Symphony 'Inno Meiji' - Kosaku Yamada

Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra conducted by Takuo Yuasa. Yumiko Mizoiri (hichiriki)

The Symphony 'Inno Meiji' had its première in Tokyo on 1 May 1921, with the composer himself conducting a provisionally assembled orchestra. The work was often performed in Japan until World War II, as well as in Berlin, London and Moscow, as one of Yamada's masterpieces. There exist 78 rpm recordings of Yamada conducting the Berlin Philharmonic.

This single-movement epic work depicts Japanese history from the 1850s, when Japan was in confusion as to whether to open the country or to remain in isolation, to the early twentieth century, when the country was drastically westernised. It is a symphonic poem rather than a symphony, although it evokes the first or the last movement of the traditional symphony, in that it is in sonata form, where two themes expressing Japanese civilisation and Western civilisation respectively, conflict and harmonize. 'Meiji' of the title denotes the Meiji Period (1868-1912), during which Emperor Meiji ruled over Japan.

For Yamada, who was one of the most important composers in Japan and who adored Richard Strauss, the great composer of symphonic poems, it was an inevitable task to depict Japanese history in orchestral music. The instrumentation consists of triple winds with additional percussion, including hichiriki and other Asian instruments.

Picture: "Illustration of an Explosion from a Torpedo in the Sumida River During a Festival with Boat Races" (1881) by the Japanese artist Toyohara Chikanobu.

[GussyBaka]

epic TNO jushin coup end of the yokusankai moment

[DavidA-psqr]

This has to be the best so far from Yamada. It's an appealing work with some fine orchestration. I also enjoy the lengths of this composers' works, never too long. He manages to intensify his music into subtle sections, that fully extend the creativity of his ideas. Very clever.

[bobhourigan]

This work is a real gem. I found myself simply closing my eyes and letting the music just carry me along. Thks so much for the upload.

[bowerdw]

Seems like a rather peaceful work. My poor recollection of the time was about tension. Such a peace may have been comforting to concerned listeners.

[tkengathegrateful]

Starting around 7:30, I hear a lot of Phillip Glass in the orchestration and thematic use. If Glass had traveled back in time 40 or so years.

[DottoreSM]

what's the instrument at the start??