Tokyo 77 [Live]

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Academy Award nominee and Grammy Award winner Thomas Newman is the composer of scores for films such as Road To Perdition, American Beauty, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Shawshank Redemption, In The Bedroom, The Horse Whisperer, Desparately Seeking Susan, The Lost Boys,The Rapture and Less Than Zero. Chas Smith studied with Morton Subotnick, Earle Brown, and Harold Budd , and has performed on a huge roster of projects of many genres. He has released 2 solo records on the Cold Blue label, Aluminum Overcast and Nikko Wolverine, prominently featuring his own acclaimed hand-built instruments. George Budd studied electronic and contemporary music with David Cope and Gordon Mumma, and gamelan with Undang Sumarna. He has been a member of various improvisational ensembles such as the Avi-tron Art Ensemble, and released his own works on the Rastascan and Amoebic label. Rick Cox has performed with Jon Hassell, Ry Cooder and many others live and on recordings, and released his own solo project Maria Falling Away on the Cold Blue label.

Product Description
Tokyo 77 survey an electro-acoustic terrain haunted by a dark beauty. Exploring the intersections of New Music and Free Improvisation, they come armed with a complex assortment of instruments both conventional - piano, violin, alto sax and unconventional - Budd Box (a melange of wood and metal pieces attached to a resonator), prepared guitar (an electric guitar whose strings are braided with metal strips and then played with sponges and glass slides), as well as the Pez-eater and Guitarzilla (unique, hand-crafted sound generators fabricated by master instrument maker Chas Smith).

Collectively and in real-time, Tokyo 77 take us on a journey through a soundscape of fleeting sonic images, of shifting textures and densities, of half-remembered thoughts, of mysterious voices speaking to us in tongues we cannot recognize yet whose meaning we grasp. Intriguingly matrixed by a hushed stillness at its core, Tokyo 77 present us with a music which is a provocative, introspective, and elusive union of opposites.

Tokyo 77,Tokyo 77,Intone Records,Electronic,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Tokyo 77 [Live]

Tracks:

String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: I. Allegro con spirito - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: II. Adagio sostenuto - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: III. Menuet. Presto - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In G Major, Op. 76 No. 1: IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': I. Allegro - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': II. Andante o piu tosto Allegretto - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': III. Menuetto - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Minor, Op. 76 No. 2 'Fifths': IV. Finale. Vivace assai - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': I. Allegro - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': II. Poco Adagio. Cantabile - Var. I - IV - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': III. Menuetto - Joseph Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 'Emperor': IV. Finale. Presto - Joseph Haydn

Tracks:

String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': I. Allegro con spirito - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': II. Adagio - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': III. Menuet. Allegro - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In B-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 4 'Sunrise': IV. Finale. Allegro ma non troppo - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: I. Allegretto - Allegro - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: II. Largo cantabile e mesto - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: III. Menuetto - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In D Major, Op. 76 No. 5: IV. Finale. Presto - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: I. Allegretto - Allegro - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: II. Fantasia. Adagio - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: III. Menuetto - J. Haydn
String Quartets, Op. 76 'Erdody': Quartet In E-Flat Major, Op. 76 No. 6: IV. Finale. Allegro spirituoso - J. Haydn

Amazon.com essential recording

These quartets, Haydn's last great quartet collection, represent a peak of musical achievement that may have been equaled, but has never been surpassed. Haydn invented the string quartet way back in the 1750s, and by the time he came to write these works some 40 years later, his mastery was so natural and effortless that it's hardly noticeable. All you hear are the great tunes, dramatic surprises, fresh rhythms, and ever-new string textures. These immaculate performances by the Tokyo Quartet went a long way toward establishing it as one of the most exciting young string quartets to emerge in the past two decades, and they have been superbly recorded. A classic set, then, and essential listening. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Discovery.......2003-06-11

I had no idea that Haydn wrote anything this profound. Every movement has the most brilliant harmonies, sublime counterpoint, deeply moving and beautiful melodies. These quartets are full of surprises and often take unexpected directions..

The Tokyo String Quartet performs virtually perfectly in this recording. They are warmly expressive, disciplined, and beautifully balanced. The sound quality is superb. This has become one of my favorite albums in any genre.

Meticulous Renderings of Moving Chamber Music.......2003-05-01

As these come from late in Hadyn's compositional career, they are well known as monumental works for string quartets.

Played with passion and control by the Tokyo String Quartet, they exemplify the Classical Style of delicate four movement style and equality among the instruments.

Especially enjoy the third movement of the B-flat major work, with its flighty stop and go's, and harmonies of this menuet. Just delightful and full of glee and bouncy joy.

Sumptuous Music!.......2002-12-27

When I bought my first CD player a year ago I decided to build a classical CD collection. Although I've loved classical music all my life, I'm neither educated nor particularly knowledgeable on the subject. (I've always known what I liked even if I didn't know who wrote it or who performed it.) I loved Beethoven and many years ago purchased his symphonies and piano concerti on LPs, but I really didn't have a feeling for chamber music. I purchased this particular CD set because the price was right but more importantly because a review I'd read suggested this music might be worth hearing. I now own TWO sets of these quartets. The Tokyo rendition resides on the CD changer in my car and the Kodaly rendition frequently revisits the CD carousel in my home. I've listened to quite a bit of chamber music over the last year, most of it purchased from Amazon[.com] and would say without hesitation that I enjoy listening to string quartets more than anything else. I'm in awe of what Haydn wrote, and am especially fond of the Op. 76 quartets, which are the last quartets Haydn completed during his life. This CD set is very fine. The music never fails to move me. I readily give the Tokyo String Quartet performance five stars and would do the same for Kodaly Quartet from Hungary. If you haven't listened to their performances of Haydn quartets, you owe it to yourself to check out their Naxos discs. Haydn rocks!

