Original work: Feb 15, 2007
Translation: Aug 5, 2007 ~ Aug 15, 2007
Translation: Aug 5, 2007 ~ Aug 15, 2007
THE PREFACE
I got lots of joys from FictionJunction YUUKA (FJY) this year. The two singles were all very wonderful. Now I think the name “FictionJunction YUUKA” should have spread into every fan’s heart deeply. If listening to more FJY’s songs, then more like FJY.
But did anyone ever thought about this question? Why we so love FJY?
The answer maybe the below:
Yuki Kajiura’s music is very fancifully and including strong her individual style. In the other hand, there is a kind of transparency in YUUKA Nanri’s voice. YUUKA’s voice do, makes Kajiura’s music fine expression. Her voice gets Kajiura’s music together, and nicely.
In my opinion, the mean in “FictionJunction” is that: YUUKA links Kajiura’s fiction; they use their voice and music done a good junction.
[i]“FictionJunction is the name of Yuki Kajiura’s solo project.
“Originally, I have wanted use the name ‘FictionJunction’ when I compose some solos, but now, the real mean had changed: Not only composing for someone, but for fit to my music, then finding and requesting the matched vocalists to sing. That is ‘FictionJunction’ what I meant.”[/i]
Yuki Kajiura said that above.
I got lots of joys from FictionJunction YUUKA (FJY) this year. The two singles were all very wonderful. Now I think the name “FictionJunction YUUKA” should have spread into every fan’s heart deeply. If listening to more FJY’s songs, then more like FJY.
But did anyone ever thought about this question? Why we so love FJY?
The answer maybe the below:
Yuki Kajiura’s music is very fancifully and including strong her individual style. In the other hand, there is a kind of transparency in YUUKA Nanri’s voice. YUUKA’s voice do, makes Kajiura’s music fine expression. Her voice gets Kajiura’s music together, and nicely.
In my opinion, the mean in “FictionJunction” is that: YUUKA links Kajiura’s fiction; they use their voice and music done a good junction.
[i]“FictionJunction is the name of Yuki Kajiura’s solo project.
“Originally, I have wanted use the name ‘FictionJunction’ when I compose some solos, but now, the real mean had changed: Not only composing for someone, but for fit to my music, then finding and requesting the matched vocalists to sing. That is ‘FictionJunction’ what I meant.”[/i]
Yuki Kajiura said that above.
Sep. 22, 2003 THE ORIGIN
The third single, “Wheels of Draw (暁の車)”.
Although it is their third single, this single is their origin. However, the origin is too dazzling. Lots of FJY fans maybe started to love FJY for listened to it. Yet the FJY-lovers became more and more; then got a very very great number.
Kajiura said: [i]“This is such a song which made out FictionJunction YUUKA. I ever thought that let who to sing the song when I composed it; and the singer’s voice must own tragic feeling… then I remembered YUUKA just soon. Then also the name ‘FictionJunction YUUKA’, it was decided after we recorded the song, I remembered. The song was composed for the animation ‘GUNDAM SEED’, and in the animation, the song was used superbly. Say about the so-called ‘singing a tragedy’, and ‘Wheels of Draw’ is a tragic song sure enough.”[/i]
A guitar playing lowly in the beginning, YUUKA’s voice flowed out after it. Then sorrow spreading out of the peaceful feeling. Piano and guitar and the gently sound of distant sands, in our quiet hearts the sadness flood out at last. Song follows and the rhythm turns rapider; over sadness, YUUKA’s voice also becomes more intense. In such an intense atmosphere, the song goes to its sorrowful and rhythmic ending.
Kajiura’s lyric is also very sad. I like the second part best:
“Oh, do not leave me. But no matter how I cry, there are only the orange flowers swaying silently. The memories from your palms which remained on my forehead; now they are playing the endless farewell… (行かないで、どんなに叫んでも、オレンジの花びら、静かに揺れるだけ。柔らかな額に残された、手のひらの記憶遥か、とこしえのさよなら つま弾く…) ”
It makes my heart feeling the most painful when YUUKA sings out “do not leave me”. And this deep pain still remains in my heart when I listen to the song.
