[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 (1–10)
Piano Suite “Song of the White Phoenix,” No. 3: “Water Smoke”Sugawara Akiro
Akeo Sugahara was a composer who studied composition while attending an art school.
He is also known for bringing a breath of French-style fresh air to Japan’s classical music scene, which had been dominated by the German tradition.
His Piano Suite “Hakuho no Uta” (“Song of the White Phoenix”), though not widely known, is cherished for its beautiful tone that evokes the delicate hues of a watercolor painting.
In particular, the third piece, “Suien” (“Water Smoke”), which fuses a refined musical conception with pianistic elements, is frequently featured in concerts and used as a competition piece.
“Images” Series 2, No. 3: “Goldfish”Claude Debussy
The innovative compositional techniques of the French composer Claude Debussy transcended traditional harmony and modality, leaving a profound impact on later composers.
“Poissons d’or,” included in Images, Book II, was inspired by the golden carp depicted on a Japanese lacquer tray that Debussy kept in his study.
Debussy’s music resonates with a Japanese aesthetic and demands not only technical skill but also sensitivity and imagination from performers, making it recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those interested in Impressionist art and Japanese culture.
“One Fine Day” from the opera Madama ButterflyGiacomo Puccini
Among the masterpieces of Italian opera giant Giacomo Puccini, this is an especially striking soprano aria sung by the heroine, Cio-Cio San, in Madama Butterfly.
Puccini meticulously composed the opera with extraordinary attention to detail, studying Japanese music and incorporating local songs.
In this piece, where the heroine longs for the distant return of her husband, her pure love and unwavering faith in her dream are beautifully expressed.
It is a classic that should be heard not only by opera enthusiasts but also by anyone interested in Japanese culture.
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.