Excellent performances of Excellent Music.......2001-12-24

I've owned this set for about six years and I never grow tired of hearing these performances. They convey, I think, the composer's intentions flawlessly and contain all of the liveliness, optimism and energy which was Haydn's trademark. The textures and balancing seem to me to be perfect and the Tokyo String Quartet's sound and finish is impeccable. I can't imagine these works being performed any better.

Most enjoyable. I highly recommend!

Wonderful.......2001-12-02

If you're not familiar with these pieces, don't waste another minute! The music ranges from playful to deeply emotional, the performances are terrific. Haydn is underappreciated, listening to these discs will tell you why. These quartets are the equal of anything Mozart ever wrote.

Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Op. 81/String Quartet No. 12, Op. 96

Average customer rating:

Superb; among the best in the catalogue of both pieces
Outstanding!!!
Excellent

Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Op. 81/String Quartet No. 12, Op. 96

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DSBN
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

Superb; among the best in the catalogue of both pieces.......2005-05-13

Why this CD is NLA is a complete mystery to me. Great combination of two classic Dvorak chamber pieces, played to perfection. The rendition of the quintet may knock over my allegiance to the old Curzon/Vienna from the early '60s; has all the emotion and dance, with better playing and ensemble. The Quartet is equal to Quartetto Italiano version, and old landmark. I actually prefer the Tokyo for the second movement. Grab if you can find it, even used!

Outstanding!!!.......2005-02-15

Another outstanding versions from one of the leader chamber groups in the last decades, which is not in so good shape nowadays.

I really don't know any other version for American Quartet so great like this. Technically is incredible and de way thay play together, the accents, de melody, the musicality is quite impossible to repeat.

Piano Quintet is a jewel too, both by the quartet and the pianist. We have another great version in Philips with Richter and the Borodin Quartet, more warm than this and with a bit more of european taste; but this is amazing too.

I really don't understand how Sony has taken it out of them catalogue. Today this is an out of print CD very hard to find.

Perfect CD!!!

Excellent.......2005-01-19

This is a fine recording of two of Dvorak's best known chamber works. Both pieces are warm and performed with clarity and precision.

Average customer rating:

Great, but buyer beware
Hauntingly gorgeous, and beautifully impossible.

Tokyo 77

Manufacturer: Intone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Salton Sea (Score)
Pay It Forward

ASIN: B00006RVHB
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

Table 31
Sings Do Not Use
Plastic Serrated Knife
Freaks of Slumber
Farrago 19 sec.
Farrago 57 sec.
Farrago 131 sec.
The Strength and Beautyof Steel Bridges
3 DoorsTwo Windows
Surface Noise
Fourth Blade Down
The Back Nine

Album Description

Tokyo 77 survey an electro-acoustic terrain haunted by a dark beauty. Exploring the intersections of New Music and Free Improvisation, they come armed with a complex assortment of instruments both conventional - piano, violin, alto sax and unconventional - Budd Box (a melange of wood and metal pieces attached to a resonator), prepared guitar (an electric guitar whose strings are braided with metal strips and then played with sponges and glass slides), as well as the Pez-eater and Guitarzilla (unique, hand-crafted sound generators fabricated by master instrument maker Chas Smith).

Customer Reviews:

Great, but buyer beware.......2005-04-09

I want to start off by saying that this is a great collection of impovisational electro-acoustic music. That seems like an odd combination, but that's what it is.

The buyer should beware, though. The information given by Amazon can lead you to believe that these are pieces composed by Thomas Newman. I don't believe this is the case, and I find no evidence of such a thing anywhere in the cd information or any reviews or websites outside of Amazon. What this really is is a collection of group improvisations with Thomas Newman as a participant. This is really the work of four men, George Budd, Rick Cox, Thomas Newman, and Chas Smith.

That being said, I believe that Thomas Newman has worked with this group of musicians in the past, and the music really does have the flavor of a lot of Newman's film music. He himself is playing piano, violin, and clay flutes. This album contains music that can best be described as a rich sonic tapestry, because there is no real class of music into which this fits. It's electronic, it's acoustic, it's a mix of both. The best way to see if this is the right kind of music for you is to listen to the samples and see if they appeal to you at all. If you hear something you like in the samples, the rest of the recording will please.

Hauntingly gorgeous, and beautifully impossible........2002-11-28

Here, I must say, is an example of Thomas Newman's creativity in showing us, the listener, where his passion lies. It is stored in his need to be random, unheard, yet maintaining something simplistic in idea and sound.

The pure Newman shines out here in his ideas. The power he has in his music comes out of his need to stay in the shadows.

This album really defines that in somewhat of a pure form.

ANY Newman fan, or any person interested in compelling ideas should purchase and really listen to this album.

Do not purchase it if you are in the mood for characteristic melodic themes, however. This *IS* a Pandora's Box of incredible surprise.

Tokyo 77
Average customer rating:
Tokyo 77
Tokyo 77
Manufacturer: City Hall Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0002B8PWW
Release Date: 2002-10-17