Yoshimatsu: Symphony No. 4, Trombone Concerto 'Orion Machine'

'The BBC Symphony [Philharmonic] under Sachio Fujioka plays superbly, and given Chandos' nonpareil sound, Yoshimatsu's music lacks for nothing in terms of production or reproduction.' --Fanfare

'Thoughout the disc, the assured playing of the BBC Philharmonic and Sachio Fujioka, like the superbly focussed sound is a pleasure in itself'. --International Record Review

"The BBC Philharmonic tackles all three pieces with virtuosity and panache and the recording captures the full panoply of the Hollywoodstyle orchestration". --BBC Music Magazine

�Impressive works, performances and recording.� --The Guardian on CHAN 9737

�Attractive, semi-ambient sounds and New Age dreaminess are the basis of these two immaculately executed, picturesque and listener-friendly works.� --Classic FM Magazine on CHAN 9838

Yoshimatsu: Symphony No. 3, Saxophone Concerto

Takashi Yoshimatsu (b. 1953) is Chandos's composer in residence, and this is the third release of his music on that label. Yoshimatsu's music has tended to be in direct opposition to the music of Japan's greatest composer, Toru Takemitsu. Yoshimatsu's music is a mixture of tonalities, but tends to have a romantic heart regardless of how far he pushes his ideas. His Saxophone Concerto is a good example. The music has elements of jazz and blues, but Yoshimatsu allows the soloist (Nobuya Sugawa) room to explore newer sonic territory.

The Symphony No. 3 is much more cantankerous and moody, but still retains a melodic, tonal core with hints of American minimalism here and there. This is engaging, interesting music, decidedly more Western than Eastern. Highly recommended. --Paul Cook.