AKIRAIFUKUBE.ORG
DISCOGRAPHY

CONCERT WORKS


This page lists official CD releases of Ifukube’s concert works, both live and in the studio. The entries are arranged chronologically by release date (except for reissues, which are grouped together with original editions).

Thanks to Sam Scali for providing the research, information and scans in the Discography. Also, acknowledgements to Larry Tuczynski at www.godzillamonstermusic.com for providing links to his review pages.


AN EVENING OF SPECIAL EFFECTS FILM MUSIC

King Record Co., Ltd./Star Child, Japan (K32X-7034), released 9/5/86 (Stereo)
Second pressing released in 1989 with redesigned obi (below right)

Originally released as a 2-LP set in 1983 (K20G-7169~70), this CD features the premiere live performance of Ifukube’s “Symphonic Fantasia No.1-3” (a concert arrangement of his most famous monster/sci-fi film themes), as well as “Rondo in Burlesque For Japanese Drum and Orchestra” (1972/revised 1983).

Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yasuhiko Shiozawa

Recorded on August 5, 1983

Track Listing and review

The album was later reissued as a bonus disc (GX-6) in the 9-CD boxed set, “Godzilla 50th Anniversary Soundtrack Perfect Collection Volume 5” (GB-5, Toho Music Corporation, Japan, released 1/31/08). This edition more closely replicates the package design of the original LP.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: SALOME

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (LD32-5054), released 9/25/87 (Stereo)
Also released on LP as LB28-5054



Premiere performance of the full ballet score of “Salome” (1948 / revised 1987)

Shinsei Nihon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kazuo Yamada

Recorded on May 5, 1987

Track Listing and review


GREAT RECORDING IN JAPAN SERIES #9

Toshiba-EMI LTD., Japan (CZ30-9017), released 11/25/87 (Stereo)


Originally released on LP in 1968, this album features some of the earliest recordings of “Japanese Rhapsody” (1935), “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943) and “Cantalena Ballabile sul Modo Antico di Giappone (1967).

Tokyo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kazuo Yamada, with Yasuo Abe (guitar)

Recorded in 1968 (Some sources indicate that “Japanese Rhapsody” may have been recorded as early as 1962, but this is unconfirmed)

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new title and artwork as J CLASSIC GREAT RECORDING SERIES 8 on Toshiba-EMI (TOCE-9434), released 4/23/97.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE TRIBUTE CONCERT

Toshiba-EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (LD32-5077), released 6/25/88 (Stereo)

Live concert performances of “Violin Sonata” (1985), “Eclogues After Epos Among Ainu Races” (1956) and “Triptyque Aborigine” (1937), as well as a selection of nine musical vignettes conducted by various composers in honor of Ifukube

Recorded on February 27, 1988 at Suntory Hall, Tokyo

Track Listing and review


YUMI AIKAWA VOCAL RECITAL

Toshiba-EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (LD32-5078), released 6/25/88 (Stereo)

Live performances by soprano Yumi Aikawa of Ifukube’s “Ancient Minstrelsies of Gilyak Tribes” (1946), “Three Lullabies Among the Native Tribes on the Island of Sakhalin” (1949), “Ode: The Sea of Okhotsk” (1958/revised 1988), “A Shanty of the Shiretoko Peninsula” (1959) and “Eclogues After Epos Among Ainu Races” (1956)

Recorded on March 4, 1988

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WORKS FOR ORCHESTRA

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-3222), released 8/25/88 (Stereo)

Studio performances of “Japanese Rhapsody” (1935), “Triptyque Aborigine” (1937) and “Lauda Concertata for Orchestra and Marimba” (1976)

Shinsei Nihon Orchestra conducted by Kazuo Yamada, with Keiko Abe (marimba)

Recorded on May 13, 1980 and May 27, 1986 at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new package design (FOCD-2512) on 11/25/93.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WORKS FOR ORCHESTRA

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-3245), released 4/10/89 (Stereo)

