Yoshikazu Mera is known for his vocal freedom across a wide range, roughly from E to high A in the counter-tenor register.
Recording & Production
This recording features Yoshikazu Mera collaborating with Masaaki Suzuki and his Bach Collegium Japan, an ensemble known for its 'authentic' performance practice.
Performer Biography
Yoshikazu Mera, Japan's leading counter-tenor, won the highest prize at the 1994 Early Music Competition and third prize at the 1995 Sogakudo Japanese Lied Competition.
Performer Biography
The Bach Collegium Japan (BCJ) was founded in 1990 by Masaaki Suzuki, who remains its music director, to introduce Japanese audiences to Baroque works on period instruments.
Performer Biography
Yoshikazu Mera is a versatile artist, singing a wide range of repertoire from German Lieder to Negro spirituals, and even the theme song for the film 'Princess Mononoke'.
Performer Biography
Masaaki Suzuki, the conductor, began playing the organ for church services at age 12 and studied harpsichord and organ at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam.
Historical Context
The counter-tenor voice has established itself as the 'true' alto voice of the Baroque period, thanks to the efforts of musicians like Alfred Deller, who revived the tradition of high male voices.
