Haruna Miyake + Yuji Takahashi “Ichimen Nanohana”

Haruna Miyake + Yuji Takahashi
Ichimen Nanohana
ALM Records (Japan) 1983
AL-7007 (LP) w/obi(spots.)
sleeve : VG+(spots.)
media : VG+/VG+(light surface noises caused by slightly hairlines.)

Yuji Takahashi, a contemporary musician/composer/pianist who studied music theory under Iannis Xenakis and is active internationally alongside Toshi Ichiyanagi and Toru Takemitsu. This is a masterpiece piano duo album released in 1983, recorded at Nova Hall in Tsukuba Gakuen City with Haruna Miyake, a female pianist who shows her talent in a wide range of fields from music for children to music for adults. As the subtitle of the album says, "The Unknown Sound of a Song You Know and the Nostalgic Sound of a Song You Hear for the First Time," the duo played their original scores, as well as pieces from Ryuichi Sakamoto and Sanbun Opera, using toy piano, harmonium, wooden fish, etc., with acoustic piano as the core, as if the album were a single piece of music. A wonderful performance overflowing with cheerful and joyful sounds and melodies as if rape blossoms were blooming. Released on the ALM Records label by Kojima Recordings, the sound quality is also excellent.