Live performances of “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943), “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979) and “Concerto No.2 for Violin and Orchestra (1978)

The New Symphony Orchestra conducted by Yasushi Akutagawa, with Takeshi Kobayashi (violin)

Recorded on August 8, 1977 (Festival Hall), February 1, 1987 (Suntory Hall) and April 6, 1980 (Tokyo Bunka Kaikan)

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new package design (FOCD-2545) on 3/25/99.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: SYMPHONIC ODE – “GOTAMA THE BUDDHA”

Toshiba-EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (LD32-5105), released 7/5/89 (Stereo)

Live concert featuring the premiere performance of “Symphonic Ode: Gotama the Buddha” (1988/revised 1989) as well as “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983)

Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kazuhiko Komatsu

Recorded on April 8, 1989 at Kanhi Hoken Hall

Track Listing and review

The album was also released in France with different artwork on Les Disques Du Soleil et de L’Acier (DSA-54024) in 1990. Initial quantities were issued in a cardboard digipak, with subsequent pressings packaged in a standard jewel box.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WORKS FOR ORCHESTRA

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-3140), released 8/25/91 (Stereo)

Live performances of “Symphonic Ode: Gotama the Buddha” (1988/89) and “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983)

The New Symphony Orchestra with Choral OMP and Chiba University Philharmonic Chorus, conducted by Maki Ishii

Recorded on January 19, 1991 (Tokyo Geijutsu Gekjo Hall) and November 23, 1984 (Tokyo Bunka Kaikan)

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new title and package design as WORKS BY AKIRA IFUKUBE 1 (FOCD-9086) on 5/25/96.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: 3 CONCERTOS

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-3143), released 12/10/91 (Stereo)

Live performances of “Ritmica Ostinata for Piano and Orchestra” (1961), “Rapsodia Concertante per Violino ed Orchestra” (1948/revised 1971) and “Eglogue Symphonique pour Koto à vingt cordes et Orchestre” (1982)

Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michiyoshi Inoue, with Kazuoki Fuji (piano), Takeshi Kobayashi (violin) and Keiko Nosaka (20-string koto)

Recorded on February 10, 1983 at Kanhi Hoken Hall

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new title and package design as WORKS BY AKIRA IFUKUBE 2 (FOCD-9087) on 5/25/96.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WORKS FOR GUITAR AND BAROQUE LUTE

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-3144), released 12/10/91 (Stereo)
Also released on LP as FONC-5059

Studio performances of “Toka, Cantilena Ballabile sul Mode Antico di Giappone” (1967), “Toccata per Chitarra” (1970) and “Fantasia for Baroque Lute” (1980)

Yoh Nishimura (guitar) and Deborah Minken (baroque lute)

Recorded on March 26, 1985 and April 9, 1985 at St. Gregorian House, Betty 2nd Studio

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new title and package design as WORKS BY AKIRA IFUKUBE 3 (FOCD-9088) on 5/25/96.


Track Listing and review


THE WORLD OF AKIRA IFUKUBE

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (TYCY-5217~18), released 3/18/92 (Stereo)


This 2-CD set features an acclaimed 1991 concert performance that heralded Ifukube’s return to film scoring. The centerpiece is the premiere of the 4th movement of “Symphonic Fantasia” titled “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah”, based on music from the film of the same name (which opened in Japan the next day). The set also includes performances of “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979), “Hommage à Akira Ifukube” (a nine-part tribute arranged and conducted by various composers) and “The Drumming of Japan” (1951/revised 1984), a reworking of an early ballet with nine other composers as percussionists.

“Symphonic Fantasia No. 4” and “Sinfonia Tapkaara” were conducted by Maki Ishii, “Hommage à Akira Ifukube” was conducted by Hajime Harada, Maki Ishii, Riichiro Manabe, Shigueyuki Imai, Teizo Matsumura, Minora Miki, Sei Ikeno and Toshiro Mayuzumi, and “The Drumming of Japan” was conducted by Akira Ifukube.

