Pianist Miki Aoki, who performs on this album, has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the National Symphony and the London Soloist Chamber Orchestra.
Cultural Impact
Film director Yasujiro Ozu compared film music to Ajinomoto, a Japanese food seasoning, suggesting it subtly enhances the overall flavor of a film.
Notable Performances
The Theme and Nocturne from 'Tokyo Story' were performed by the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra in 2015, 62 years after the film's release and 11 years after the composer's death.
Historical Context
Ozu's preference for "sunny music" in his films was influenced by the repertoire of the Shouchiku Philharmonic Orchestra, which included military marches, polkas, and waltzes.
Composition History
The music on this album was discovered by the composer's son, Tamio Saito, on an old cassette tape and then as original manuscripts in his garage.
Composer Biography
Takanobu Saito, the composer, and film director Yasujiro Ozu shared a common background, both growing up in the Fukasawa district of Tokyo where Japanese poetry and Nagauta were frequently heard.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Yasujiro Ozu, a renowned film director for whom Takanobu Saito composed, preferred the music in his films to be "sunny," even during sad scenes.
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