Surely, “Wheels of Draw” is their origin; it can be said to their classic too. Although it is an insert song of the animation “GUNDAM SEED”, even listening it no the animation, it is worth you to taste the song deeper.
The third single, “Wheels of Draw (暁の車)”.
Although it is their third single, this single is their origin. However, the origin is too dazzling. Lots of FJY fans maybe started to love FJY for listened to it. Yet the FJY-lovers became more and more; then got a very very great number.
Kajiura said: [i]“This is such a song which made out FictionJunction YUUKA. I ever thought that let who to sing the song when I composed it; and the singer’s voice must own tragic feeling… then I remembered YUUKA just soon. Then also the name ‘FictionJunction YUUKA’, it was decided after we recorded the song, I remembered. The song was composed for the animation ‘GUNDAM SEED’, and in the animation, the song was used superbly. Say about the so-called ‘singing a tragedy’, and ‘Wheels of Draw’ is a tragic song sure enough.”[/i]
A guitar playing lowly in the beginning, YUUKA’s voice flowed out after it. Then sorrow spreading out of the peaceful feeling. Piano and guitar and the gently sound of distant sands, in our quiet hearts the sadness flood out at last. Song follows and the rhythm turns rapider; over sadness, YUUKA’s voice also becomes more intense. In such an intense atmosphere, the song goes to its sorrowful and rhythmic ending.
Kajiura’s lyric is also very sad. I like the second part best:
“Oh, do not leave me. But no matter how I cry, there are only the orange flowers swaying silently. The memories from your palms which remained on my forehead; now they are playing the endless farewell… (行かないで、どんなに叫んでも、オレンジの花びら、静かに揺れるだけ。柔らかな額に残された、手のひらの記憶遥か、とこしえのさよなら つま弾く…) ”
It makes my heart feeling the most painful when YUUKA sings out “do not leave me”. And this deep pain still remains in my heart when I listen to the song.
Surely, “Wheels of Draw” is their origin; it can be said to their classic too. Although it is an insert song of the animation “GUNDAM SEED”, even listening it no the animation, it is worth you to taste the song deeper.
May 8, 2004 THE DIVISION
The first single “Fragments of Eyes + nowhere”.
I can easily hear out Kajiura’s standard style from “Fragments of Eyes”, but I didn’t feel this style in “nowhere”. So I want to talk about “nowhere” at first.
In the beginning of “nowhere”, the song has a full-rhythmic background. The harmonic chorus songs to us the tension. As a heroin in the animation “MADLAX”, the song is her theme song I think. The song made her strong and sturdy and her little hidden baffling expressed perfectly.
In that time, “nowhere” was one of few Kajiura’s off-standard songs. The no-changed rhythm makes us want to dance with it, yet YUUKA’s voice also intoxicates us. There YUUKA’s voice no more sounds with her normal gentleness, but another kind of tenacity in the song.
I love this part especially:
“The gentle tomorrow is guided by the star which I show my whole. So I will go to my shining future all the way… (すべてを見せる星の 導く優しい明日。それより明るい未来へと行くから…)”
There is the part makes me feel the deepest emotion. It’s be worthy of YUUKA’s perfect high-pitched tones!
Compare to “nowhere”, “Fragments of Eyes” has the standard Kajiura-style. I believe all the Kajiura-fans can know who is the composer of the song when they listening to it even in the first time. The singing range in “Fragments of Eyes” is wide, so that YUUKA’s voice also likes fling in the autumn sky freely.
“When someone asks me such as ‘what kind of FJY’s songs are?’ or ‘please pick out the most FJY-like song,’ then I think that it should be this song of course. Like the melody, the arrangement, also the lyric, they are all in my own style, in my mind.” Kajiura said.
Surely this song likes FictionJunction YUUKA’s style. And here, I think I have something about its arrangement. Using flute to as the main melody instrument, and using string instruments to as the harmony; percussion instruments only making out the rhythm lightly, though the rhythm will cover YUUKA’s voice, in whole, its arrangement is very simple. However, the simple arrangement does, makes the great tone colors, and satisfies us. The full-powered Kajiura’s style is wonderful!
