武満徹 / Oliver Messian
November Steps / Turangalila Symphony
RCA (Japan) 1968
SX-2014~15/ (LP) Original pressing, gatefold sleeve with booklet.
MAT: 1-1-1/1-1-1,1-2-1/1-1-1
sleeve : VG+(color-faded, spots inside.)
media : EX+/EX+,EX+/EX+(some slightly noises, still good.)
This two-disc set features recordings of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under condacted by Seiji Ozawa, performing the historical masterpiece "November Steps" by Toru Takemitsu, one of Japan's greatest composers who transcended the boundaries of contemporary music and took on a variety of experimental compositions, and the "Turangalila Symphony" by Oliver Messian. The highlight of the album is Takemitsu's "November Steps" on side A, featuring shakuhachi by Katsuya Yokoyama and biwa by Nishikushi Tsuruta. The ethereal world created by the shakuhachi and biwa, drifting in a silent space, is in the spirit of the Noh plays established by Zeami. This is one of the most famous pieces of music in the world, with an avant-garde orientation that never feels old. A 24-page booklet with interviews and commentary by the performers, including Toru Takemitsu and Seiji Ozawa, is included inside the spread. This is the first edition with artwork its halation effect and dazzling coloring.
C3: Oliver Messian “Turangalila” D1: Toru Takemitsu “November Steps”