Takashi Yoshimatsu's music was coming pretty regularly out of Chandos for about 5 or 6 years, then poof! Anyone know if he still has the "Composer In Residence" position there, or what he's been working on recently? The most recent reviews I've found online were for the premiere of the 5th Symphony in January 2002
http://www.andante.com/article/article.cfm?id=15523&highlight=1&highlightterms=&lstKeywords==
A good description of his style would be, maybe, "The Japanese Hovhaness". Now let us hope Yoshimatsu doesn't track me down over that, or worse, Hovhaness rise from the grave to haunt me. But that's the dangers one incurs with modern music. Sheesh! ;)
Symphony 1 and 2 are my favourites. Hovhaness is an appropriate comparison. Very enjoyable music which critics tend to disparage.
The association with Hovhaness is correct in that ANY work by Yoshimatsu tends to sound like every other of his works. ;)
Stylistically, there is a world of a difference. Rather, Yoshimatsu is a "poly-stylistic" composer, kind of an Alfred Schnittke but with many more pop references, and a sense of humor.
Thomas
Have been listening to more Yoshimatsu. The Chandos CD with the Piano Concerto on makes very nice 'late night' listening. His music is not taken very seriously by the critics but there is much beauty in it. The slow movement of Symphony No 2 and the first movement of Symphony No 1 are good introductions.
Quote from: vandermolen on January 04, 2009, 02:17:00 PM
Have been listening to more Yoshimatsu. The Chandos CD with the Piano Concerto on makes very nice 'late night' listening. His music is not taken very seriously by the critics but there is much beauty in it. The slow movement of Symphony No 2 and the first movement of Symphony No 1 are good introductions.
Chandos has released nothing new by him for about a year or more now, but the Camerata disc with
Stellar Dream Dances and two other works is very fine; chamber music for native Japanese instruments, but very much in Yoshimatsu's own style.
Quote from: gomro on January 05, 2009, 05:43:47 PM
Chandos has released nothing new by him for about a year or more now, but the Camerata disc with Stellar Dream Dances and two other works is very fine; chamber music for native Japanese instruments, but very much in Yoshimatsu's own style.
Thanks gomro,
I'll look out for that.
I've just discovered this composer for myself and I have to say that I'm enthralled with what I heard so far. I don't know about the Hovhaness comparison, but I think Yoshimatsu is his own man and his music, if anything, is extremely diverse in it's stylistic range. The Schnittke comparison might be apt, but honestly I think Schnittke had less optimism in his music. ;)
As for the critics, let them run their mouths. After all, it's what they're good at doing. I could careless what they say about this composer or any composer. Music is subjective from person to person. What affects me won't necessarily affect someone else. I'll just leave it at that.
Anyway, tonight I bought the entire Chandos series. Can't wait to hear these.
Allow me to re-introduce Yoshimatsu for everyone not familiar with his music:
(http://blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/TakashiYoshimatsu.jpg)
Takashi Yoshimatsu is one of the most prolific and popular of contemporary Japanese composers. Born in 1953 in Tokyo, his earliest inspiration to pursue music came as he watched his younger sister practicing the piano at home. He entered Keio University as an engineering student, but turned to music, teaching himself composition and studying with Teizo Matsumara. Yoshimatsu was exposed to a multitude of musical idioms growing up in Japan, and performed with jazz and rock bands in his 20s before turning to serious concert music. As a composer of concert music, Yoshimatsu's preference is for "new lyricism," and an avoidance of the unmusical characteristics (and, especially, the atonalism) of much modern concert music. His career as a composer began in the late '70s; in 1980, he won the Japan Symphony Foundation Prize for his Dorian for Orchestra. His work has utilized Japanese instruments such as the koto in a chamber music context, but has also embraced such traditional European forms as the symphony and the piano concerto. Yoshimatsu draws from a vast range of musical influences, including rock and jazz; his cultural influences include his native Japan -- his Symphony No. 1 "Kamui-Chikap" takes its name from the Ainu word for "God Bird;" and his Concerto for guitar "Pegasus Effect" takes part of its name from Japanese mythology, though it also owes a musical debt to American jazz and rock. It also extends to elements of European classical music and traditional African music, as displayed in his Symphony No. 2. A significant part of his output, which consisted of more than 60 works by the mid-'90s, is very personal in inspiration, including Ode to Birds and Rainbow, written in memory of his younger sister (who died in 1994), and Threnody to Toki, inspired by Yoshimatsu's feelings of loss on the death of the last toki -- a rare species of bird -- on Japan's main island. The latter is one of his most popular works and utilizes a piano, two groups of strings, and a bass all physically arranged (with the conductor at the head) to represent the shape of a bird. He has received commissions from the Japan Symphony Foundation, and in the 1990s, Chandos Records undertook the recording of Yoshimatsu's work, in conjunction with the BBC Philharmonic under Sachio Fujioka and by the Manchester Camerata.