“I only want to see you… (貴方にただ会いたくて…)”
I also love this part. Even YUUKA’s voice has disappeared, the flute is still stayed. I can feel the aftertaste flowing long…
It’s the opening theme song of “MADLAX”, yet we can listen to it though we do not know the story of “MADLAX”. For it’s a perfect song, that what are we still want? YUUKA, no, also FJY, all doing like the dazzling crystals!
The first single “Fragments of Eyes + nowhere”.
I can easily hear out Kajiura’s standard style from “Fragments of Eyes”, but I didn’t feel this style in “nowhere”. So I want to talk about “nowhere” at first.
In the beginning of “nowhere”, the song has a full-rhythmic background. The harmonic chorus songs to us the tension. As a heroin in the animation “MADLAX”, the song is her theme song I think. The song made her strong and sturdy and her little hidden baffling expressed perfectly.
In that time, “nowhere” was one of few Kajiura’s off-standard songs. The no-changed rhythm makes us want to dance with it, yet YUUKA’s voice also intoxicates us. There YUUKA’s voice no more sounds with her normal gentleness, but another kind of tenacity in the song.
I love this part especially:
“The gentle tomorrow is guided by the star which I show my whole. So I will go to my shining future all the way… (すべてを見せる星の 導く優しい明日。それより明るい未来へと行くから…)”
There is the part makes me feel the deepest emotion. It’s be worthy of YUUKA’s perfect high-pitched tones!
Compare to “nowhere”, “Fragments of Eyes” has the standard Kajiura-style. I believe all the Kajiura-fans can know who is the composer of the song when they listening to it even in the first time. The singing range in “Fragments of Eyes” is wide, so that YUUKA’s voice also likes fling in the autumn sky freely.
“When someone asks me such as ‘what kind of FJY’s songs are?’ or ‘please pick out the most FJY-like song,’ then I think that it should be this song of course. Like the melody, the arrangement, also the lyric, they are all in my own style, in my mind.” Kajiura said.
Surely this song likes FictionJunction YUUKA’s style. And here, I think I have something about its arrangement. Using flute to as the main melody instrument, and using string instruments to as the harmony; percussion instruments only making out the rhythm lightly, though the rhythm will cover YUUKA’s voice, in whole, its arrangement is very simple. However, the simple arrangement does, makes the great tone colors, and satisfies us. The full-powered Kajiura’s style is wonderful!
“I only want to see you… (貴方にただ会いたくて…)”
I also love this part. Even YUUKA’s voice has disappeared, the flute is still stayed. I can feel the aftertaste flowing long…
It’s the opening theme song of “MADLAX”, yet we can listen to it though we do not know the story of “MADLAX”. For it’s a perfect song, that what are we still want? YUUKA, no, also FJY, all doing like the dazzling crystals!
Jul. 7, 2004 LOOK TOWARD THE HORIZON
Their second single, also the ending theme song of “MADLAX”. This time, there are the two songs: “inside your heart” and “I’m here”. In this single, there is a new feeling. I think it should be the warming which when I am enwrapped by green bubbles. The arrangement is simple but beautiful, also the old tale which sung by YUUKA’s soft voice. The song makes me so imaging: an eternal water-fairy is singing the ballad; I can see the rising soft bubbles from the horizon.
When I watched “MADLAX” in my first time, as “I’m here” was flowing out of the animation, I felt my heart was captured. It has more tensions than “nowhere”. Contrast to our heroin MADLAX’s strength, in this song, her weakness is express.
[i]“What I want is only you, I want to you can embrace me. I am breathing ‘I’m here’ all the time, all the time… Under the moon shine, my sigh is dropping, and my atoning finger fits are waiting. I’m here… (貴方だけでいい 抱きしめて欲しい。私はここよと いつも…いつも…月明かりの夜 滴るため息、贖う指先 待っているの。I'm here…)”[/i]
This melody repeated about 3 times in the song, and then ended it. I love this part best. Some words should be used to tell some important one, such as “I’m here”. Someone speak it quietly, but the endless loneliness spread out soon. Maybe I had something wrong at the very beginning, but no matter how sad, I can do anything only you can stay with me…
Their second single, also the ending theme song of “MADLAX”. This time, there are the two songs: “inside your heart” and “I’m here”. In this single, there is a new feeling. I think it should be the warming which when I am enwrapped by green bubbles. The arrangement is simple but beautiful, also the old tale which sung by YUUKA’s soft voice. The song makes me so imaging: an eternal water-fairy is singing the ballad; I can see the rising soft bubbles from the horizon.
