Japanese Traditional Music: Koto & Shamisen

This series is one of the most exciting and fascinating that I have come across in a long time. The music was recorded in 1941 in an effort by the Japanese government to document the diversity of its national music. This historical aspect gives a kind of poignancy to the music, recorded at the apex of Japanese power that would crumble within in 4 years. The music is so subtle, so honest, so strange and so beautiful that it is hard to believe that it was recorded at the behest of a brutal, imperialist government. The sophisticated art, theatre, religious, and folk music represented here provides evidence of a Japan far more complex and human than the historical stereotypes. The recording quality, although poor by modern standards, does not interfere with the musical impact. It may even enhance it in some instances. Add to all this that many of these recordings were preserved for posterity on 78's collected by Beate Sirota Gordon, the Jewish Austrian American young woman who wrote women's rights into the modern Japanese constitution at the behest of Douglas McArthur, and you have a wonderful story to go with this marvelous music. Buy it while you can.

I was hoping for more instrumental than vocal music, a general preference of mine, but the disk is enjoyable none the less.

Not having read any promo material before this purchase, I didn't know that it was based on very old recordings that were of a terrible quality. Most songs are hard to hear (not to mention listen to) and there is bad scratching-type noises that one associates with an old gramaphone machine. All in all, I was really disappointed with this and would not recommend anyone buy it. In fact, I haven't ruled out asking for my money back. How much time do I have left?

Same thought as the customer before me: the sound quality is awful. The songs are apparently from very old recordings and background noises really mess up the listenning. This is sad cause I like thoses duet traditionnal songs and melodies but gosh... You really have to hang up to listen the entire CD. Such a shame...

Brand new, great price and fastest delivery ever!! Thank you!!

Deçue: la date de reception prevue non respectee ???Deçue: le boitier du CD etait cassé ???

Très déçu par cet achat sur lequel je comptais beaucoup. L'enregistrement des morceaux est minable, rendant l'écoute désagréable au possible.Un chuintement en bruit de fond limite plus fort que les voix gâche tout