan
2. Oedo-Nihonbashi
3. Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom)
4. Nagare
5. Chidori No Kyoku
6. Kojo No Tsuki
7. Defune
8. Midare

Average customer rating:

Art of Japanese Koto & Bamboo Flute Clive Bell Manufacturer: Gateway Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000003MYF Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

1. Sarashifu Tegoto
2. Autumn
3. Moon-Lit Ruined Castle
4. Kumoi Jishi
5. Windchime
6. Komoro Bushi
7. Yamaji

Average customer rating: rave! Enchanting

Moonviewing Manufacturer: Koto World ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000RGUHLY Release Date: 2007-06-16

Tracks:

1. Moonlit Garden
2. Kojo no Tsuki (Moon over Castle Ruins)
3. Floating Leaves
4. Ancient Pine
5. Call of the Cranes
6. Sakura, Sakura (Cherry Blossom Song)
7. Meditations on Rokudan

Product Description

If you've never listened to Japanese music...listen to this. If you've listened to a lot of Japanese music...listen to this. Duo En takes their music beyond traditional borders without losing sight of its roots, and the listener is richly rewarded with something as intimate and warm as it is ancient and exotic. The beauty of cherry blossoms bathed in silver moonlight, lanterns drifting on water and the sounds of nightfall, elegantly evoked by the ancient Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flute and the silken strings of the koto. "En" means affinity or destiny; it is a celebration of the many moments of serendipity that happen in life. Elizabeth Falconer is one of the few licensed American masters of the koto and her husband John has performed the zen bamboo flute for over 20 years. John and Elizabeth met when they began studying Japanese in 1974. They fell in love with each other then fell in love with Japan. Since then they have lived in Japan for over a dozen years, studying Japanese music from master teachers. This is Duo En's third release of "Japanese music...with an original touch," following their much-acclaimed "EN: AFFINITY" and "Winter Cranes." This CD includes classical works, Japanese folk melodies and graceful pieces by Duo En, taking the listener on an acoustic moonlit path that includes ancient pines, calling cranes, and floating leaves.

Customer Reviews:

rave!.......2007-07-04

This CD is wonderful. Whether you are a fan of tradtional Japanese music or experimental American music, I promise you will be impressed. John and Elizabeth never disappoint.

Enchanting.......2007-06-27

This atmospheric CD is both haunting and enchanting, like the full moon in a velvet black sky. Of special note are the compositions by Falconer/Falconer; the sound of shakuhachi and koto weave together to make magic.

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