Recorded on December 13, 1991

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE & KEIKO NOSAKA: SYMPHONIC EGOLOGUE

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (TYCY-5296), released 3/10/93 (Stereo)



This CD features a live performance of “Eglogue Symphonique pour Koto à Vingt cordes et Orchestre” (1982) and a studio recording of “Mono-Yu-Mai for Solo 20-String Koto” (1979), both performed by koto virtuoso Keiko Nosaka.

“Eglogue Symphonique” was recorded on July 17, 1993 and conducted by Sei Shotogi. “Mono-Yu-Mai” was recorded on November 26, 1993 at Cherry Island Studio.

Track Listing and review


GODZILLA SYMPHONIC FANTASIA - LIVE 1987

VAP Inc., Japan (VPCD-81036~7), released 12/1/93 (Stereo)

Initial quantities included a commemorative obi celebrating Godzilla’s 40th Anniversary, while later pressings (below right) saluted Ifukube’s 50th year as a film composer.

This 2-CD set features live performances of “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1-3” (1983), “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979), “Rondo in Burlesque For Japanese Drum and Orchestra” (1972/revised 1983) and “Salome” (1948/revised 1987), as well as a two-part spoken presentation by Ifukube.

Recorded on September 13, 1987

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: CHAMBER MUSIC

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (TYCY-5369~70), released 1/19/94 (Stereo)

2-CD set featuring live performances of “Piano Suite” (1933), “Violin Sonata” (1985), “The Sea of Okhotsk” (1988), “Kugoka, Aria Concertata di Kugo-Arpa” (1969/revised 1989), “The Lake Kimtaankamuito” (1992) and “Triptyque Aborigine” (1937)

Recorded on May 1, 1993 at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: SYMPHONIC FANTASIA

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (YMCC-0001), released 3/30/94 (Stereo)

Limited edition bonus CD featuring concert performances of “Symphonic Fantasia No.1-3” (1983) and “Rondo in Burlesque For Japanese Drum and Orchestra” (1972/revised 1983). Available only as a special premium for customers who redeemed proof-of-purchase coupons from all 20 volumes of the “Godzilla Great Collection” 40th Anniversary CD set (or combined them with coupons from select Futureland Ifukube releases such as Chamber Music, above)

The Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maki Ishii

Recorded on June 28, 1984 at The Hokkaido Pensioner’s Great Hall

Track Listing and review


GODZILLA 40TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPHONIC CONCERT

SLC, Inc., Japan (SLCS-5029), released 10/21/94 (Stereo)



Commemorative concert featuring “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1-3” (1983) as well as orchestral arrangements of some of Ifukube’s Godzilla film themes, performed by the Osaka Sinfonica and conducted by fellow “Godzilla” composer, Masaru Sato

Recorded on November 23, 1993 at Itami Bunka Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: KUSHIRO MARSHLAND

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-9057), released 5/25/94 (Stereo)
Sealed copies usually display reverse side of booklet (below right)

This recording was originally commissioned as a soundtrack to a 1993 documentary about the Kushiro Marshland wildlife sanctuary in Hokkaido, Japan. Its first CD appearance was on the Toshiba-Futureland label (TYCY-5371), together with another Ifukube documentary score titled “Dozoku no Ranjo”, but due to copyright issues it was quickly withdrawn from the market (see the SOUNDTRACK COMPILATIONS section for details on the Futureland CD). The Fontec edition repackages the score as a concert work titled “Kushiro Marshland - Symphonic Tableaux”, though it is the same recording as the soundtrack release.

