Shinichi Matsushita
Sinfonia Samgha
Victor (Japan) 1974
SJX-7501~2 (2LP) textured gatefold sleeve.
sleeve : VG+(WD, wear on edge and corner, some color-faded.)
media : EX/EX,EX/EX(some slightly noises.)
This is the 1974 album by Shinichi Matsushita, a modern composer, scholar of religious studies, and world-renowned authority in topological analysis. Matsushita is known for compositions centered on Buddhist themes, including the “Buddha” series. The track “Sinfonia Samgham” in this album is also inspired by Buddhism, focusing on the concept of the samgha—a Sanskrit term for the community of Buddha and his disciples. This grand work, consisting of three movements, features a large ensemble, combining a triple wind orchestra and a diverse percussion section, including large and small drums, stone chimes, wooden clappers, a Buddhist temple bell, along with traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi, shō, and hichiriki. The piece also includes soprano and baritone soloists, mixed chorus, and chanting, creating a panoramic musical narrative. One of Matsushita’s representative works, “Fresque Sonore pour 7 Instruments,” included on Side D, was even conducted by Pierre Boulez with the Berlin Philharmonic.
B: Simphonia Samgha - Second Movement: Sila-Trsna
C: Simphonia Samgha - Third Movement: Nibbana