John
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Post by John on Nov 15, 2012 20:40:42 GMT
Jupiter, based on the well known theme from Holst’s Planets Suite, was Ayaka Hirahara’s first single release in 2003, so next year will mark ten years in the industry for her. It was also her most successful and has become her signature song, much like Pokarekare Ana for Hayley Westenra. There are many recordings of it on YouTube but I have chosen this one because the characteristic huge gasp of breath at the opening is a little less audible. ‘Path of Independence’ hadn’t filled me with great enthusiasm for Ayaka’s earlier music but when I saw that there was a compilation ‘Best of’ album, also named Jupiter then I thought I could get that and save the effort and expense of finding her other albums. How wrong I was. As soon as I started listening I was spellbound and knew that I had to get the five albums from which these tracks were drawn. Jupiter has become one of my most played albums in the past few weeks and I listen to it on repeat for hours on end. Ashita, Ayaka’s second single, is one of my favourite tracks. Apart from the title track, the only other classical based song on this album is from Respighi’s Siciliana. The final track is also beautiful. If you plan to buy just one Ayaka Hirahara album, go for Jupiter if you can find it at a sensible price. But be prepared for your plans to change – it is 75 minutes of pure bliss.
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John
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Post by John on Nov 18, 2012 17:44:17 GMT
I had been intending to write next about ‘The Voice’ and ‘4 tsu no L’, but ‘Sora’ turned up on my doorstep a couple of days ago. Whenever I think “Surely it can’t get any better than this,” then I am proved wrong. Throughout my first listen, as each track unfolded I physically gasped and was almost overwhelmed by the beauty of the music and the gentleness in Ayaka’s voice. I have played it many times over this weekend. It is incredible to me that just one track from this album ‘Siciliana’ made its way on to the ‘Best of’ album. Every track is worthy of inclusion. The opening track ‘Voyagers’ is possibly the most upbeat on the album. I love it, but the rest of the album holds more appeal for me. ‘Everyday’ starts with a familiar sounding musical arrangement but then goes off differently. I have failed to find anything on YouTube for the wonderful ‘Gradation’ and the sublime title track ‘Sora’ which comes at the end of the album. You will either have to take my word for it or buy the album to hear for yourself how amazing they are. The basic album is just ten tracks, but I found an Asian edition with three bonus tracks. Jenny, you may be in love with Escolta, but I am falling ever deeper for this Japanese artist.
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Post by nicola on Nov 18, 2012 18:43:43 GMT
I tend to love Japanese artists - it's just having the money! I splashed out for Kanon, but that's a habit I can't get into. The high cost of their CDs really prevent the West from discovering their talent.
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Post by Jenny A on Nov 18, 2012 21:36:30 GMT
Haha! I'll definitely have to get a few of her albums in the future. I'll keep a look out on ebay and amazon. I'm in the same boat, Nicola! It's great if you can find Taiwanese or Korean releases from these artists.
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John
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Post by John on Nov 18, 2012 21:57:05 GMT
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John
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Posts: 802
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Post by John on Nov 23, 2012 19:00:41 GMT
That's it! I now have all eleven of Ayaka Hirahara's albums. 161 tracks and 12 hours play time. Wake me up after Christmas. I wonder when the next one will be coming out.
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John
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Posts: 802
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Post by John on Jan 6, 2013 21:37:05 GMT
Love this song from 'Path of Independence'
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John
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Posts: 802
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Post by John on Apr 4, 2013 19:44:59 GMT
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Post by moodypete on Jun 4, 2013 22:23:11 GMT
I absolutely love Ayaka Hirahara. Based on her first releases, I always saw her as a lower register singer. But wow, after listening to this I'm surprised what a range she has. What is so great about her is that from low to high, she maintains the soul in her voice. Truly a wonderful singer.
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John
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Post by John on Jun 5, 2013 10:59:50 GMT
Hi Pete, welcome to the forum Where are you in the world? I am wondering how you know of Ayaka Hirahara. She seems to be almost unknown in the western world, despite my valiant but inadequate efforts. I like your allusion to the soul in her voice. I must have listened to A-ya more than any other artist over the past year. She is with me both waking and sleeping. John
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Post by moodypete on Jun 5, 2013 14:31:00 GMT
Hi John, Thanks for setting up this nice forum. I live in Toronto. But I lived in Japan (Hiroshima and Osaka) for three years so I've been exposed to alot of Japanese music. But that was more than 10 years ago (ie. before Ayaka Hirahara debuted). I accidentally came across her when I was searching YouTube for the other Ayaka (Iida) who I also like (te wo tsunagou, okaeri). As to why she is unknown in the western world...well I guess are any Japanese singers known (besides say some J-Pop Idol groups like Morning Musume). Anyway, I post youtube links on my facebook page so I like you am doing my part to promote her Thx again for the forum and your great links!
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Post by moodypete on Jun 5, 2013 15:08:00 GMT
BTW John,
I see the NHK version of 明日 (Ashita) is now being blocked which is a shame because it is much better than other versions. I really prefer the cello in the NHK version (played very legato) and doesn't have the harp which I didn't really like the sound of.
Is this version available in any of her CD's/DVD's?
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John
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Post by John on Jun 5, 2013 21:42:20 GMT
Sadly many of A-ya's videos seem to be rather short lived on YouTube (presumably due to reported copyright infringement ) and you probably noticed that some of the links which I posted earlier in this thread are no longer available I love Ashita in all of its forms. <3 There is a rather nice live version on disc 2 of the album 'Doki' released last year, taken from her 2011 concert tour (which I also have on DVD). The harp part is taken by an acoustic guitar, but there is no cello. The instrumental part in the middle is played by two guitars, and towards the end there are some lovely backing vocals from A-ya's sister Aika. BTW, I didn't set up this forum - I just live here. It was created by Nicola and Adam, who run the main Classical Crossover UK website.
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John
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Posts: 802
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Post by John on Jun 5, 2013 21:59:46 GMT
This is the performance I was describing
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Post by moodypete on Oct 3, 2013 21:23:12 GMT
Thx John,
Never could recover the NHK version, but this one is nice:
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Probably you've heard it before. Voice starts a bit weak, but transforms into that dreamy voice that she is famous for. I also find that changes her style to fit the instrumentation very well. She really understands music. Understandable I guess since she is/was a music major in university.
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