Shinsei Nihon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Naoto Otomo

Recorded on October 20, 1993

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: 80TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE SYMPHONY

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (TYCY-5324~25), released 3/29/95 (Stereo)

2-CD set featuring live performances of “Lauda Concertata for Orchestra and Marimba” (1976), “Japanese Rhapsody” (1935), “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943), “Japanese Suite For Orchestra” (1991), “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979) and “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983), released to commemorate Ifukube’s 80th birthday

The New Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maki Ishii, Kazuhiro Koizumi, Kouichiro Harada and Kenichiro Kobayashi

Recorded between September 7, 1993 and October 10, 1994 at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, The Tokyo Fine Arts Theater and The Tokyo Culture Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: ANTHOLOGY OF VOX PRINCIPAL WORKS

Camerata Tokyo, Inc., Japan (30CM-391~2), released 6/21/95 (Stereo)

2-CD set featuring studio recordings by soprano Yumi Aikawa (accompanied by koto virtuoso Keiko Nosaka and other musicians) performing Ifukube’s “Ancient Minstrelsies of the Gilyak Tribes” (1946), “Three Lullabies Among the Native Tribes on the Island of Sakhalin” (1949), “Eclogues After Epos Among Ainu Races” (1956), two versions of “The Lake Kimtaankamuito” (1992), “A Shanty of the Shiretoko Peninsula” (1959), “Ode: The Sea of Okhotsk” (1958/revised 1988) and the premiere of “Five Poems after Inaba Manyo” (1994)

Yumi Aikawa (soprano), Ikuko Endo (piano), Koya Nakatani (timpani), Yuki Hyakutake (viola),Mari Kimura (harp), Muneo Tozawa (bassoon), Shu Yoshida (contrabass) Masami Nakagawa (alto-flute) and Keiko Nosaka (25-string koto)

Recorded on February 1, 1995 at Chichibu Myuzu Park Ongakudo, and February 27 & 28, 1995 at Oizumi Bunka-Mura

Track Listing and review

The album was reissued with a new package design (20CM-641~2) on 9/25/01 with two new live recordings, “Ao Saghi (Airone Grigio)” (2000) and “La Fontane Sacrèe” (1964/2000). The latter piece is an arrangement of “The Sacred Fountain”, a song that originally appeared on the soundtrack of the 1964 film “Mothra vs. Godzilla”, (aka “Godzilla vs. the Thing”).

Additional musicians: Tomoko Okada (piano), Masaru Yoshida (bassoon), Thomas Indermühle (oboe) and Iwahisa Kuroki (contrabass)

Live performances recorded on October 28, 2000 at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 1: TAN – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd./Firebird, Japan (KICC 175), released 11/22/95 (Stereo)


Studio recordings of “Japanese Rhapsody” (1935), “Triptyque Aborigine” (1937) and “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943)

Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jyun’ichi Hirokami

Recorded on August 22-24 & 29-31, and September 1, 1995 at Session Suginami Hall, Tokyo

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 2: KYO – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd./Firebird, Japan (KICC 176), released 11/22/95 (Stereo)


Studio recordings of “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979) and “Japanese Suite for Orchestra” (1991)

Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jyun’ichi Hirokami

Recorded on August 22-24 & 29-31, and September 1, 1995 at Session Suginami Hall, Tokyo

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 3: MAI – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd./Firebird, Japan (KICC 177), released 11/22/95 (Stereo)


Studio recordings of “Salome” (1948/revised 1987) and “Prelude Du Soldat” (1944)

Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jyun’ichi Hirokami

Recorded on August 22-24 & 29-31, and September 1, 1995 at Session Suginami Hall, Tokyo

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 4: CYU – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd./Firebird, Japan (KICC 178), released 11/22/95 (Stereo)

Studio recordings of “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1-3” (1983) and “Rondo in Burlesque For Japanese Drum and Orchestra” (1972/revised 1983)

Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jyun’ichi Hirokami

Recorded on August 22-24 & 29-31, and September 1, 1995 at Session Suginami Hall, Tokyo

Track Listing and review

The same recording of “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1-3” was later repackaged by King Records (without “Rondo in Burlesque”) as A TRIBUTE TO GODZILLA: AKIRA IFUKUBE SYMPHONIC FANTASIA COMPLETE (KICS-775), released on 12/23/99.

