Nº 19 CURTAIN CALL – haruka nakamura

“Mournful and yet grand is the destiny of the artist.”

First unveiled in the early spring of 2016, CURTAIN CALL was premiered via a NHK BS program Gaudi’s Will – Sagrada Familia, the dream for 100 years to a nationwide audience in Japan.

The title track CURTAIN CALL is recorded with the haruka nakamura PIANO ENSEMBLE formation, the same lineup from his last album Ongaku No Aru Fuukei which consists of ARAKI Shin (Saxophone), Akira Uchida (Saxophone), Rie Nemoto (Violins) and Isao Saito (Drums). In addition, the recording features the angelic lead vocals of 14-year old prodigy Urara, who was discovered by haruka nakamura during his time as a producer for acclaimed Japanese artist Miu Sakamoto. Urara possesses a remarkable voice in the purest form, an instrument that expresses a range of fragile vocal textures and emotional shadings rare for her young age. The ensemble is also joined by 9-piece female choir CANTUS along with new members Norimasa Sakanoshita (Guitar) and Ami Misawa (Cello).

CURTAIN CALL looks back at a far-off past and long-lost landscapes; an elegiac mood showing a human spirit a sense of renewal which has displaced sorrow. In the quietest passage of the movement, the melody sung by Urara is the spiritual heart of the work. Consciously exercising restraint, haruka nakamura uses only a handful of musical elements (Acoustic Guitar, Solo Piano, Sampling and Horn arrangement by ARAKI Shin) in each subsequent renditions of the main track to allow the spotlight to shine on the melody. CURTAIN CALL is a journey, a transition and a continuity in sound in haruka nakamura’s rich and sonorous world.

*Due to licensing restriction, this release will not be available on all digital formats outside of Japan.

CREDIT

haruka nakamura – Piano
ARAKI Shin – Saxophone & Flute
Akira Uchida – Soprano Saxophone
Rie Nemoto – Violin
Isao Saito – Drums
CANTUS – Chrous
Urara – Vocals
Sakanoshita Norimasa – Guitar
Ami Misawa – Cello