[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)
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.
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.
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!