[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)
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.
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!