Regardless of differences in compositional technique, the overall impression this piece gives to these ears is very similar to that provided by a lot of Xenakis…which, of course, is only a good thing!
Stephen Long
3 years ago
Thanks for your insightful comments on Akira Nishimura’s varied use of heterophony concepts in his orchestral and chamber works. Although he has an international reputation, there should be greater recognition in the West of his deserved place among the top-tier contemporary composers. The production of at least 36 profile CDs on the Camerata and Fontec labels (in addition to numerous discs that prominently feature his work) is an indication of the reverence in which he is held in Japan. Each of these discs reveals different facets of his originality and mastery of craft. Specifically, in my view, the imagination he displays with kaleidoscopic timbres and nuanced textures in his orchestral works places him in the company of Saariaho, Murail, Lutoslawski, Lindberg, Tuur, and Carter.
Although most of the CDs are not readily available in the West (except, in a few cases, in the Amazon Marketplace), the Camerata discs are still available for mail order from HMV Japan (they have an English language site) and Amazon Japan. However, COVID restrictions on international shipments to the US are in place for the time being with HMV.
Another striking Nishimura orchestral piece inspired by birds is “Birds in Light,” composed in 1994, the year after “Birds Heterophony.” It was recorded on Fontec, along with his Second Symphony and “Vision in Twilight.” Unfortunately, this magnificent disc (volume 5 in Fontec’s Nishimura series) is OP (even in Japan) but well worth tracking down.
Thanks for this, Stephen. i’m aware of those Camerata discs – although i didn’t realise there were that many! – and really wish it was possible to get hold of them, i’d love to check them out. Thanks a lot for the tip off about HMV Japan, though from past experience i can imagine shipping costs might be a bit off-putting. But i’ll certainly investigate further; as you say, Nishimura is very underappreciated in the West, and opportunities to hear his work are exceptionally rare.
Stephen Long
3 years ago
Simon, thanks for your feedback and, again, for your wonderful Nishimura analysis. I have some additional information about Nishimura that may interest you. If you feel comfortable about providing your email address, I can recommend pieces for listening in easy to access venues. I can also reveal information about my special Nishimura “project.” You should already have my e-mail address. Thanks. Stephen
Regardless of differences in compositional technique, the overall impression this piece gives to these ears is very similar to that provided by a lot of Xenakis…which, of course, is only a good thing!
Thanks for your insightful comments on Akira Nishimura’s varied use of heterophony concepts in his orchestral and chamber works. Although he has an international reputation, there should be greater recognition in the West of his deserved place among the top-tier contemporary composers. The production of at least 36 profile CDs on the Camerata and Fontec labels (in addition to numerous discs that prominently feature his work) is an indication of the reverence in which he is held in Japan. Each of these discs reveals different facets of his originality and mastery of craft. Specifically, in my view, the imagination he displays with kaleidoscopic timbres and nuanced textures in his orchestral works places him in the company of Saariaho, Murail, Lutoslawski, Lindberg, Tuur, and Carter.
Although most of the CDs are not readily available in the West (except, in a few cases, in the Amazon Marketplace), the Camerata discs are still available for mail order from HMV Japan (they have an English language site) and Amazon Japan. However, COVID restrictions on international shipments to the US are in place for the time being with HMV.
Another striking Nishimura orchestral piece inspired by birds is “Birds in Light,” composed in 1994, the year after “Birds Heterophony.” It was recorded on Fontec, along with his Second Symphony and “Vision in Twilight.” Unfortunately, this magnificent disc (volume 5 in Fontec’s Nishimura series) is OP (even in Japan) but well worth tracking down.
Thanks for this, Stephen. i’m aware of those Camerata discs – although i didn’t realise there were that many! – and really wish it was possible to get hold of them, i’d love to check them out. Thanks a lot for the tip off about HMV Japan, though from past experience i can imagine shipping costs might be a bit off-putting. But i’ll certainly investigate further; as you say, Nishimura is very underappreciated in the West, and opportunities to hear his work are exceptionally rare.
Simon, thanks for your feedback and, again, for your wonderful Nishimura analysis. I have some additional information about Nishimura that may interest you. If you feel comfortable about providing your email address, I can recommend pieces for listening in easy to access venues. I can also reveal information about my special Nishimura “project.” You should already have my e-mail address. Thanks. Stephen
Thanks Stephen, I’ll be in touch 🙂