Celebrate the extraordinary career of legendary conductor Seiji Ozawa with this comprehensive 11-disc collection, released by Decca Music Group Ltd. in 2010. Spanning over 5 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a testament to Ozawa's unparalleled artistry and his profound impact on the world of classical music. The set features a diverse range of symphonic repertoire, showcasing Ozawa's collaborations with renowned orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Saito Kinen Orchestra, and the NHK Symphony Orchestra.
The album begins with Béla Bartók's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta," followed by his "Concerto for Orchestra." It also includes Hector Berlioz's iconic "Symphonie fantastique" and Maurice Ravel's poignant "Pavane pour une infante défunte." Additionally, the collection features works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Igor Stravinsky, Franz Schubert, and Gustav Mahler, among others. The set also includes Ozawa's own compositions, such as "Ceremonial - An Autumn Ode" and "My Way of Life."
This anniversary edition is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of Seiji Ozawa's musical journey. From his early days with the San Francisco Symphony to his celebrated tenure with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this collection captures the essence of Ozawa's conducting style and his commitment to contemporary music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Ozawa's work, this album is an essential addition to any classical music library.
Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Sz. 106: 1. Andante tranquilloBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Sz. 106: 2. AllegroBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Sz. 106: 3. AdagioBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, Sz. 106: 4. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: 1. Introduzione. Andante non troppo - Allegro vivaceBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: 2. Giuoco della coppie. Allegretto scherzandoBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: 3. Elegia. Andante, non troppoBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: 4. Intermezzo interrotto. AllegrettoBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: 5. Finale. Pesante - PrestoBéla Bartók, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: I. Rêveries – PassionsHector Berlioz, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: II. Un bal. ValseHector Berlioz, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: III. Scène aux champsHector Berlioz, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: IV. Marche au suppliceHector Berlioz, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14: 5. Songe d'une nuit du Sabbat (Larghetto - Allegro - Ronde du Sabbat: Poco meno mosso) - Minus applauseHector Berlioz, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19aMaurice Ravel, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Family Tree - Musical Verses for Young People: Once Upon A TimeToru Takemitsu, Seira Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Family Tree - Musical Verses for Young People: GrandpaToru Takemitsu, Seira Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Family Tree - Musical Verses for Young People: GrandmaToru Takemitsu, Seira Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Family Tree - Musical Verses for Young People: DadToru Takemitsu, Seira Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Family Tree - Musical Verses for Young People: MomToru Takemitsu, Seira Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Family Tree - Musical Verses for Young People: A Distant PlaceToru Takemitsu, Seira Ozawa, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
My Way of Life: I Was Once Asked to Write About "My Way Of Life".Toru Takemitsu, Dwayne Croft, Tokyo Opera Singers, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
My Way of Life: To a Discerning EyeToru Takemitsu, Dwayne Croft, Tokyo Opera Singers, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
My Way of Life: A Human Being Has Its Own Way Of LifeToru Takemitsu, Dwayne Croft, Tokyo Opera Singers, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
My Way of Life: It Is Not Time That Passes OnToru Takemitsu, Dwayne Croft, Tokyo Opera Singers, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Requiem pour orchestre à cordesToru Takemitsu, Saito Kinen Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
AirToru Takemitsu, Aurèle Nicolet
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": I. Allegro maestosoGustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": II. Andante moderatoGustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": III. Scherzo. In ruhig fliessender BewegungGustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IV. Urlicht. O Röschen rot!Gustav Mahler, Marilyn Horne, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: a-d. Im Tempo des Scherzos... Wieder sehr breitGustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: e-f. Maestoso. Sehr zurückhaltend – Wieder zurückhaltend –Gustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: g. Sehr langsam und gedehnt –Gustav Mahler, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: h-i. Aufersteh'n, ja aufersteh'n wirst du (Langsam. Misterioso)Gustav Mahler, Kiri Te Kanawa, Marilyn Horne, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": V. Finale: j-k. O glaube, mein Herz, o glaube (Etwas bewegter)Gustav Mahler, Kiri Te Kanawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Toccata & Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565Johann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Fuga (Ricercata) a 6 vociJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Seiji Ozawa
Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 - Transcription: Hideo Saito: ChaconneJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769 - Orch. Stravinsky: ChoralJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769 - Orch. Stravinsky: Var.I: In canone all'ottavaJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769 - Orch. Stravinsky: Var.II: Alio modo in canone alle quintaJohann Sebastian Bach, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769 - Orch. Stravinsky: Var.III: In canone alla settimaJohann Sebastian Bach, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769 - Orch. Stravinsky: Var.IV: In canone all'ottava per augmentationemJohann Sebastian Bach, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769 - Orch. Stravinsky: Var.V: L'altra sorte del canone al rovescioJohann Sebastian Bach, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Prelude and Fugue in E-Flat Major, BWV 552Johann Sebastian Bach, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
Gloria, FP 177: I. Gloria in excelsis DeoFrancis Poulenc, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver
Gloria, FP 177: II. Laudamus teFrancis Poulenc, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver
Gloria, FP 177: III. Domine DeusFrancis Poulenc, Kathleen Battle, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver
Seiji Ozawa, the renowned Japanese conductor, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Born in Shenyang, China, in 1935, Ozawa's journey began with piano lessons at the age of seven, setting the stage for his illustrious career. He is celebrated for his dynamic interpretations of large-scale Romantic works and his groundbreaking leadership at prestigious orchestras and opera companies worldwide.
Ozawa's tenure as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, spanning nearly three decades, solidified his status as a titan of the classical music scene. Prior to this, he led the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess. His influence extended beyond North America, with notable stints conducting the Vienna New Year's Concert and serving as director of the Vienna State Opera.
In Japan, Ozawa's contributions were equally profound. He founded the Saito Kinen Orchestra and the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, as well as the Tokyo Opera Nomori, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing musical talent and enriching cultural landscapes. Ozawa's legacy endures as a testament to his passion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the art of conducting.