Lovely classics

Classical music by Japanese composers. Recommended classical music.

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

When we hear the term “classical music,” many of us immediately think of works by well-known foreign composers.

These pieces are often used in various everyday contexts with different arrangements, and there are many works that people have naturally heard at least once and can name right away.

However, if you’re asked to name classical works by Japanese composers, fewer people may be able to answer quickly.

Here, we focus on classical music composed by Japanese composers and highlight representative works.

This is recommended even for those who regularly enjoy classical music but haven’t listened much to works by Japanese composers.

Classical music by Japanese composers. Recommended classical music (41–50)

Theme and Variations for Piano and OrchestraMatsudaira Yorinori

Yoritsune Matsudaira [松平頼則]: Theme and Variations for Piano and Orchestra

Theme and Variations for Piano and OrchestraMatsudaira Yorinori

While pursuing a distinctly Japanese essence in his composition work, Mr.

Matsudaira encountered gagaku.

This piece is a masterpiece in which the theme of the gagaku piece “Banshikicho Etenraku” is elaborately varied, weaving a splendid and elegant melody that even incorporates jazz techniques.

Its sound is captivating, at once somehow nostalgic yet refreshingly novel.

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Symphony No. 3MOROI Saburō

[PV] Selected Works by Japanese Composers — Saburo Moroi: Symphony No. 3, Op. 25, from the 3rd movement; Takuo Yuasa (conductor), RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (8.557162)

Symphony No. 3MOROI Saburō

Composed in the late stages of the Pacific War in 1944, this over-30-minute large-scale work is said to have been written by Mr.

Moroi as a farewell letter just before he was drafted into the military.

The third movement bears the subtitle “Various Notions of Death.” The composer’s heartrending feelings in the depths of despair are reflected in the sound.

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Violin ConcertoŌguri Yutaka

Hiroshi Ohguri: Violin Concerto – Movement I (Allegro)

Violin ConcertoŌguri Yutaka

Composed in 1963 on a commission from Mainichi Broadcasting System, it was premiered by the Osaka Philharmonic with Hisako Tsuji as the soloist.

The second movement is a set of variations based on the Osaka children’s song “Tōgoku.” The piece proceeds to a sudden end, driven by the raucous rhythms of Tokushima’s Awa Odori.

It is a work with a strong ethnic character.

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In conclusion

Classical music has developed primarily in Europe through the work of many composers and performers from countries such as Germany, Italy, and Russia.

As for pure classical music by Japanese composers, Kósçak Yamada’s Overture in D major, composed in 1912, marked the birth of Japan’s first symphony, so it is still a relatively young field.

However, these works are every bit as compelling as their European counterparts.

Many Japanese composers have also created a great deal of background music for films, TV dramas, and commercials, so you may have recognized some names.

Take this opportunity to dive deeper into classical music by Japanese composers!