Search - Akira Ifukube, Dmitry Yablonsky, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra :: Ifukube: Sinfonia Tapkaara

A near-perfect Ifukube recording.

Erik Homenick | San Diego, California | 11/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This latest installment of Naxos' ground-breaking JAPANESE CLASSICS series is indeed welcome and exciting; under the baton of Dmitry Yablonsky, the Russian Symphony Orchestra delivers well performed, yet, at times, restrained interpretations of music that should be allowed to run a little wilder.



SINFONIA TAPKAARA (1954, revised 1979) has been recorded many times in Japan, and Yablonsky and company manage to interpret this piece with the spirit and flavor that can be found on comparable recordings. This is indeed one of Ifukube's masterpieces (and one of the Maestro's personal favorite works), and it is given all due justice. Bravo!



RITMICA OSTINATA (1961, revised 1972) is one of Ifukube's most breath-taking, rhythmically intense orchestral works. But, compared to other Japanese recordings, Yablonsky's use of tempi here seems suppressed in sections, perhaps to this piece's disadvantage. Additionally, the solo pianist, Ekaterina Saranceva, is obviously extremely talented, but her performance is too well-rounded. A more raucous, earthy approach to her playing would have lended to a more successful interpretation. Notwithstanding, while RITMICA OSTINATA is not given its best possible rendering on this disc, it is still very good for what it is, if more than a little cautious.



SYMPHONIC FANTASIA NO.1 (1983) is very nicely performed on this album, easliy trumping many other recordings of the same piece found on Japanese import discs. Yablonsky surely adds a unique "outsider's touch" to this very familiar music; it's as fresh sounding as ever here. This is an outstanding interpretation, especially towards the end; the relentlessly pulsating march section is especially exciting. This is without a doubt one of the best recordings of this piece to be found anywhere.



This is an excellent introductory to Akira Ifukube's distinctive musical world and is bound to excite many first time listeners. While this album is not perfect (due only to the restrained RITMICA OSTINATA), it is still very enjoyable, a lot of fun and highly recommended."

Exhilarating, rhythmically intense music

Russ | Richmond, VA | 07/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This release, part of Naxos' ongoing "Japanese Classics" series, seems to have slipped by without much fanfare. That's a shame, because this is spectacular music. Akira Ifukube (b. 1914) is widely known in Japan, especially for his three hundred (!) film scores, including the Godzilla films. Ifukube's "Japanese Rhapsody" appeared on Naxos' previously released "Japanese Orchestral Favourites." But as exciting as that piece was, it only hints at his broad range of compositional talent.



The Sinfonia Tapkaara (denoting a "dance style of the Ainu, danced by the tribal leader on rituals and feasts"), contains the ethnic influences for which Ifukube was known, but at times the music sounds very European. In fact, Ifukube was very much aware of happenings in Europe, and had a particular fascination with Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. So it is not surprising that his work is characterized by aggressive, perhaps violent, rhythms and spectacular orchestral colors. Such is the case with the exciting opening movement of the Sinfonia. The central Adagio movement is both lyrical and lovely. In what seems to be a remarkable coincidence, the opening of the Sinfonia's final movement sounds if it was taken from the "Crossroads" ballet suite of Braga Santos. If you are not familiar with the music of this Portuguese composer, that's ok, because I think anybody will enjoy this movement. The music gradually builds in intensity throughout the movement and concludes with a brief but effective coda.



The Ritmica Ostinata for Piano and Orchestra alternates between slow and fast sections, and features a persistent ostinato figure, like much of Ifukube's music. The style of the jagged piano solo here suggests that the composer may have had a dulcimer-like instrument in mind when writing this piece. Again, the rhythmic drive of this music keeps the listener on the edge of his or her seat.



The Symphonic Fantasia No. 1 features many of the themes Ifukube wrote for the Godzilla films, but this music rises far above typical film music, even by today's standards, and works brilliantly as an independent piece of music. The series of repetitive eighth notes in the low strings, peppered by rhythmically irregular orchestral accents appearing throughout the piece brings to mind the opening of the Rite of Spring. It doesn't take much skill to discern the "Godzilla" theme, with its thudding bass drum and snarling trombone playing, the approach of Godzilla is quite obvious! The conclusion of this piece featuring a repetitive [ > . . . ] eighth note pattern, is especially thrilling.



Ifukube's compositions are often dominated repetitive propulsive rhythmic fragments (almost in a minimalist style), not totally different from the music of Philip Glass. Anyone who remotely enjoys the rhythmic energy of Glass will certainly love this CD. Anyone who enjoys characteristic, exciting orchestral music will love this CD. In fact, I think this release would appeal to just about anybody. Each of the pieces on this program is a "bring down the house" crowd-pleaser. This is music that is not to be missed. Highest recommendation!



60:45"