Article taken from All Music Guide
Be sure to track down the various instrumental concerts Yoshimatsu wrote. If you ask me, this is where I think he shines, with his symphonies being a strong suit as well. Listen to the saxophone concerto. It's a riot! By the way, I completely disagree with the Hovhaness comparison. Hovhaness was a bit of a one trick pony in some respects, but Yoshimatsu is really one of the more varied composers out there. An optimistic Schnittke is perhaps a better comparison.
Quote from: lescamil on October 04, 2011, 07:50:57 PM
Be sure to track down the various instrumental concerts Yoshimatsu wrote. If you ask me, this is where I think he shines, with his symphonies being a strong suit as well. Listen to the saxophone concerto. It's a riot! By the way, I completely disagree with the Hovhaness comparison. Hovhaness was a bit of a one trick pony in some respects, but Yoshimatsu is really one of the more varied composers out there. An optimistic Schnittke is perhaps a better comparison.
Most, not all, of the Chandos recordings I bought tonight (I bought the whole series) has a concerto on it. A cheerful Schnittke? That sounds pretty cool. 8) But from what I've heard, his music has a lyricism to it that Schnittke lacks.
Yeah, that lyricism is the real kicker. He is really not afraid to dig deep into pop culture references. To me, it has a very Japanese sound to it, at least to my ears, when he does this. I can imagine sort of the cosmopolitan city life of busy Tokyo when I hear it. Of course, with some works, you get the exact opposite of this (like in his first symphony), but I think the saxophone concerto and his Atom Hearts Club suites, among other works, really have that sound. Sometimes it can border on the kitschy, but I think it works in the end.
I'm also a fan - post modernism at its most playful and always bordering on the kitsch - I like it a lot! He's a consummate craftsman - his orchestration and ear for colour is particularly strong I think. The cello concerto and "the age of birds" are both great.
Good to hear from some admirers of his Yoshimatsu's music. Has anyone heard the recordings on the Camerata label? I bought all of the Chandos recordings, but the Camerata recordings are pretty expensive.
Quote from: lescamil on October 04, 2011, 09:31:12 PM
Yeah, that lyricism is the real kicker. He is really not afraid to dig deep into pop culture references. To me, it has a very Japanese sound to it, at least to my ears, when he does this. I can imagine sort of the cosmopolitan city life of busy Tokyo when I hear it. Of course, with some works, you get the exact opposite of this (like in his first symphony), but I think the saxophone concerto and his Atom Hearts Club suites, among other works, really have that sound. Sometimes it can border on the kitschy, but I think it works in the end.
Yes, Yoshimatsu does have a Japanese sound to his music whether it's intentional or not, because, him being born in 1953, he was exposed to a lot of rock, jazz, metal, and blues in the 70s. The Japanese LOVE their rock music, in fact, I remember watching a documentary about the American progressive metal band, Dream Theater, and they said some of their most most enthusiastic audiences were from Japan. :) They also pointed out that while they were grateful for their fans in the US, South America, and Europe, the Japanese gave them the warmest reception. This, for me, acts as a testament to their loyalty to the United States and the Western world, which is why, I suppose, Yoshimatsu has such a wide array of musical influences. I'm really looking forward to hearing another Japanese composer that has achieved the kind of popularity as Takemitsu.
