[Impressionist Music] A Selection of Classical Works That Evoke the Japanese Spirit
In the late 19th century, a new school of classical music known as Impressionism emerged, developed chiefly by French composers such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.
Among the music born during the Impressionist era, there are several works that were composed under the influence of Japan and Japanese paintings.
There are also Japanese composers who left works that evoke the spirit of Impressionism.
In this feature, we’ll highlight Impressionist works that have some connection to Japan, as well as pieces by Japanese composers influenced by Impressionism.
We’ll introduce them along with stories about the background of the pieces and the composers’ ties to Japan.
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Impressionist Music: A Selection of Classical Works that Evoke the Japanese Spirit (11–20)
Music of the CelestialsHisaishi Joe
This is “Heavenly Beings’ Music” from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
The composer is Joe Hisaishi, well known for his music in Studio Ghibli works.
Hisaishi is one of the representative composers for Studio Ghibli, but interestingly, he usually scores only films directed by Hayao Miyazaki; when other directors are involved, different composers tend to take over.
The director of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is Isao Takahata, making this a rare case where Hisaishi worked on a non-Miyazaki film.
Since Princess Mononoke, full orchestras have more frequently been used for in-film performances.
As Ghibli and Hisaishi’s popularity has grown, there have been more concerts as well, and it’s said that Hisaishi creates new arrangements for each concert.
It might be fun to compare the soundtrack versions with the concert versions.
Symphonic Poem “La Mer”: Three Symphonic Sketches — III. Dialogue of the Wind and the SeaClaude Debussy
This is the climactic movement from Claude Debussy’s orchestral masterpiece La Mer, a work that brilliantly renders the ocean’s grandeur and mystery in sound.
In this piece, a powerful yet beautiful natural drama unfolds as if the wind and sea are conversing.
The surging strings, the piercing timbres of the woodwinds, and the brass and percussion in unison create a vividly compelling sonic tableau.
Premiered in October 1905, the work carries a refreshing coolness that seems to make one forget the summer heat.
It is recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in the orchestra’s rich palette of colors, as well as for listeners who want to experience the grandeur of classical music through wind band arrangements and other adaptations.
Symphonic Poem “La Mer” — From Three Symphonic Sketches, II. “Play of the Waves”Claude Debussy
An orchestral piece composed by Claude Debussy, it feels like a scene cut from the sea.
The lightly bouncing melodies woven by the strings and woodwinds vividly evoke sunlit, glittering waves and the playful motion of the surf.
Simply listening makes you feel as if a cool sea breeze were brushing your cheeks.
The cover of the first edition featured a ukiyo-e print by Katsushika Hokusai.
While its 1905 premiere received mixed reactions, a 1908 performance conducted by the composer himself earned high acclaim.
The sonorities of this work are said to have influenced later pieces, including the film Jaws.
It is recommended for those seeking a refreshing experience in the hot season or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a richly colored world of sound.
Symphonic Poem ‘The Sea’ — From Three Symphonic Sketches, I. From Dawn to Noon on the SeaClaude Debussy
A movement from Claude Debussy’s orchestral work that heralds the beginning of the day, evoking a scene of the glittering sea.
This piece paints, almost like a painting, the ocean’s transformation from the faint light of dawn to the dazzling midday sun, using the orchestra’s rich palette of colors.
Its delicate layers of sound leave listeners feeling cool and serene.
Though its first performance in October 1905 elicited a range of reactions, today it is cherished by many as one of Debussy’s masterpieces.
It’s a must-hear for anyone seeking refreshing music on a summer day or wishing to immerse themselves in beautiful melodies that spark the imagination.
music boxCharles-Henry
This heartwarming piece expresses the delicate timbre of a music box on the piano.
Its graceful melody, as if opening a jewelry box, brings a gentle sense of calm to the listener’s heart.
Featured on the album “Histoires Presque Vraies,” the work beautifully captures tones that are mechanical yet brimming with humanity, inviting you into the world of music boxes filled with nostalgic memories.
Its tender sound and simple structure are recommended for those who wish to step away from the bustle of daily life and soothe their hearts, or who want to spend a peaceful moment.
It’s also an approachable piece for those looking to try their hand at piano performance.
Nocturne No. 2Frederic Chopin
This piano piece features a gently flowing, beautiful melody and delicate ornaments that seep into the heart along with the stillness of the night.
Composed by Chopin in 1831, it masterfully captures dreamlike, fantastical scenes and inner emotions.
The world woven by the elegant right-hand melody and the harmoniously balanced left-hand accompaniment evokes the beauty of an Italian opera’s singing voice.
It has also been widely used in media—for example, it was arranged as the theme song “To Love Again” in the 1956 American film The Eddy Duchin Story, and it appears in the anime ClassicaLoid.
It’s a perfect piece for quiet concentration or calming the mind, making it an ideal, soothing classic to accompany studying or reading.
In conclusion
In this article, we introduced classical pieces related to the two keywords “Impressionism” and “Japan.” Did you feel a sense of wa, or Japanese atmosphere, in each of the pieces? This time we picked works from the Impressionist repertoire, but if we don’t limit the period, there are many more classical works that evoke a Japanese mood. If you’re interested, please do some research and explore more!