When I watched “MADLAX” in my first time, as “I’m here” was flowing out of the animation, I felt my heart was captured. It has more tensions than “nowhere”. Contrast to our heroin MADLAX’s strength, in this song, her weakness is express.
[i]“What I want is only you, I want to you can embrace me. I am breathing ‘I’m here’ all the time, all the time… Under the moon shine, my sigh is dropping, and my atoning finger fits are waiting. I’m here… (貴方だけでいい 抱きしめて欲しい。私はここよと いつも…いつも…月明かりの夜 滴るため息、贖う指先 待っているの。I'm here…)”[/i]
This melody repeated about 3 times in the song, and then ended it. I love this part best. Some words should be used to tell some important one, such as “I’m here”. Someone speak it quietly, but the endless loneliness spread out soon. Maybe I had something wrong at the very beginning, but no matter how sad, I can do anything only you can stay with me…
Sep. 22, 2005 A HIGHER LEVEL
In fact, I am not very like the animation “GUNDAM SEED” series, but I love its music and songs, they are wonderful. Such as “Fields of Hope”, or “You are the same to me (君は僕に似ている)”, also FJY’s forth single “Door of Flames (焔の扉)”, I love them all.
Even only the prelude sounded very melodiously, and it remained in my mind strongly. The piano pitches dropping heavily, then cello started, at last is the brave violin. Listening to their harmony, like we are also like the fling wind dancing in the red twilight sky. After the yearning furious melody, the rhythm turns to rapider, and reaches our ears.
I think the song is little the same to “Wheels of Dawn”; and “Door of Flames” can makes our heart blazing more than the sadness in “Wheels of Dawn”. From the song, the infinite hopes can over all the sadness, and are realized finally. That, our dreaming of opening the door of fate, must be accumulated till the dream come true too.
[i]“The evening calm passed; the sorrow is watching me quietly now, till that day when I back to my homeland… (過ぎ行く夕凪 悲しみよ今は静かに、私を見守って いつかまた 故里へ帰る、その日まで…)”[/i]
Such the feeling is showed in the song; YUUKA’s song has the same transparency, and the aftertaste can reach to distance too.
Its melody is arranged mainly by piano and cello and violin. I can hear out the instruments clearly, the fusion of harmony also very perfectly. “Door of Flames” shows her new style, resounding in front of us.
In fact, I am not very like the animation “GUNDAM SEED” series, but I love its music and songs, they are wonderful. Such as “Fields of Hope”, or “You are the same to me (君は僕に似ている)”, also FJY’s forth single “Door of Flames (焔の扉)”, I love them all.
Even only the prelude sounded very melodiously, and it remained in my mind strongly. The piano pitches dropping heavily, then cello started, at last is the brave violin. Listening to their harmony, like we are also like the fling wind dancing in the red twilight sky. After the yearning furious melody, the rhythm turns to rapider, and reaches our ears.
I think the song is little the same to “Wheels of Dawn”; and “Door of Flames” can makes our heart blazing more than the sadness in “Wheels of Dawn”. From the song, the infinite hopes can over all the sadness, and are realized finally. That, our dreaming of opening the door of fate, must be accumulated till the dream come true too.
[i]“The evening calm passed; the sorrow is watching me quietly now, till that day when I back to my homeland… (過ぎ行く夕凪 悲しみよ今は静かに、私を見守って いつかまた 故里へ帰る、その日まで…)”[/i]
Such the feeling is showed in the song; YUUKA’s song has the same transparency, and the aftertaste can reach to distance too.
Its melody is arranged mainly by piano and cello and violin. I can hear out the instruments clearly, the fusion of harmony also very perfectly. “Door of Flames” shows her new style, resounding in front of us.
