Waka and Other Compositions: Contemporary Music of Japan

This 1960 release is a selection of compositions by Japanese experimental composer Michiko Toyama. The 12 compositions are drawn from traditional Japanese musical forms with additional influence from many of the experimental composers in the West that were active during the twentieth century. Some pieces are sung with instrumental accompaniment; others are spoken poetry. The instrumentation consists of a mix of traditional Japanese and modern Western instruments, including electronic ones. Liner notes include a short biography of Toyama and brief background information on the tracks along with the text of the songs and poems in English and Japanese.

Track Listing

101	Waka (Pt. 1)	Michiko Toyama, Mrs. Beate Gordon	02:52
102	Waka (Pt. 2)	Michiko Toyama, Mrs. Beate Gordon	03:26
103	The Voice of Yamato: The Death of Yakamaro	Michiko Toyama, Juilliard Student Orchestra feat. Miss Rasmussen	03:32
104	The Voice of Yamato: Spring	Michiko Toyama, Juilliard Student Orchestra feat. Miss Rasmussen	01:24
105	The Voice of Yamato: Echo	Michiko Toyama, Juilliard Student Orchestra feat. Miss Rasmussen	02:11
106	The Voice of Yamato: Prayer	Michiko Toyama, Juilliard Student Orchestra feat. Miss Rasmussen	02:27
107	The Voice of Yamato: The Fairy Land of Yamato	Michiko Toyama, Juilliard Student Orchestra feat. Miss Rasmussen	03:02
201	Two Old Folk Songs with Koto: Torianse (Let Us Pass) / Takai Yama Kara (From the High Mountain)	Michiko Toyama, Hana Ito	02:38
202	Aoi No Ue (Princess Hollyhock)	Michiko Toyama	07:09
203	Japanese Suite: Lullaby (Komori Uta)	Juilliard Student Orchestra conducted by Michiko Toyama	03:39
204	Japanese Suite: Esashi Boat Song (Oiwake)	Juilliard Student Orchestra conducted by Michiko Toyama	04:10
205	Japanese Suite: Rice Husking Song (Momihiki Uta)	Juilliard Student Orchestra conducted by Michiko Toyama	02:20