Nobuyuki Tsujii Original Works 2015 album

Nobuyuki Tsujii Works Piano with Orchestra (Maestro! ~ Tsujii Nobuyuki own compositions with orchestra)マエストロ!～辻井伸行 with オーケストラ自作集


The popularity of Nobuyuki Tsujii in Japan is such that he has had two new CDs released in consecutive weeks recently. The Emperor & Coronation --Nobuyuki Tsujii & Orpheus Chamber Orchestra CD was released on January 21 and debuted on Billboard Japan classical chart in third place. And, one week later, we have the arrival of another CD, Nobuyuki Tsujii Works Piano with Orchestra



I don't know how many copies these new CDswill find their way outside Japan -- they are both listed on the U.S. Amazon.  I suspect not many, given the lack of promotions.  But I have gotten my copy of the "Emperor and Coronation" CD last week, and, just today, the "Works" CD,  thanks to the quick work of Japan Amazon.

I think it is fair to say that Nobu's own compositions are notas highly regarded overseas as his piano virtuosity.   I have read some uncharitable comments about Nobu's own works: They are elevator music, jingoistic, simplistic, etc., etc.  Some of the dissenters are Nobu's fans who prefer that he concentrates on classical music.  I share that view in a way, and yet I am glad that Nobu has an additional outlet for his talent, a special dimension in his musical world to channel his energy.  And, when it's all said and done, my bet is that this second CD of his own compositions and arrangements will out-sell the first CD of Mozart and Beethoven music, by far.

Here then are the tracks on this "Piano with Orchestra" CD

1. "Japan now"  BS Asahi TV opening theme    Kousuke Yamashita / Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa    1:37  
2.  Maestro! [movie "Maestro!" ending theme]    Kousuke Yamashita / Yoshida Uchū strings    3:52  
3. Whisper of the river (piano & orchestra version)    Kousuke Yamashita / Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa    5:11  
4. In His Chart [film music][orchestra version]    Tsujii Nobuyuki    4:43  
5. In His Chart, ending [film music]  Tsujii Nobuyuki    3:06  
6. Hayabusa [film music] (piano & orchestra version)    Kousuke Yamashita / Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa    5:12   
7. Tribute to Jeanie (piano & orchestra version)    Kousuke Yamashita / Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa    4:53  
8. Morning in Cortona  (piano & orchestra version)    Kousuke Yamashita / Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa    5:15  
9. House of wind (piano & orchestra version) Tsujii Nobuyuki    4:59  
10. Still, we are alive [elegy for 2011 earthquake/tsunami victims] (piano & orchestra version)    Kousuke Yamashita / Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa    4:47  
11. Maestro! (orchestra version)    Kousuke Yamashita / Yoshida Uchū strings    3:34 
12. Paganini Rhapsody XVIII (Rachmaninoff) [Piano Solo] (arranger: Nobuyuki Tsujii)    Tsujii Nobuyuki    2:50  
13.  Someday My Prince Will Come (Churchill) [Piano Solo] (arranger: Nobuyuki Tsujii) 2:28
14. When You Wish Upon a Star (Harain) [Piano Solo] (arranger: Nobuyuki Tsujii)  1:52

 
I am listening to the CD now, and I can say that it's not likely to change the minds of critics of Nobu's own works. But at the same time, I can appreciate the enthusiasm of Yura of Osaka, one of Nobu's biggest fans in Japan, who posted several tweets in appreciation of it, such as this one

And

Yura is right.  This CD is for the enjoyment of those who appreciate the gentleness and honesty in Nobu's uncomplicated music.  It is perhaps an acquired taste reserved for those who appreciate the minimalism and subtlety in traditional Japanese arts.  There is no grandiosity on these tracks, just quiet beauty.

I am probably one of very few people outside Japan who have kept tab on Nobu's compositions closely, having in my possession copies of all of his CDs, including "Nobuyuki Tsujii Works" issued in  2012, a best seller in Japan.
Objectively, I cannot say that the new CD represents a giant leap from its 2012 predecessor.  In fact, there is only one new composition on the new CD, the music for "Maestro!".  And, forgive me for saying this, the melody of that track, delightful though it is,  sounds quite similar to many others that he composed, to my ear.  As a composer, Tsujii-san is as yet a long way from his proclaimed dream of composing an orchestral work.

At the same time, I can honestly say that this new CD is enjoyable listening.  The gentle sound of Nobu's piano, accompanied by a small orchestra, is pleasing.  The melodies of Nobu's own compositions are earnest and unassuming, just like Nobu himself.   And I do think Nobu's film music career is promising.  Listen to track 6, for example, music that Nobu composed for a 2013 movie about a saga of Japan's space exploration.  I personally think the score has the expansive and epic quality comparable to Hollywood soundtracks.

Some people may especially relish the last three tracks, which are solo piano works performed and arranged by Nobu of time-tested popular pieces. The first is Rachmaninoff's Paganini Rhapsody18th variation, which he performed as encores on the just concluded -- wildly successful -- Nobuyuki Tsujii - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) Japan Tour. The other two are "Some Day my Prince Will Come" and "When you wish upon a star", tracks of which previously appeared on a Wedding Magazine CD in Japan.

So, classical music purists, be warned: this CD is not for you.  For this Nobuyuki Tsujii fan, I am  glad to have this album in my collection.  It will bring sunshine, beauty and harmony to my home.

I believe the recording of this CD took place some time between Nobu's performance with the RLPO in November 2014 and his RLPO Japan Tour last month.  There is footage of the recording session in an Asahi-TV special aired on New Year Day.  As you can see in this still shot, Nobu was enjoying himself during the recording.  I will think of that endearing smile every time I listen to this CD.