Kaori

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Eri Sugai has been called the Japanese Enya, but in the intervening five years since her last CD, Mai, Sugai has clearly been listening to a lot of Adiemus and Miriam Stockley as well. In fact, "Voyage to Asia" sounds more like a voyage to Adiemus, with its stacked choirs and glossolia incantations. But deeper listening to Kaori reveals, once again, a singer of frighteningly wide vocal and stylistic range. Tracks like "Iroha" swoon in celestial choirs while koto glissandos and shakuhachi melodies ripple through the deep choirs. Her tribal take on "Breath of Life" again recalls Adiemus, but there's no denying the distinctly Asian tone of her singing or accompaniment. Produced by Kazumu Yoshioka, the label president and one of the guiding forces behind the studio project Uttara-Kuru, Kaori is a deft mix of tradition and technology. Several artists from the Pacific Moon roster provide her backing, including erhu player Jia Peng Fang and koto player Mizuyo Komiya. The hyper-layered production can detract from the purity of Sugai's voice and melodies, and Kaori has enough moments of sickly sweet expanse that can be hard to down in one sitting. But when Sugai sings a multitracked, a capella song like "Silence," or a spare chant on "Etenraku," she sounds descended from the heavens. --John Diliberto

Product Description
From the majestic voyage in the opening track to ancient "story songs" and the transcendent sounds of the gamelan and didgeridoo, Eri Sugai weaves aesthetic sounds of harmony. As instruments from various nations celebrate sound, Sugai's voice throbs and dances, running between the waves to weave a taperstry of its own. An unlimited expression of the human voice, 'Kaori' is a gift delivered from the heavenly skies.

Kaori,Eri Sugai,Pacific Moon [Alleg],Adult Alternative,Ethnic Fusion,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Kaori

Tracks:

Con Amores, La Mi Madre
Canon
Part 1
Part 2
No.1 In E Minor
No.3 In A Minor
No.2 In E Major
No.4 In E Minor
No.5 In D Major
A Negrito De Cucurumbe
Bachiana Brasiliera No.5
Recuerdos De La Alhambra
No.3: Procesion
No.4: Paso
No.5: Saeta
God Grant We Grace (Canon)
Part 1
Part 2
Canco Del Lladre
Polovtsian Dance

Amazon.com

This is a close to a "crossover" album as the fine group The Sixteen have ever come. Leaving most of their pure Renaissance and Baroque polyphony aside, here they are abetted by guitarist Kaori Muraji in a series of pieces arranged (by Bob Chilcott) for the CD, most of which, though seeming unlikely, work very well. Pachelbel's Canon is presented wed to a poem by Oscar Wilde and proves hypnotic. Gaspar Fernandes, a 16th-century Portugese composer, is represented by an energetic "A negrito de cucurumbé," featuring two soloists from The Sixteen and percussion. Tomas Luis de Victoria's Alma Redemptoris Mater is presented in two parts: one for soprano and guitar, the other for chorus. There are guitar solos as well. Villa-Lobos's aria from the Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 sounds strange and ineffective for full chorus, and the final choral highlight (from Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances") is a bit like Muzak, but this is an original, crowd-pleasing release, beautifully sung and played. --Robert Levine

Krommer: Clarinet Concertos Opp. 35, 36 & 91

Average customer rating:

Op.36 is standard repertoire
Certainly one of the hidden treasures

Krommer: Clarinet Concertos Opp. 35, 36 & 91

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Stamitz:Clarinet Concertos Vol. 2
Stamitz: Clarinet Concertos, Vol. 1
Crussell: Clarinet Concertos
Spohr: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 3
Krommer: Partitas for Wind Ensemble

ASIN: B00000145S
Release Date: 1995-06-27

Tracks:

Concerto For Two Clarinets In E Flat Major, Op. 35: Allegro
Concerto For Two Clarinets In E Flat Major, Op. 35: Adagio
Concerto For Two Clarinets In E Flat Major, Op. 35: Rondo
Clarinet Concerto In E Flat Major, Op. 36: Allegro
Clarinet Concerto In E Flat Major, Op. 36: Adagio
Clarinet Concerto In E Flat Major, Op. 36: Rondo
Concerto For Two Clarinets In E Flat Major, Op. 91: Allegro
Concerto For Two Clarinets In E Flat Major, Op. 91: Adagio
Concerto For Two Clarinets In E Flat Major, Op. 91: Alla Polacca

Customer Reviews:

Op.36 is standard repertoire.......2004-01-23

Though the works of Franz Krommer are not frequently mentioned by non-clarinetists, those who do play the clarinet know that the Op. 36 concerto is a standard concerto. This work is considered right up there along the ranks of Krommer's contempories who wrote for clarinet including the Stamitz's, Crussell, and Mozart.