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: PROFILE OF A COMPOSER

Fontec Records, Japan (FOCD-3292), released 12/25/95 (Stereo)

Live performances of “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979) and the premiereof “Japanese Suite for Orchestra” (1991), commissioned by The Suntory Music Foundation

New Japan Philharmonic, conducted by Michiyoshi Inoue

Recorded on September 17, 1991 at Suntory Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE & KEIKO NOSAKA: ANTHOLOGIE
DE LA MUSIQUE POUR KOTO A VINGT CORDES

Toshiba EMI LTD./Futureland, Japan (TYCY-5488), released 3/27/96 (Stereo)

Studio recordings of “Toka, Cantilena Ballabile sul Mode Antico di Giappone” (1967), “Toccata; pour Koto à vingt-cinq cordes” (koto version of “Toccata per Chitarra”, 1970), “Japanese Suite” (1991), “Gen-ka; Fantasie pour Koto à vingt-cinq cordes (koto version of “Fantasia for Baroque Lute”, 1980) and “Mono-Yu-Mai for Solo 20-String Koto” (1979)

Keiko Nosaka (koto dessus), accompanied by Yukari Satoh (koto basse)

Recorded on May 24, 1995, September 1, 1995 and January 29, 1996

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 5: RAKU – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd./Firebird, Japan (KICC 179), released 10/22/97 (Stereo)


Studio recordings of “Symphony Concertante for Piano and Orchestra” (1941) and “Rapsodia Concertante per Violino ed Orchestra” (1948/revised 1971)

Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Naoto Otomo and Jyun’ichi Hirokami, with Izumi Tateno (piano) and Tsugio Tokunaga (violin)

Recorded on August 18-20, 1997 at Fuchu-no Mori Theater Dream Hall

Track Listing and review


BINTATARA: SELECTED WORKS OF AKIRA IFUKUBE
“A New Aspect of Japanese Contemporary Music – 15”

Camerata Tokyo, Inc., Japan (28CM-290), released 8/25/98 (Stereo)

Studio performances of “Mono Yu Mai” (1979), “Violin Sonata” (1985), “Three Lullabies Among the Native Tribes on The Island of Sakhalin” (1949) and “Bintatara” (1973)

Pro Musica Nipponia conducted by Takuo Tamura, with Keiko Nosaka (20-string koto), Takeshi Kobayashi (violin), Yuko Umemura (piano), Kyoko Hirata (soprano) and Naoyuki Inoue (piano)

Recorded on October 27, 1980, July 7, 1988, March 9 & 10, 1974 and February 23, 1981, at Iruma-shi Shimin Kaikan

Track Listing and review


GODZILLA (BRASS BAND SYMPHONY)

Victor Entertainment, Inc., Japan (VICG-60200), released 4/21/99 (Stereo)

Brass band arrangements of excerpts from “Symphonic Fantasia” No. 1,2,3 (1983) and “Rondo In Burlesque For Wa-daiko and Band” (1972/revised 1983)

Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra conducted by Yasuhiko Shiozawa, supervised by Akira Ifukube

Recorded on February 16, 1999 at Niiza City Hall (Saitama)

Track Listing and review


PIPA XING: WORKS OF AKIRA IFUKUBE / KEIKO NOSAKA

Camerata Tokyo Inc., Japan (28CM-558), released 10/25/99 (Stereo)

Studio recordings of “Pipa Xing” (1999), “Koga, Chant de Serinde” (1997) and Kugoka, Aria Concertata di Kugo-Arpa (1969/revised 1989)

Keiko Nosaka, 25-string koto

Recorded on August 11, 1999 and July 10, 1998 at Makioka Arts Hall, Yamanashi, Japan

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE'S 88TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

King Record Co., Ltd., Japan (KICC 377/8), released 8/22/02 (Stereo)

2-CD set featuring live recordings of “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979) “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983), “Yottsu-no-Mai” (Four Dances, 2002) and “Ancient Minstrelsies of Gilyak Tribes” (1946)