Quote from: lescamil on October 04, 2011, 07:50:57 PM
An optimistic Schnittke is perhaps a better comparison.
check! ;)
It's real pretty too of course.
The Chandos recordings of Symphony No 2 (my favourite), Symphony No 1 and 'Threnody to Toki' are outstanding.
Quote from: vandermolen on October 06, 2011, 12:41:12 PM
The Chandos recordings of Symphony No 2 (my favourite), Symphony No 1 and 'Threnody to Toki' are outstanding.
What do you think about his other symphonies, Jeffrey?
Quote from: gomro on May 12, 2007, 02:39:45 PM
Takashi Yoshimatsu's music was coming pretty regularly out of Chandos for about 5 or 6 years, then poof! Anyone know if he still has the "Composer In Residence" position there, or what he's been working on recently? The most recent reviews I've found online were for the premiere of the 5th Symphony in January 2002
http://www.andante.com/article/article.cfm?id=15523&highlight=1&highlightterms=&lstKeywords==
A good description of his style would be, maybe, "The Japanese Hovhaness". Now let us hope Yoshimatsu doesn't track me down over that, or worse, Hovhaness rise from the grave to haunt me. But that's the dangers one incurs with modern music. Sheesh! ;)
I don't think of Yoshimatsu is anything like Hovhaness truth be told. His sound is, as indicated, extremely Japanese and deeply personal. Very early in his career he composed a serial work called
Threnody to Toki, Op. 12, which won him much acclaim. He quickly abandoned this style for something more lyrically expressive. It makes me wonder why he even composed a work in this style anyway, but I guess a composer has to make his mark somehow. I think his style has more in common with John Adams than Hovhaness. I'm sure as I get more into his music the optimistic Schnittke comparison will be true, because Yoshimatsu had such a wide range of influences that he tried to synthesize into something cohesive.
Anyway, I'm listening to his
Piano Concerto right now and it is gorgeous.
Right now, Yoshimatsu's music just bores the living hell out of me. One of the reasons could be that I don't find his harmonic language all that interesting. There isn't much tension in the music.
Oh well, I can't like everything...
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 08, 2011, 08:03:03 AM
Right now, Yoshimatsu's music just bores the living hell out of me. One of the reasons could be that I don't find his harmonic language all that interesting. There isn't much tension in the music.
Oh well, I can't like everything...
Wow, your dispositions are flitting and capricious!
Quote from: Guido on October 09, 2011, 01:39:24 AM
Wow, your dispositions are flitting and capricious!
Well as I explained to another member, it could very well be the mood I was in when I was listening to his music. I really liked the first movement of his
Piano Concerto "Memo Mora" but I just found the rest of the work uninteresting.
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 09, 2011, 07:41:15 AM
Well as I explained to another member, it could very well be the mood I was in when I was listening to his music.
Some mood swings can be very expensive!
Next time when you get interested in a new discovery, don't buy so much so fast. Take a little time. They are not selling like hotcakes, I assure you. They will still be there next month.
Not every discovery is a Koechlin. ;)
Quote from: springrite on October 09, 2011, 07:47:05 AM
Some mood swings can be very expensive!
Next time when you get interested in a new discovery, don't buy so much so fast. Take a little time. They are not selling like hotcakes, I assure you. They will still be there next month.
Not every discovery is a Koechlin. ;)
Yes, that's so true, Paul. I need to take more time with what I have before moving onto to something completely new. No, not every discovery can be a Koechlin. :) Good point.
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 09, 2011, 08:08:31 AM
Yes, that's so true, Paul. I need to take more time with what I have before moving onto to something completely new. No, not every discovery can be a Koechlin. :) Good point.