The first movement stands out the most. Krommer turns simple increasing intervals into a catchy melody that becomes the theme from which the movement revolves around.

Though this recording is by no means a benchmark (I prefer Paul Meyer's effort with Jean Pierre Rampal and the Frank Liszt Orchestra), for this price you get another astounding value from Naxos. Classical music fans will get a good introduction to this work, but clarinet students studying the piece should look to the Meyer/Rampal rendition.

Certainly one of the hidden treasures.......2003-01-08

I don't know why, but for whatever reason Franz Krommer is a pretty unknown composer. However, he is surely one of the better composers of his time, which lasted from three years after Mozart's birth to four after Beethoven's death. And his clarinet concerti are some of the finest work of his that I've heard.

His Concerto in Eb Op. 36 is probably his most well known work, and it's not hard to see why. This rivals Mozart and Weber in sheer tunefulness and great passage work. His melodies are very hummable and memorable. The third movement especially seems to look toward Weber's Concertino, and is simply a joy.

Tracks:

Hey Jude
Michelle
Here, There And Everywhere
Yesterday
Hiroshima To Lu Na No Shonen - Dominic Miller
Bad Boy - Dominic Miller
No.7: If Only I Had The Water Of Life
No.4: You Have Set, My Star!
No.3: A Day In May
No.6: At The Window
Variaciones Sobre El Carnaval De Venecia
Farewell To Stromness
I
II
III
IV
Over The Rainbow
Londonderry Air
The Last Waltz
La Belle Dame Sans Regrets - Dominic Miller
Fragile - Dominic Miller

Customer Reviews:

Gentle on the psyche.......2007-05-17

I keep this CD at work, and my office-mates request it more than any other CD on my desk. The amount of familiar tunes in this collection makes it accessible to everybody. Each piece is performed with grace; it will compliment the more esoteric guitar music in anyone's collection. Kaori Muraji lets each piece unfold like a soft summer night. This album is paced throughout so that it plays gently, and quietly maintains momentum. It makes for very enjoyable listening. Muraji can be a dynamic player. Live, she is very in the moment; typically you can see the music moving through her body and the mood of the music on her face. Always there is a serenity to her. You'll feel it on this CD as well. There are some beautiful treatments of Theodorakis and Takemitsu, but it was also nice to hear a pop tune like "The Last Waltz."
Even though my tastes tend towards more dramatic performances (works by The Assad Brothers or Yang Xue Fei), I've really enjoyed this collection. It would make a good gift item both for the serious guitarist (Muraji's technique and interpretations are impeccable) or the casual listener. Your mother would love to get this CD, especially if she's a guitarist. Show her you love her and give her a copy.

Orlando di Lasso: Patrocinium Musices, 1573-1574

Average customer rating:

Wonderful performance
Great introduction to the music of di Lasso

Orlando di Lasso: Patrocinium Musices, 1573-1574

Manufacturer: Accent Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000025SKR
Release Date: 1999-01-01

Tracks:

Patrocinium Musices: Gaudent In Coelis
Patrocinium Musices: Exsurgat Deus
Patrocinium Musices: Salve Regina
Patrocinium Musices: Pauper Sum Ego
Patrocinium Musices: Domine, Clamavi Ad Te
Patrocinium Musices: Confitemini Domino
Patrocinium Musices: Ante Me
Patrocinium Musices: Pater Noster
Patrocinium Musices: Misericordias Domini
Patrocinium Musices: Nos Qui Sumus In Hoc Mundo
Patrocinium Musices: In Deo Salutare Meum
Patrocinium Musices: O Gloriosa Domina
Patrocinium Musices: Quis Mihi Det
Patrocinium Musices: Pulvis Et Umbra Sumus
Patrocinium Musices: Regnum Mundi
Patrocinium Musices: Oculi Omnium
Patrocinium Musices: Media Vita In Morte Sumus
Patrocinium Musices: Exaudi Domine
Patrocinium Musices: Agimus Tibi Gratias

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful performance.......2007-01-09

This CD is wonderful, an outstanding performance and lovely music (Lasso combines his mastery in flemish poliphony and the new style of polichoral music).

