Kajiura Yuki and Toru Takemitsu

[loonbohol]

Of course these two composers are one of the first asian composers that are recognized in the west.

Can you suggest what among their compositions should I learn or hear after I finish Winter Wind.

Takemitsu's compositions are dreamy while Kajiura's music are a mixture of European style and Pop.

Try to search and listen to their compositions and you'll be electrified.
I want you reactions since I am having my own survey of Japanese composers here.
Please Reply and thank you in Advanced

[loonbohol]

and I forgot that why does not anyone. Want to perform Compositions by Japanese composers (Except for Kajiura Yuki since her music is Incindental.)

An example of Kajiura Yuki's composition

Canta Per Me

A song of Storm of fire

and a example of Toru Takemitsu's Compositions

Air for Flute solo

and I want your replies

[dnephi]

I am not very seriously impressed.  I am glad that you are passionate about your national music.  Perhaps it, like Edward McDowell and Elgar, simply does not export.

[pianisten1989]

It was quite nice I guess, But nothing special, really... It's too obvious and too.. Normal.

[bernhard]

How about Joe Hisaishi? (my favourite Japanese composer so far)?

Best wishes,
Bernhard

[healdie]

they are nice and not objectional to listen too but i wouldn't go see any in concert
just a question why do they all sound so western? Japan has a wonderful culture and history and i think they should incorperate this into their music.

The piano piece i thought was slightly old fashioned and took a long time for me to get into it.

[kelly_kelly]

I thought this was an interesting composition:

[db05]

A teacher here has his students play Ryuichi Sakamoto (his piano works are available onlin if you know where to look  ). Japanese composers make good music, imo. But I agree they are very western. Some anime and game soundtracks are great; your 2nd video sounds like one LOL. A bit cheesy, but have you watched/ heard the soundtracks for Naruto? At least there are Asian instruments and it's not too western.

[retrouvailles]

Takemitsu has some great piano and orchestral works. I'd reckon he's one of the greatest Asian classical music composers to ever live, and certainly one of the most significant of all classical composers in recent years. His compositions are more than just "dreamy", they're also evocative, highly influenced by nature, and spiritual in almost a Messiaen-like fashion (one of his influences).

[mad_max2024]

I liked them.
Maybe I'll look further into them.

[mattgreenecomposer]

Joe Hisashi!  Genious!!!!  Im glad you mentioned him...any thing with Beat Takeshi is just gorgeous. 

I think people don't perform Japanese music because they are unfamiliar with it. I love Japanese music/culture/films and "cough" woman...
If people don't know about their music its their loss...and as far as the woman go...its just more for me. 

[loonbohol]

Japan boast it's culture because They were able to adapt western culture without qualms and still preserve their own culture.

[notturno]

Takemitsu also did the music for the Japanese film Kwaidan.  The title translates to "ghost story" and the film is a collection of four ghost stories set in feudal era Japan.  It is quite eerie, but is not a horror movie.  It is more about what happens to the characters in their brush with the spiritual realm.  The scenes have bold dramatic colors and it is visually very beautiful.  It's one of my favorite films and I highly recommend it.  Much of the music is done on a Biwa, with some other accompanying instruments.  Takemitsu goes for a mysterious and richly textured simplicity in the soundtrack.  Anyway, it is worth tracking down if you like Takemitsu's music, and still worthwhile even if you don't.  Info on it is here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058279/

[houseofblackleaves]

I thought this was an interesting composition:

I love how this brilliant composition was totally ignored by the rest of the thread. XD

Musica Nara by Minako Tokuyama is a perfect example of Japanese traditional/concert music.  Having studied east asian music for a long time, I think that pieces like this are a perfect introduction into Japanese music in particular.

Have a look at this piece and composers like this that are published independently by the Mother Earth publishing co.  You will for sure find something.

Good luck!