The New Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maki Ishii

Recorded on May 19, 2002 at Kioi Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: VIOLIN SONATA / JAPANESE SUITE / PIANO
SUITE

Mittenwald, Japan (MTWD99009), released 11/29/02 (Stereo)

Studio performances of “Violin Sonata” (1985), “Japanese Suite for String Orchestra” (1998) and “Piano Suite” (1933)

Masayuki Kino (violin), Mami Kino (piano), Yoko Hori (piano) and String Ensemble Endless, conducted by Toshiyuki Uzuka

Recorded on August 30, 2002, October 14, 1998 and October 12, 1990

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 6: A – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd., Japan (KICC 439), released 11/27/03 (Stereo)

Studio recordings of “Ballet ‘Drumming in Japan’ Jakomoko Janko” (1951/revised 1984) “Eglogue Symphonique pour Kito à vingt cordes et Orchestre” (1982) and “Oberture Festiva ‘Sa Bago Filipinas’” (1944)

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Tesuji Honna, with Keiko Nosaka (20-string koto)

Recorded on August 25 & 26, 2003 at Katsushika Symphony Hills, Mozart Hall and September 8 & 9, 2003 at Aprico-Large Hall

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 7: GEN – AKIRA IFUKUBE
ORCHESTRAL WORKS

King Record Co., Ltd., Japan (KICC 440), released 11/27/03 (Stereo)

Studio recordings of “Symphonic Fantasia No. 4: ‘Godzilla Vs. King Ghidora’” (1991) and “Symphonic Suite: ‘The Little Prince and the 8-Headed Dragon” (1963/revised 2003)

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tesuji Honna, with Chor June (Jun Koda, chorusmaster) and Mariko Yumita (contralto)

Recorded on August 25 & 26, 2003 at Katsushika Symphony Hills, Mozart Hall and September 8 & 9, 2003 at Aprico-Large Hall

Track Listing and review

The album was also issued in the DVD-Audio format with a new title and package design as AKIRA IFUKUBE ORCHESTRAL WORKS (KIAW-15) in 2004.


Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WORKS FOR GUITAR

Mittenwald, Japan (MTWD99019), released 2/1/04 (Stereo)

Guitar arrangements of “Toka, Cantilena Ballabile sul Mode Antico di Giappone” (1967), “Kugoka, Aria Concertata di Kugo-Arpa” (1969), “Toccata per Chittara” (1970), “Koga, chant de sérinde” (1997) and “Japanese Suite” (1933)

Kohiro Sasozaki (guitar), with Danroku (guitar ensemble)

Recorded on October 1, 2003 and September 24, 2003

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 8: ZYU – AKIRA IFUKUBE
90TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

King Record Co., Ltd., Japan (KICC 469-470), released 11/3/04 (Stereo)

2-CD set featuring live concert recordings of “Oberture Festiva ‘Sa Bago Filipinas’” (1944), “Japanese Rhapsody” (1935), “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983), “Symphonic Ode ‘Gotama The Buddha’” (1989) and “Sinfonia Tapkaara (3rd Movement)” (1954/revised 1979)

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Tesuji Honna, with the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, Chor Jun, 90th Birthday Festival Chorus (Jun Koda, chorusmaster) and Masayuki Kino (concertmaster)

Recorded on May 21, 2004 at Suntory Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WIND INSTRUMENT MUSIC COLLECTION

King Record Co., Ltd., Japan (KICC 531), released 4/27/05 (Stereo)

This CD features the premiere commercial recording of “Kishi Mai” (1944), as well as “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943), Sinfonia Tapkaara (1954/revised 1979) and “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1 (1983).

