Mariko Anraku

On this CD:

1. Sarabanda & Toccata for flute & harp
Composed by Nino Rota
Performed by Mariko Anraku

2. The Swan (from "Carnival of the Animals"), original (for 2 pianos & ensemble) and arrangements
Composed by Camille Saint-Saens
Performed by Mariko Anraku

3. Tango
Composed by Carlos Salzedo
Performed by Mariko Anraku

4. Après un rêve ("Levati sol que luna è levata"), song for voice & piano, Op. 7/1
Composed by Gabriel Faure
Performed by Mariko Anraku

5. Prelude and Allegro for keyboard in A Minor, HWV 576
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Mariko Anraku

6. Sonatine for harp solo, Op 30
Composed by Marcel Tournier
Performed by Mariko Anraku

7. Variations on a Theme in Ancient Style, for harp, Op 30
Composed by Carlos Salzedo
Performed by Mariko Anraku

8. El Cant Dels Ocells for cello & piano
Composed by Pablo Casals
Performed by Mariko Anraku

9. In a Landscape, for piano or harp
Composed by John Cage
Performed by Mariko Anraku

Tracks:

I ere Arabesque
Beau Soir
Berceuse
Entr'acte
En Bateau
Sicilienne Op.78
Andantino
Piece En Forme De Habanera
Meditation
Csardas
Gymnopedie I
Le Fils Des Etoiles
I. The Night
II. Moby Dick
III. Cape Cod
Haro No Umi

Amazon.com

This is mellow in the extreme, practically New Age. As a mood album, it's unbeatable--the combination of flute and harp is ethereal and light, yet also oddly warm. Much of the music is familiar and sounds right in this context. Satie's first Gymnopedie and the Debussy selections take to these instruments easily; indeed, it becomes clear that French music has something about it--and it's not just its "sweetness"--that lends it to these translucent, some might say "wispy," transpositions. The Meditation from Thais, originally for violin, at first sounds a bit anemic, but then one begins to note how simply beautiful the melody is when stripped absolutely bare. The non-French pieces are effective as well, and the CD closes with a piece by Takemitsu, which is wonderfully evocative of similar feelings, but with a Japanese Garden in the moonlight. Flutist Emmanuel Pahud and harpist Mariku Anraku are thoroughly committed to this music and this project, and it comes across. Perhaps not a CD for all times, but when the mood for meditation strikes, this would be nice to have around. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

collaboration and contrast.......2006-12-21

I bought this after buying anonther album by Pahud entitled Paris. I loved his playing which seemed flawless but the selection of music seemed to me to be of the parts of the French repetoire that have a little too much creative confusion and chaos, at least for my present frame of mind. But after on line listening to online bits and pieces from Beau Soir, I took the plunge and I am glad I did.
The pairing with harp accompaniment was an inspired choice in the hands of Mariko Anraku who mangages to avoid the too sweet sound so easily found from the harp. The range of French pieces goes from the almost too well know such as Satie's Gymnopedie No 1 (remember Blood, Sweat, and Tears)to pieces by Nobolot, Monti, and Faure I had never heard but am pleased to have now. The Japanese pieces, especially the Takemitsu, are in a musical langauge that seems very alien to me with little apparent rythmn, notes coming in sequence only becuase the last one was finished. "But we know what we like becuase we like what we know." Perhaps I will grow into those in time.
Regardless, Emmanuel Pahud's playing seems sure and certain and his coordination with his accompanist perfectly done. Perhaps with a fully appreciated selection this would have been five stars. Any way, I certainly give it a full recommendation.

Charming Intermezzo.......2004-03-28

After two heavy-duty releases (the charming recital of Telemann concerti released in 2002, and the fiendishly difficult transcription of the Khatchaturian violin concerto released last year)flutist Emmanuel Pahud takes a little break here with some lovely miniatures arranged for flute and harp. True, the flute and harp repertoire can seem like so much sweet candy, but when in the hands of a masterful artist like Pahud it can be as meaty, and as nourishing, as anything by Bach or Beethoven.
And Pahud is a masterful artist, no mistake about it. The Faure Sicilienne, which can be treacly if overdone, is, on this recital, as poignant and moving to the listener as if he were hearing it for the first time. The Debussy pieces, as well, have the ability to open even the hardest heart, and the oft-heard Meditation from Thais also seems remarkably fresh here.
Of course, Pahud throws in a wild card, which, in this case, is the Takemitsu. But it is not the least bit jarring, it seems to fit in the program perfectly.
The recital ends grandly with the gorgeous "Haro No Umi", which casts its spell, transporting the listener to a dreamy Japanese garden. The only other recording of this of which I know is James Galway's, which was featured on his recording entitled "The Man with the Golden Flute", but, in my opinion, Pahud's is by far superior, raising the piece from kitsch (the spirit with which Galway injects it) to true art.
Pahud is accompanied by Mariku Anraku, who provides excellent support and is a fine harpist in her own right. The pairing seems perfect, and I hope we hear more from her.
All-in-all this is a wonderful getaway album, lovely for daydreaming on a sunny day, or for late night listening. A brief intermezzo between more "serious" projects perhaps, but a welcome one.

Average customer rating:

Music for Harp

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Harmonious Harp
Music for Solo Harp

ASIN: B00012SZ4K
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

Impromptu Op.86
Le Cygne
Gymnopedie No.1/Sonata For Harp
I: MaBig Schnell
II: Lebhaft
III: Lied (Sehr Langsam)
Sonata In C Minor
Sonata In G
Apres Un Reve/Prelude & Toccata In C Minor
Prelude
Toccata
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin
Variations On A Theme In Ancient Style Op.30
Sarabanda
Toccata

Average customer rating:

Bravo

Mariko Anraku

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00002CF1Q
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

Sarabanda e Toccata: Sarabanda
Sarabanda e Toccata: Toccata
Le Cygne
Tango
Tango: Sequidilla
Tango: Bolero
Tango: Rumba
Apres un reve
Prelude And Toccata: Prelude
Prelude And Toccata: Toccata In C Minor
Sonatine, Op. 30: First Movement - Allegrement
Sonatine, Op. 30: Second Movement - Calme et expressif
Sonatine, Op. 30: Third Movement - Fievreusement
Variations sur un Theme dans le Style Ancien, Op. 30
Song Of The Birds
In A Landscape

Customer Reviews:

Bravo.......2000-09-07

Ms. Anraku is a top-notch harpist! Everyone will love this selection of music, from French to Spanish flairs. Beautiful interpretations and technically superb.

Average customer rating:

Mariko Anraku: Harp Recital

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RZD
Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

Impromptu, Op.86
Son in c
Son in g
Son: I. Massig Schnell
Son: II. Lebhaft
Son: III. Lied; Sehr Langsam
Five Prld: I. Quietude
Five Prld: II. Iridescence
Five Prld: III. Introspection
Five Prld: IV. Whirlwind
Five Prld: V. Lamentation
Gymnopedie No.1
La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin

Average customer rating:

The Correct Product Info

Leifur Þórarinsson: Sumarmál

Manufacturer: A.C. Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Customer Reviews:

The Correct Product Info.......2005-07-02

Gudun Oskarsdottir plays the harpsichord and Kolbeinn Bjarnason plays the flute in a recording of works by the Icelandic composer Leifur Porarinsson (1934-1998).

The works on this recording:

1. Sonata per Manuela, for flute (1978)
2. Sonata med "Da" Fantasy, for harpsichord (1987)
3. "Da Fantasy, for harpsichord (1979)
4. Sumarmal, for flute and harpsichord (1978)