Listen & tracks
3 of 11 tracks have a preview · 5 works · 66:31
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Petite SuiteKanako Okamoto 3 movements15:46
- 1 The Forgotten Pond 4:58
- 2 The Frog 4:18
- 3 Mists and Statues 6:30
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4 Crystal Vision Kanako Okamoto 7:22
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5 La Nuit Kanako Okamoto 7:21
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6 Sparkle Kanako Okamoto 10:15
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SuiteKanako Okamoto 5 movements25:47
- 7 Einführung 3:11
- 8 Harmonie 6:15
- 9 Passus 6:11
- 10 Verschwommenheit 4:37
- 11 Leidenschaft 5:33
Okamoto’s writing draws on haiku, Hindu cosmology and the paintings of Gustave Moreau, yet remains highly accessible at the keyboard.
Harvey’s programme ranges from the shimmering upper-register figuration of the title work to the five-movement Suite premiered at Port Fairy in 2006, and the nature-inspired Petite Suite built around Basho’s famous frog haiku.
In the artist’s words
Japanese music for piano has long intrigued me – a country with such rich influences and contradictions has music of great stylisation, sophistication, beauty and uncompromising power. These qualities have had a profound influence on art music of the West, to say nothing of other cultural areas. To find a Japanese composer whose ideas are readily accessible to our ears is very rare however – I think Kanako Okamoto is one such musician.
I first became aware of her work through the 2001 Federation Music Week in Melbourne, where I was performing many new piano works from Asia, among them Okamoto's Crystal Vision. What immediately impressed me apart from the intricate writing and intelligent formal construction was the cumulative power of the work, delivered in a very straightforward and honest manner. Since this time I have encouraged Ms Okamoto to explore as many musical terrains as possible, and this solo piano CD is the result. One hopes this taster will result in the listener further exploring Okamoto's other musical output, which is similarly lyrical and powerful, but equally difficult to define in mere words.
The symbol of the frog became central to the collaboration – more than once people have commented on my face resembling a frog, or, memorably, a toad – but I figured what the hell, as long as it inspires the creative process. Of course, frogs act as miner's canaries in the increasingly impoverished natural world, a sobering thought. I need hardly draw comparisons with classical pianists.
Reviews
Okamoto's piano music is floating and mystical, like raindrops on a clear pond, or glass crystals chiming in a light breeze with touches of the exotic ... Harvey’s crisp articulation, sensitive touch and stylish interpretations complement the character of the pieces perfectly. So, if you’re after something a little less heavy going in the piano repertoire, this CD is the perfect companion.
Michael Kieran Harvey plays superbly and with feeling
Traditional Japanese music make extensive use of nature imagery: birds, animals, waterfalls, trees ... Kanako Okamoto frequently refers to nature which allows her to bridge Western instrumentation and notation and the musical heritage of Japan. Although her works draw on many aspects of Asian music, their instrumentation, form, melodies, and rhythms are all highly accessible to a Western audience. The title work uses the upper register creating a piece reminiscent of shimmering rock crystal. Other pieces bring Japanese reflections on French artist Gustave Moreau, Hindu philosophy and Buddhist cosmology. These finely-crafted works ... embrace both classical Japanese themes and the finest traditions of Western music. Michael Kieran Harvey's impeccable technique brings each work sensitively to life.
Artists
Kanako Okamoto
composer
Kanako Okamoto is rapidly gaining an international profile as an exciting and significant Japanese composer, writing piano music of lyrical power and clear formal design.
Michael Kieran Harvey
piano
Australian pianist and composer Dr Michael Kieran Harvey FAHA is among the foremost interpreters of contemporary piano music of his generation. A champion of Australian music, he regularly commissions new work and has performed with the country’s leading contemporary ensembles and orchestras.
Digital booklet
Digital booklet Notes, texts and credits — read online or download the PDF Download the PDFPerformers
- Michael Kieran Harvey · piano
Technical credits
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Recording Engineer
Martin Wright (tracks 4–11)
Vaughan McAlley (tracks 4–11)
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Venue
Griffith University (tracks 1–3)
Move Records Studio (tracks 4–11)
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Credit
Kanako Okamoto
Details
- List price
- $25.00 AUD
- Total playing time
- 66 minutes 31 seconds
- Release date
- 2007
- Categories
- Classical, Keyboard
- Musical work copyright
- © 2007 Move Records
- Sound recording copyright
- ℗ 2007 Move Records
- Catalogue
- MD 3319
- EAN
- 9314574331929
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