26 September 2013
|
Composer and pianist Yoshiki releases new CD
<em>Yoshiki Classical</em>, the new CD of classical music by internationally renowned composer and pianist Yoshiki, has been called a true labor of love from a talented artist who’s made an impressive mark within the classical and rock genres ...
Yoshiki Classical, the new CD of classical music by internationally renowned composer and pianist Yoshiki, is a true labor of love from a talented artist who’s made an impressive mark within the classical and rock genres.
'I began taking piano lessons and music theory at age four, and became interested in classical works by Beethoven and Schubert' says Yoshiki. 'In elementary school, I played the trumpet in the brass band, and around age ten started composing songs for piano. I’ve been writing classical music ever since. Needless to say, classical music has been a major influence in my musical career, including X Japan. I’m so excited to finally share my classical compositions that are very close to my heart with my fans around the world.'
Yoshiki’s classical music is in the same vein as fellow pianists Jon Lord, Keith Emerson and Rod Argent, as well as Paul McCartney, Ian Anderson and other rock stars who are classically trained and have continued writing classical music throughout their rock careers.
Yoshiki Classical sees one of Asia's most influential musical artists collaborating with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo City Philharmonic Symphony and the Quartet San Francisco.
'Working with George Martin on Tears and Amethyst was such an honor. He obviously has had a remarkable career and produced some of the most important music of the last 50 years.'
Other highlights of Yoshiki Classical include Anniversary, a romantic piano concerto written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the reign of the Emperor of Japan, with the composer as soloist, The Golden Globes Theme, and I’ll Be Your Love, (the theme for the World Expo in Japan).
What Yoshiki created is a beautiful symphonic collection driven by soaring strings, smart piano pieces and the melodic style of his earlier work with bands X Japan and Violet UK. With Yoshiki Classical, Yoshiki is bringing and illuminating the beauty of classical music to rock and pop audiences around the world.
Not only has Yoshiki and X Japan sold 30 million singles and albums combined, and completed several sold-out world tours, Yoshiki’s double album 'Yoshiki Presents Eternal Melody' remains one of Japan's top-selling classical albums.
In July 2010, Yoshiki launched the Yoshiki Foundation America (YFA), 501(c)(3), a California non-profit, which has already helped organizations including The Japanese Red Cross Society, The Grammy Foundation, Make-a-Wish, and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. In addition, Yoshiki had auctioned his Kawai CR-40 Crystal Grand for relief for Japanese earthquake victims, and in 1995, in response to the Kobe earthquake, held an X Japan Christmas Eve charity concert in Osaka, and presented the certifications of new pianos to students whose schools were damaged during the earthquake.
Yoshiki is a Kawai artist and plays several Kawai pianos including a CR-40A Crystal Grand. He also plays a Hamburg Steinway Concert Grand. You can also find Yoshiki on Facebook.
'I began taking piano lessons and music theory at age four, and became interested in classical works by Beethoven and Schubert' says Yoshiki. 'In elementary school, I played the trumpet in the brass band, and around age ten started composing songs for piano. I’ve been writing classical music ever since. Needless to say, classical music has been a major influence in my musical career, including X Japan. I’m so excited to finally share my classical compositions that are very close to my heart with my fans around the world.'
Yoshiki’s classical music is in the same vein as fellow pianists Jon Lord, Keith Emerson and Rod Argent, as well as Paul McCartney, Ian Anderson and other rock stars who are classically trained and have continued writing classical music throughout their rock careers.
Yoshiki Classical sees one of Asia's most influential musical artists collaborating with legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tokyo City Philharmonic Symphony and the Quartet San Francisco.
'Working with George Martin on Tears and Amethyst was such an honor. He obviously has had a remarkable career and produced some of the most important music of the last 50 years.'
Other highlights of Yoshiki Classical include Anniversary, a romantic piano concerto written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the reign of the Emperor of Japan, with the composer as soloist, The Golden Globes Theme, and I’ll Be Your Love, (the theme for the World Expo in Japan).
What Yoshiki created is a beautiful symphonic collection driven by soaring strings, smart piano pieces and the melodic style of his earlier work with bands X Japan and Violet UK. With Yoshiki Classical, Yoshiki is bringing and illuminating the beauty of classical music to rock and pop audiences around the world.
Not only has Yoshiki and X Japan sold 30 million singles and albums combined, and completed several sold-out world tours, Yoshiki’s double album 'Yoshiki Presents Eternal Melody' remains one of Japan's top-selling classical albums.
In July 2010, Yoshiki launched the Yoshiki Foundation America (YFA), 501(c)(3), a California non-profit, which has already helped organizations including The Japanese Red Cross Society, The Grammy Foundation, Make-a-Wish, and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. In addition, Yoshiki had auctioned his Kawai CR-40 Crystal Grand for relief for Japanese earthquake victims, and in 1995, in response to the Kobe earthquake, held an X Japan Christmas Eve charity concert in Osaka, and presented the certifications of new pianos to students whose schools were damaged during the earthquake.
Yoshiki is a Kawai artist and plays several Kawai pianos including a CR-40A Crystal Grand. He also plays a Hamburg Steinway Concert Grand. You can also find Yoshiki on Facebook.
Content continues after advertisements