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Putting Mozart to ShameDate: 12/29/06Writer: kkunurashima Now seeing as you’re reading this, you have probably heard J-music before. Be it J-rock, J-pop, J-metal, Visual Kei, J-hip hop, J-RnB... you get the picture. But what about that all-mysterious genre, classical? The reason we can all classify the aforementioned categories as such is because the artists themselves are from Japan. Have you ever heard of J-classical? If you have, get me, because I sure haven’t. But if we follow the same formula as above, then there were many "J-classical" artists that have made an impact some way or another in 2006.
And speaking of anime, Honey and Clover’s many moving scenes would surely not be as powerful had it not been for the music -at least not to this writer-. When it was cheerful, there was the "ba da da da da-s" and when it was somber, there was melodious background music. The man behind this is Yuzo Hiyashi. Seemingly new to the big leagues, he has a good start.
Unfortunately, I can only name so much and keep this from getting too big. So do yourself a favor and try a little classical music every once in a while -if only for a change of pace-. Let’s make the year J-Classical finally get’s it’s own genre. JMIgnited.com is not affiliated with the artists presented on this website or their representatives. All images are the property of their respective copyright owners. Images are displayed for educational and decorative purposes only under the "fair use" clause. |
One of the biggest names in classical music with ties to Japanese movies and the anime scene is Joe Hisaishi. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, maybe some of these titles will: Hana-Bi, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. Still nothing? The first is a film by the famed Takeshi Kitano and the latter two names are greatly successful animes by Studio Ghibli. Odds are, if you’ve listened to an OST by either Kitano or Studio Ghibli, you’re hearing Hisaishi’s magic. Seeing his popularity soar with each work, he received many many requests all over the world to help with soundtracks -not just the Japanese- and graciously accepted them all. Recently, in October, he released Asian X.T.C a compilation of his work in the Korea, Hong Kong, and China. If you add Japan to the mix, it seems he will be working just as hard in 2007.
Another growing name is Takayuki Hattori. With the Nodame Cantabile dorama just wrapping up this past Christmas in Japan, to say the music was a success would be an understatement. Nodame Cantabile is a story heavily revolving around music, especially the piano and classical music, so to many, it’s success surely came as a surprise to some. The Nodame Cantabile OST skyrocketed to #1 after it’s release, making it the first classical album to do so in Japan. With the animated version set to premier this upcoming season, if this is any indication, J-classical will at least be around for a bit more.
Of course, this article would be nothing without Yoko Kanno. Kanno, a huge name in the anime business, never seems to stop. It’s a good thing her music never loses it’s touch either. Creating music since 1986, 20 years later, she is still at it with her most recent works going towards anime like Oban Star Racers and Ghost In The Shell. Known largerly in part for her contributions to the hit series Cowboy Bebop, she has now become a household name. Dont be surprised if you hear her name again in 2007.
