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  ProdID: 906 - Mandala symphonyPerformed byToshiro Mayuzumi Product Score: 8.3 
Mandala symphony

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Available : March 2006

The Japanese composer Toshiro Mayuzumi enjoyed a distinguished international reputation on a par with that of Toru Takemitsu. Versatile and prolific, he contributed music for films, the theatre and broadcasts. This recording features two of his most rythmically exciting and exotically scored works from the 1960s, the ballad Bugaku, based on ancient Japanese imperial dance, and the Mandala Symphony, inspired by Buddhist teaching. Symphonic mood was Mayuzumi's first orchestral composition, while the colourful Rumba Rhapsody here recieves what is probably its first ever performance.
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diogenes   Review #1165 - Dated: 31st of March, 2006
  Author: diogenes

Dark, moody, avant garde could be some words used to describe the compositions from Mayuzumi. It is certainly an interesting release. I was unfamiliar with Japanese composers generally, let alone those writing for ballet and orchestral compositions - now Naxos have filled that gap.

The music is unfamiliar to those who listen to more conventional compositions from western composers, and it will take some getting used to before one can get the full benefit and experiance from this music and this composer, and indeed, he is barely known in the west, so for most, getting aquainted with Mayuzumi will be a new exeriance.

The music is bright and clear and abley performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestraton of under the baton of fellow country man, Takuo Yuasa, who not only present an interpretation of Mayuzumi's work, but two new releases that have never before been recorded and a third that is unknown in the west.

The style will take some getting used to for those who are ffamiliar with most western composers, but repeated listening will yeild great pleasures as one finds greater depth to be explored whilst listening to any of Mayuzumi's work. This is one CD that deserves to be played again and again and I guarentee hours of pleasure will be had from this CD.

If you are unfamiliar with any Japanese composers or any orchestral work written by Japanese, buy this. You will be in for a real treat.

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