Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
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When compiling Naoko Ikeda: The Graded Collection three years ago, I had the pleasure of selecting the Japanese composer’s best solo piano pieces from more than thirty publications, popular in her homeland and in the USA, but relatively little known here in the UK.
For those wanting more of Naoko Ikeda’s music to follow that Grade 2-5 anthology, as well as fans of her music everywhere, her latest collection from The Willis Music Company is Kanade, and offers “14 Beautiful Piano Solos”. I would suggest that the pieces here would suit Late Intermediate players, around UK Grades 5-6.
Two of these pieces, Foggy Blues and Manhattan Swing, were previously published internationally as single sheets, and I included both in The Graded Collection. The rest are new, with 11 fresh solo compositions, and an arrangement of Bellini’s Vaga luna, che inargenti.
‘To play music’
Introducing her new collection, Ikeda tells us,
“The title I chose for this collection, Kanade, has a simple meaning: ‘to play music’.
The collection features several new lyrical jazz-style pieces… I drew inspiration from the tones and timbres of woodwind instruments and ensembles, such as big bands and Latin orchestras, all of which I love listening to.”
Here’s a list of the included pieces:
- Akatsuki (A New Dawn)
- Summer Sky
- Tale Of The Wind On The Green Hill
- Tokyo Night Blues
- Manhattan Swing
- Improvisation In D Minor
- Kurenai (Deep Red)
- Nocturne In G Major
- Nocturne In E-Flat Major
- Foggy Blues
- Reverie In C Major
- Valse Nostalgique
- Valse Romantique
- Vaga Luna, Che Inargenti
There is an enjoyable variety of music here, with styles ranging from wistful ballads to Parisian waltzes, infectious swing and Latin grooves. All benefit from Ikeda’s gift for contemporary popular harmonies, while some pieces (notably Kutenai and the Nocturne in G major) gently remind us of the composer’s commitment to exploring Japanese culture.
Overall, none of these pieces would be out of place in a Hollywood movie soundtrack, but each tells its own vivid story, and they do so with the panache and pianistic aplomb that characterises Ikeda’s best work.
Standout favourites include the gentle Tale of the Wind on the Green Hill, jazzy Tokyo Night Blues, and sentimental Nocturne in E flat Major. The Bellini arrangement functions as an apt Coda to the collection, its classic melody comfortably at home alongside Ikeda’s own.
The publication
Flowers are an ever-present motif in Ikeda’s publications, and the simple cover of Kanade again references them with subtle, pastel hues. Printed on matt card, this classy welcome leads to a 40-page book printed on soft white paper.
In addition to the opening title page, contents, and the composer’s short Preface, Ikeda has written Performance Notes about each of the pieces, revealing background information about her inspirations and artistic intentions in addition to practical tips and insights to support teachers and players.
As expected, the scores which follow are engraved in The Willis Music Company’s usual house style, meaning that they are well-spaced, clearly presented, and include helpful fingering suggestions throughout.
Closing thoughts
Of the many gifted composers of intermediate piano music today, Naoko Ikeda remains a favourite, and it’s great to welcome this new collection of solo pieces, particularly as it is one of her most consistent and enjoyable yet.
Players who enjoyed Naoko Ikeda: The Graded Collection will find much here to embrace, while those newly discovering the composer from her Foggy Blues (a popular ABRSM Grade 5 choice this year) can purchase this collection with a confident recommendation that it includes a vibrant selection of similarly appealing pieces, and all at around the same level.
In short, Kanade is an easy win, and a very welcome addition to the Naoko Ikeda catalogue!
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