One of the best CD I have ever listened of XVIth century poliphony. Very good election of instruments and singers.

Great introduction to the music of di Lasso.......2005-11-03

I have had this CD for a number of years and it is a favourite of mine.
The Currende Vocal Ensemble and Concerto Palatino are in fine form on this disc and together they present the listener with a very beguiling 'walk through' the motets of Orlando di Lasso.

The cover shows Lassus directing his singers and musicians at the Munich court from a spinet. This recording provides us with evidence of how the human voice and musical instruments "sang together" in music of the 16th century. The cornetts, in particular, sound like unearthly soprano voices.

Please consider this fascinating and beautiful recording.

Average customer rating:

I Love Your Smile ... But...

Solar
Kaori Kobayashi
Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000793EZ2
Release Date: 2005-03-07

Tracks:

Solar
I Love Your Smile
Bird Island
Tomorrwo (Better You, Better Me)
Another Way
Sunset Ocean
Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You
Smoky

Customer Reviews:

I Love Your Smile ... But..........2005-11-09

I have a soft spot for beautiful woman especially if they can play the Saxophone. That has to do with my childhood obsession with a popular manga called "Orange Road", but anyway, I have to admit that the reason I bought Kaori Kobayashi's debut album intially was of that reason.

Anyway after buying the CD, the quality of the CD was better than I anticipated. In this album, most of the track are new material except for the cover of "Nothing's Gonna Change my Love for You". In this album the artist plays the saxophone and composed a few songs. There isn't anything entirely fascinating or new, though I do find the album to be bright, fun, and somewhat catchy - which is well reflected in the track "I Love Your Smile" which has an extremely catchy hook to it. Most of the songs are standard fusion jazz pieces with a little of DJ influence in some of the more upbeat tracks which is well defined in the track opening "Solar". Most of the other songs are mostly listenable, though not what I consider to be a masterpiece. Though I would recommend this artist, I want to point out that the album seems to lack some polish like some of the older and more established saxophone artists out there.

If you are looking for a bright enjoyable and easy to listen jazz album, then this is one option to consider, otherwise if you are a serious jazz fan, then there might be something other albums higher on the pecking order.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful sounds
Something new for your ears to enjoy
I love this so much, I have to have 2 copies.
An Incredible Musical Experience

Kaori
Eri Sugai
Manufacturer: Pacific Moon [Alleg]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
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Mai
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East Wind

ASIN: B0007X9U6K
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Voyage To Asia
Iroha Song
Breath Of Earth
Teinsagu Nu Hana
Silence
Etenraku
Eternal Prayer
Ancient City
Kunino Sazuchi
Fragrance
Voyage To Asia/A Cappella Version

Amazon.com

Eri Sugai has been called the Japanese Enya, but in the intervening five years since her last CD, Mai, Sugai has clearly been listening to a lot of Adiemus and Miriam Stockley as well. In fact, "Voyage to Asia" sounds more like a voyage to Adiemus, with its stacked choirs and glossolia incantations. But deeper listening to Kaori reveals, once again, a singer of frighteningly wide vocal and stylistic range. Tracks like "Iroha" swoon in celestial choirs while koto glissandos and shakuhachi melodies ripple through the deep choirs. Her tribal take on "Breath of Life" again recalls Adiemus, but there's no denying the distinctly Asian tone of her singing or accompaniment. Produced by Kazumu Yoshioka, the label president and one of the guiding forces behind the studio project Uttara-Kuru, Kaori is a deft mix of tradition and technology. Several artists from the Pacific Moon roster provide her backing, including erhu player Jia Peng Fang and koto player Mizuyo Komiya. The hyper-layered production can detract from the purity of Sugai's voice and melodies, and Kaori has enough moments of sickly sweet expanse that can be hard to down in one sitting. But when Sugai sings a multitracked, a capella song like "Silence," or a spare chant on "Etenraku," she sounds descended from the heavens. --John Diliberto

Album Description

From the majestic voyage in the opening track to ancient "story songs" and the transcendent sounds of the gamelan and didgeridoo, Eri Sugai weaves aesthetic sounds of harmony. As instruments from various nations celebrate sound, Sugai's voice throbs and dances, running between the waves to weave a taperstry of its own. An unlimited expression of the human voice, 'Kaori' is a gift delivered from the heavenly skies.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful sounds.......2007-02-08

One of the few albums where all the music is good. The term "japanese Enya" is very apt. If you like Enya, you'll like this as well.