I promise never to mention an unknown composer in your presence again. :P
BTW Currently playing Hilding Rosenberg's Orpheus on the Town. Marvelous ballet music from 1938!
Quote from: The new erato on October 09, 2011, 08:11:54 AM
I promise never to mention an unknown composer in your presence again. :P
BTW Currently playing Hilding Rosenberg's Orpheus on the Town. Marvelous ballet music from 1938!
I've heard of Rosenberg, so he's not unknown to me. ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 06, 2011, 06:22:13 PM
What do you think about his other symphonies, Jeffrey?
All very listenable - as far as I can recall John - I enjoyed the Symphony No 3 with the Saxophone Concerto, in particular - but it is 1 and 2 which really stand out for me.
Quote from: vandermolen on October 09, 2011, 02:57:02 PM
All very listenable - as far as I can recall John - I enjoyed the Symphony No 3 with the Saxophone Concerto, in particular - but it is 1 and 2 which really stand out for me.
Yes, the
Symphony No. 2 was good indeed. That slow movement was beautiful.
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 09, 2011, 05:50:53 PM
Yes, the Symphony No. 2 was good indeed. That slow movement was beautiful.
Been listening to Symphony No. 3 recently. The last movement is very 'catchy' and would be great in live concert, not that I am ever likely to hear it live. His music reminds me a bit of Mike Oldfield. It can be a bit kitschy at times but, on the whole, I derive a lot of pleasure from it.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 10, 2015, 12:40:39 PM
Been listening to Symphony No. 3 recently. The last movement is very 'catchy' and would be great in live concert, not that I am ever likely to hear it live. His music reminds me a bit of Mike Oldfield. It can be a bit kitschy at times but, on the whole, I derive a lot of pleasure from it.
I haven't listened to any Yoshimatsu in awhile, but I don't think I would have as favorable of an impression now of his music as I did four years ago. Things certainly change!
Quote from: Mirror Image on April 10, 2015, 06:46:07 PM
I haven't listened to any Yoshimatsu in awhile, but I don't think I would have as favorable of an impression now of his music as I did four years ago. Things certainly change!
I remember John that you were initially enthusiastic about the music and then not so enthusiastic 8)
It has a kind of instant appeal which can wear off I guess - but I still enjoy those first three symphonies and some of the quieter and more poetic scores.
I cant get enough of the Symphony No. 1 (Kamui-Chikap Symphony).
I too find Yoshimatsu a bit tacky and new-agey but I cant help but love his music :D.
I collected all the Chandos recordings a couple of years back - I haven't really gotten into his other symphonies yet so I need to give him some attention in future.
Quote from: Conor71 on April 10, 2015, 10:05:13 PM
I cant get enough of the Symphony No. 1 (Kamui-Chikap Symphony).
I too find Yoshimatsu a bit tacky and new-agey but I cant help but love his music :D.
I collected all the Chandos recordings a couple of years back - I haven't really gotten into his other symphonies yet so I need to give him some attention in future.
I totally agree with you! I also like the Kamui-Chikap Symphony. Perhaps my personal favourite is Symphony 2, especially the beautiful slow movement. I'd be interested to hear your views on it. The last movement of No. 3 is great fun and would go down very well at the Proms, although this is wishful thinking!
Quote from: vandermolen on April 10, 2015, 10:28:50 PM
I totally agree with you! I also like the Kamui-Chikap Symphony. Perhaps my personal favourite is Symphony 2, especially the beautiful slow movement. I'd be interested to hear your views on it. The last movement of No. 3 is great fun and would go down very well at the Proms, although this is wishful thinking!
Cool stuff Vandermolen - I will try and listen to Symphony No. 2 soon and report back. You are making me want to listen to Symphony No. 3 as well! :)
Quote from: Conor71 on April 10, 2015, 10:56:54 PM
Cool stuff Vandermolen - I will try and listen to Symphony No. 2 soon and report back. You are making me want to listen to Symphony No. 3 as well! :)
Oh yes, you must listen to both 8)
You won't get the last movement of No.3 out of your head for a while - it is great fun.
