Mendelssohn / Handel / Bach, J.S. / Strauss, R.: Songs for Counter-Tenor and Orchestra

Featuring

Yoshikazu Mera
Shiego Genda
Masayuki Kino
Hisako Matsui
Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

George Frideric Handel
Richard Strauss
Charles Gounod
Johann Sebastian Bach
Erik Satie
Antonín Dvořák
Edvard Grieg
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Anonymous

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Performer Biography

Yoshikazu Mera, a Japanese countertenor born in 1971, has been described by a German critic as a "phenomenon" with a voice that is "a gift from heaven."

Interpretation

On this album, Yoshikazu Mera has chosen a diverse selection of art songs and arias from various epochs and styles, ranging from the traditional Greensleeves to works by Handel, Bach/Gounod, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Dvořák, and Satie.

Performer Biography

Yoshikazu Mera won the highest prize at the eighth Early Music Competition in 1994 and the third prize at the sixth Sogakudo Japanese Lied Competition in 1995.

Interpretation

Yoshikazu Mera's interpretations are noted for his extraordinary vocal skills and a genuine love of singing, which he uses to create a sense of narrative in the songs he performs.

Performer Biography

Shigeo Genda was appointed conductor of the Japan Shinsei Symphony Orchestra in 1987 and has toured Europe with them, also studying at the Vienna State Opera.

Performer Biography

Shigeo Genda, the conductor, was born in Tokyo in March 1959 and studied conducting at the Tokyo Music College and the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.

Performer Biography

Yoshikazu Mera is known for his versatility, performing a wide range of repertoire from German Lieder and Negro spirituals to musical songs, and even sang the theme song for the film Princess Mononoke.