Something new for your ears to enjoy.......2005-06-02

From top to bottom this is a wonderful album. I can say that my favorite tracks are "Silence," "Ancient City," and "Fragrance," but that's misleading. Like any great album, the tracks work together to produce a cohesive, engaging whole that flows so smoothly you're surprised when it's over. Kaori starts with the lively "Voyage to Asia" and progresses through creative interpretations of many traditional Japanese songs, reaching its emotional center of gravity in "Fragrance." The singing and playing are exemplary throughout the work. Really, I can't say enough good things about this album. Give it a listen. I think you will like it.

I love this so much, I have to have 2 copies........2005-04-27

Why, you may ask? It's simple, one gets played at home, the other travels with me, in the diskman or in the car - just like Eri's previous album MAI. If I go anywhere, ERI's music goes too.

I bought KAORI last year when it first came out in Japan. It cost me much more than the second copy I bought, but it was worth it. Now, at last, KAORI (it means Frangrance) is available to the masses and is a very special album.

People think that Eri Sugai is the Japanese Enya and there are some similarities between the two ladies. However, don't be misled by that comparison. There are reminders of Enya (and Adiemus, too), but whilst Enya's music has that wonderful western feel to it, ERI's has an oriental taste to it which you've probably never heard before.

On this album, she is vibrant, particularly in the first 3 tracks, before slowing to a more sombre, thoughhtful mood. I particularly like the 4th track, "Teinsagu Nu Hana", which is an Okinawan Folk Song! It's a song my Japanese wife knows well and when she says she loves ERIs version, I take note! It is just a sensational track and a celebration in how to layer the voice over and over again (it's like you're hearing a choir). However, all eleven tracks are beautiful and they add up to a perfect album, where the voice is the most effective instrument and shines through with beauty and grace. The sheer brilliance of this album is in the diversity of the music - anthemic, hymn-like, soothing, invigorating and joyous, whilst being full of inventiveness and sophistication - and a stunning follow-up to MAI.

To agree with what another reviewer has suggested, there's nothing like this elsewhere in the world.

Everyone should have a copy of this album. Remember the name - ERI SUGAI. She should be a superstar! It's not too late to make her one. In my book, she already is.

An Incredible Musical Experience.......2005-04-25

Having thoroughly enjoyed Eri Sugai's earlier contributions, Mai and Air (under the name of Stella Mirus), I eagerly looked forward to Kaori. I was not disappointed - I was totally awed!! It is probably the most beautiful single CD that I have ever listened to. Some reviewers have referred to her as the "Japanese Enya" and the Editorial here compared her to Adiemus. These are fair observations, but they miss the point. Eri has brought vocal layering and the use of an invented language to new heights. And all with with an etheral Oriental ambience. I have heard no music on this side of the globe that even comes close to comparison. I look forward to far more from this exquisetly talented lady.

Average customer rating:

Estella: Kaori Muraji Self Best
Kaori Muraji
Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
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Transformations [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000197LZM
Release Date: 2004-02-21

Tracks:

Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title
Japanese Title

Average customer rating:

A FRESH "NEW" FACE IN CLASSICAL GUITAR

Resplandor De La Guitarra
Kaori Muraji
Manufacturer: Jvc Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000063L5T
Release Date: 2002-04-24

Customer Reviews:

A FRESH "NEW" FACE IN CLASSICAL GUITAR.......2002-05-25

This CD presents the latest work of Kaori Muraji, a 24 year old guitarist from Japan. I discovered her work on a recent trip there. Her interpretation of Rodrigo's "Fantasia para un Gentilhombre" is refreshing, and the recording quality is just fantastic! Although she is new to Amazon.com, she has been recording in Japan since 1993, and has several CD's and a DVD (in Japanese format, unfortunately). I hope that Amazon.com will carry her other CD's. This one is a good companion to her previous CD, "Concierto de Aranjuez," also featuring the music of Joaquin Rodrigo.