Japanese Classics

Since the latter half of the 19th century, Japanese classical composers have taken inspiration from western classical music culture to create a variety of original compositions. However, with the exception of works by a few famous figures such as Toru Takemitsu, such compositions have had a limited audience even within Japan. The Naxos Japanese Classics series rediscovers composers such as Akio Yashiro, Saburo Moroi, Hisato Ohzawa, and introduces what is a rich musical repertoire to a much wider audience than before. Many of the works in the collection receive their première recordings. Each album provides detailed and authoritative liner notes, and is supported by fine performances from such distinguished ensembles and conductors as the RTE Orchestra and Takuo Yuasa, the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra and Dmitry Yablonsky.

Explore the Japanese classical soundscape with our fine collection of albums below.

“This ambitious project will introduce our cultural heritage to the world… [I]t achieves a perfect ten in music, performance and sound. I hope that many people will enjoy this special gift.” – Mamoru Shima, Stereo Sound

 

ABE: Symphony No. 1 • Divertimento • Sinfonietta
ABE: Symphony No. 1 • Divertimento • Sinfonietta
BEKKU: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2
BEKKU: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2
HASHIMOTO: Symphony No. 1 • Symphonic Suite
HASHIMOTO: Symphony No. 1 • Symphonic Suite
IFUKUBE: Sinfonia Tapkaara • Ritmica Ostinata • Symphonic Fantasia No. 1
IFUKUBE: Sinfonia Tapkaara • Ritmica Ostinata • Symphonic Fantasia No. 1
MATSUDAIRA: Bugaku Dance Suite • Theme and Variations for Piano and Orchestra
MATSUDAIRA: Bugaku Dance Suite • Theme and Variations for Piano and Orchestra
MOROI: Symphony No. 3, Op. 25 • Sinfonietta, Op. 24 • Two Symphonic Movements, Op. 22
MOROI: Symphony No. 3, Op. 25 • Sinfonietta, Op. 24 • Two Symphonic Movements, Op. 22
OHKI: Japanese Rhapsody • Symphony No. 5, ‘Hiroshima’
OHKI: Japanese Rhapsody • Symphony No. 5, ‘Hiroshima’
SUGATA: Symphonic Overture • Peaceful Dance of 2 Dragons • The Rhythm of Life
SUGATA: Symphonic Overture • Peaceful Dance of 2 Dragons • The Rhythm of Life
TAKEMITSU: Toward the Sea • Rain Tree • Rain Spell • Bryce
TAKEMITSU: Toward the Sea • Rain Tree • Rain Spell • Bryce
YASHIRO: Piano Concerto • Symphony
YASHIRO: Piano Concerto • Symphony
AKUTAGAWA: Ellora Symphony • Trinita Sinfonica • Rhapsody
AKUTAGAWA: Ellora Symphony • Trinita Sinfonica • Rhapsody
FUKAI: Chantes de Java • Creation • Quatre Mouvements Parodiques
FUKAI: Chantes de Java • Creation • Quatre Mouvements Parodiques
HAYASAKA: Piano Concerto • Ancient Dances on the Left and on the Right
HAYASAKA: Piano Concerto • Ancient Dances on the Left and on the Right
Japanese Orchestral Favourites
Japanese Orchestral Favourites
MAYUZUMI: Bugaku • Mandala Symphony • Rumba Rhapsody
MAYUZUMI: Bugaku • Mandala Symphony • Rumba Rhapsody
OHGURI: Violin Concerto • Phantasy on Osaka Folk Tunes • Legend
OHGURI: Violin Concerto • Phantasy on Osaka Folk Tunes • Legend
OHZAWA: Piano Concerto No. 3, ‘Kamikaze’ • Symphony No. 3
OHZAWA: Piano Concerto No. 3, ‘Kamikaze’ • Symphony No. 3
TAKEMITSU: Orchestral Works
TAKEMITSU: Orchestral Works
YAMADA, K.: Nagauta Symphony • Meiji Symphony • Maria Magdalena
YAMADA, K.: Nagauta Symphony • Meiji Symphony • Maria Magdalena
YAMADA: Symphony in F Major, ‘Triumph and Peace’
YAMADA: Symphony in F Major, ‘Triumph and Peace’




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