Ground Defense Group Central Music Band, conducted by Zuyotomo Nonaka

Recorded on January 20 & 25, 2005

Track Listing and review


DUO UEDA PLAYS AKIRA IFUKUBE

Sakura Sound, Japan (SSEC-3105), released June, 2005 (Stereo)

Acoustic guitar arrangements of “Japanese Suite” (1991), “Toccata Per Chitarra” (1970), “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943), “Tôka Cantilena Ballabile sul Mode Antico di Giappone” (1967), “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983) and “La Fontaine Sacrée” (1964)

Duo Ueda (Eiji and Chiyo Ueda), guitars

Recorded on March, 2005 at Studio Genesis, Kyoto

Track Listing and review


DANCE OF THE SEVEN VEILS: A BALLET BASED ON ‘SALOME’

Camerata Tokyo, Inc., Japan (CMCD-28096), released 11/20/05 (Stereo)

Koto arrangements of “Ballet: ’Salome’” (1948/revised 1987) and “Toka, Cantilena Ballabile sul Mode Antico di Giappone” (1967)

Keiko Nosaka, 25-string koto

Recorded on July 27 & 28, 2005

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: SINFONIA TAPKAARA / RITMICA OSTINATA /
SYMPHONIC FANTASIA NO. 1


Naxos Rights International, Ltd., Hong Kong (8.557587J), released November, 2004 (Stereo)
Sold in Japan with custom obi (below right)

Studio recordings of “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979), “Ritmica Ostinata” (1961) and Symphonic Fantasia No. 1 (1983)

Russian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dmitry Yablonski, with Ekaterina Saranceva (piano)

Recorded on May 3 -12, 2004 at Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Co., Moscow

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: GUITAR TRANSCRIPTIONS

Mittenwald, Japan (MTWD99027), released 8/1/06 (Stereo)

Guitar arrangements of “Ballata Sinfonica” (1943), “Toccata per Chittara” (1970), “Kugoka, Aria Concertata di Kugo-Arpa” (1969), “Fantasia for Baroque Lute” (1980) and two versions of “Santa Maria”, from Ifukube’s film score for “Lady Ogin” (1978)

Kohiro Sasozaki and Hiromi Omiya, guitars

Recorded on August 1 & 2, 2005 and February 28, 2006

Track Listing and review


THE ARTISTRY OF AKIRA IFUKUBE 9: SAI – AKIRA IFUKUBE
MUSIC FESTIVAL LIVE

King Record Co., Ltd., Japan (KICC 662-63), released 6/27/07 (Stereo)

2-CD set featuring concert performances of “Symphonic Fantasia No. 1” (1983), “March Fantasia for Orchestra” (1999/revised 2007), “Japanese Suite for Orchestra” (1934/revised 1991) and “Sinfonia Tapkaara” (1954/revised 1979), as well as symphonic arrangements of film themes from “Snow Trail” (1947), “Zatoichi” (1962), “The Harp of Burma” (1956) and “The Little Prince and the 8-Headed Dragon” (1963)

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tesuji Honna

Recorded on May 4, 2007 at Suntory Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: VIOLIN CONCERTOS

Mittenwald, Japan (MTWD99028), released 3/16/08 (Stereo)

Solo violin and piano arrangements of “Rapsodia Concertante per Violino ed Orchestra” (1948/ revised 1971) and “Concerto No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra”. (1978)

Hisaya Sato (violin) and Masaru Okada (piano)

Recorded on June 5, 2006 at Chichibu Musepark Hall

Track Listing and review


AKIRA IFUKUBE: WORKS FOR PIANO, VOLUME 1

Raison, Japan (ZMM-0812), released 12/12/08 (Stereo)

Studio recordings of “Piano Suite” (1933), “Fire of Prometheus: Joy of Fire for Two Pianos and Four Hands” (1950, world premiere recording) and “Deux Caracteres for Violin and Piano” (1955/1961, world premiere recording), as well as a live performance of “Ritmica Ostinata for Piano and Orchestra” (1961)

Tochigi-ken Symphony Orchestra conducted by Masaaki Hayakawa, with Reiko Yamada (piano), Patrick Godon (piano) and Shigetoshi Yamada (violin)

Recorded on June 18, 2006 at Utsunomiya Bunka Kaikan, and August 20 & 22, 2008 at Nichols Concert Hall

Track Listing and review


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