Almost four years from the last post! Am enjoying at the moment the Symphony No. 2 and the Cello concerto. Both works portray singular beauty, cosmic and old figurations, without a lack of some good qualities: thought-provoking, fresh, modern, exotic, good assignated to the instruments. The coolest is the engaging orchestration, it knows how to catch you with its lovely melodies, marimba-vibraphone effects, minimalistic flavour (if you are receptive, of course).
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on February 19, 2019, 01:43:24 PM
Almost four years from the last post! Am enjoying at the moment the Symphony No. 2 and the Cello concerto. Both works portray singular beauty, cosmic and old figurations, without a lack of some good qualities: thought-provoking, fresh, modern, exotic, good assignated to the instruments. The coolest is the engaging orchestration, it knows how to catch you with its lovely melodies, marimba-vibraphone effects, minimalistic flavour (if you are receptive, of course).
A nice analysis Cesar. Do you know Symphony 1 and 3 which I also enjoy?
Quote from: vandermolen on February 20, 2019, 05:07:44 AM
A nice analysis Cesar. Do you know Symphony 1 and 3 which I also enjoy?
Thanks, Jeffrey. That day I was a bit "eloquent" :D
Yes, I have the majority of his recordings, including those symphonies, and I have very good memories of them. He's a very cool composer, I really enjoy his style, sometimes carefree, sometimes solemn. He's one of my favorite living composers.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on February 21, 2019, 03:50:31 PM
Thanks, Jeffrey. That day I was a bit "eloquent" :D
Yes, I have the majority of his recordings, including those symphonies, and I have very good memories of them. He's a very cool composer, I really enjoy his style, sometimes carefree, sometimes solemn. He's one of my favorite living composers.
Mine too Cesar - thanks :)
I only know the Threnody to Toki, op.12, but holy shit, it's killer. Must hear more from this composer ASAP.
Any recommendations?
Quote from: vers la flamme on March 02, 2022, 02:30:41 PM
I only know the Threnody to Toki, op.12, but holy shit, it's killer. Must hear more from this composer ASAP.
Any recommendations?
Listen/buy whatever symphonies and concertos recorded on Chandos. Absolutely superb stuff !
Quote from: André on March 02, 2022, 04:41:08 PM
Listen/buy whatever symphonies and concertos recorded on Chandos. Absolutely superb stuff !
+1 especially symphonies 1-3.
I started with this CD which made a big impression on me:
(//)
Quote from: vers la flamme on March 02, 2022, 02:30:41 PM
I only know the Threnody to Toki, op.12, but holy shit, it's killer. Must hear more from this composer ASAP.
Any recommendations?
Must admit I haven't heard
Threnody to Toki! I highly recommend his Symphonies 2 and 3 - colorful, energetic, rhythmic, and accessible works that even employ some cool
avant-garde effects from time to time. His style can occasionally verge on the "banal", but I think in these two works he manages to avoid that flaw.
Just bought the disc Jeffrey pictured. Excited to hear more from this composer, his music seems quite unique.
Quote from: vers la flamme on March 04, 2022, 06:02:26 AM
Just bought the disc Jeffrey pictured. Excited to hear more from this composer, his music seems quite unique.
Hope you enjoy it. It duplicates 'Threnody to Toki' but the 2nd Symphony is very good. It's a while since I heard it but I recall that it has a beautiful slow movement. His music does sound a bit 'Mike Oldfield' at times but that is not a problem for me.
The finale of the Third Symphony is so much fun to listen to!
Something to dance to.
Quote from: lordlance on July 11, 2023, 09:35:27 PMThe finale of the Third Symphony is so much fun to listen to!
Something to dance to.
Indeed it is! You'll find that the finale of the 2nd Symphony is suspiciously similar... ;)