Ballet “Bugaku” / Mandala Symphonie – Toshiro Mayuzumi – Hiroyuki Iwaki / The NHK Symphony Orchestra* – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

Few recordings capture the restless innovation of post-war Japanese composition like this essential pairing from Toshiro Mayuzumi. With Hiroyuki Iwaki leading the revered NHK Symphony Orchestra, the album unites two of Mayuzumi’s most striking works: the ritualistic Ballet “Bugaku” and the cosmic Mandala Symphonie. “Bugaku” draws on the elegance of ancient Japanese court dance but refracts it through a prism of 20th-century orchestral color, creating a tension between tradition and the avant-garde. The Mandala Symphonie, meanwhile, is a sonic exploration of Buddhist cosmology, swirling with vivid orchestration and spiritual undertones. Mayuzumi’s gift lies in his ability to blend timbral experimentation with emotional resonance, making each piece both challenging and rewarding. The performances here are finely detailed, reflecting the NHK Symphony’s renowned precision and Iwaki’s sensitivity to subtle shifts in mood and intensity. For collectors and adventurous listeners, this album is an invitation to a unique crossroads of East and West, where ancient forms encounter modern sensibilities. It’s a testament to Mayuzumi’s place among the titans of 20th-century music, and an essential addition for those who crave depth and discovery in their vinyl library.

Track List:
– Ballet “Bugaku” –
– Mandala Symphonie –