Nov. 23, 2005 THEIR DESTINATION
At last FJY made their first album. In the album there are 6 new songs. So here I will only talk about them.
At last FJY made their first album. In the album there are 6 new songs. So here I will only talk about them.
Track.2 destination
I was really shocked when I listened to the song first time. As the song which has a same name to this album, but the song was not composed in the normal Kajiura-style. However, the atmosphere in the song is very wonderful. Well, now we are talking here, the atmospheres of the song and of the album jacket have the same feeling, don’t you think so?
After the prelude with the soft playing by percussion instruments, YUUKA’s melody makes me such an image: under the gray winter sky, the dark, low clouds are flowing slowly. Then, what came over all the freeze is nothing but YUUKA’s singing voice. Every thing in the past has disappeared, and now, what we are searching is the tale which never told by anyone. Maybe we ourselves are the tale itself; maybe we ourselves are writing the tale; maybe… for to write this tale, we must go on our road, toward the distant destination…
On arrangement, I think I can say: it’s a most FJY-unlike song, isn’t it? In the song, there are the sounded little noisy percussion instruments playing, and the strong rhythmic almost un-colorful melody. In the song, the most colorful part maybe YUUKA’s voice. And in the song, YUUKA’s song also sounded no more so gentle and soft, but sounded harder. However, here YUUKA’s voice listened to have a special feeling of solidity. The feeling of solidity does, make me had the image above.
I was really shocked when I listened to the song first time. As the song which has a same name to this album, but the song was not composed in the normal Kajiura-style. However, the atmosphere in the song is very wonderful. Well, now we are talking here, the atmospheres of the song and of the album jacket have the same feeling, don’t you think so?
After the prelude with the soft playing by percussion instruments, YUUKA’s melody makes me such an image: under the gray winter sky, the dark, low clouds are flowing slowly. Then, what came over all the freeze is nothing but YUUKA’s singing voice. Every thing in the past has disappeared, and now, what we are searching is the tale which never told by anyone. Maybe we ourselves are the tale itself; maybe we ourselves are writing the tale; maybe… for to write this tale, we must go on our road, toward the distant destination…
On arrangement, I think I can say: it’s a most FJY-unlike song, isn’t it? In the song, there are the sounded little noisy percussion instruments playing, and the strong rhythmic almost un-colorful melody. In the song, the most colorful part maybe YUUKA’s voice. And in the song, YUUKA’s song also sounded no more so gentle and soft, but sounded harder. However, here YUUKA’s voice listened to have a special feeling of solidity. The feeling of solidity does, make me had the image above.
Track.3 A Place Where No One Is (誰もいない場所)
This song gave me a big jubilation. I think anyone who ever listened to it, all will feel that. The gentle drums, lovely string instruments playing, and the soft singing piano; the three instruments do made out such jubilation, maybe.
“Ah, here is wonderful! Ah, here is beautiful!” I only repeat such words when I listening to it. Surely, it’s a lovely song. Than all other songs, YUUKA made the softest and gentlest voice this time; the voice and the song like the breeze kissing the sea and shifting the seasons. What flowing from her song is not joyousness or sadness; it's a story which told in a peaceful tone. To read the lyrics carefully, yes it’s a short poem, but one word by the next, I all love. The little poem was sung by YUUKA, and turned into a little glory.
The arrangement is also very perfect. I can pick out every piece of melodies; and every piece is put together into a well-done composition.
Now there are no more superfluous words, in a word, I love the song “A Place Where No One Is” best!
This song gave me a big jubilation. I think anyone who ever listened to it, all will feel that. The gentle drums, lovely string instruments playing, and the soft singing piano; the three instruments do made out such jubilation, maybe.
“Ah, here is wonderful! Ah, here is beautiful!” I only repeat such words when I listening to it. Surely, it’s a lovely song. Than all other songs, YUUKA made the softest and gentlest voice this time; the voice and the song like the breeze kissing the sea and shifting the seasons. What flowing from her song is not joyousness or sadness; it's a story which told in a peaceful tone. To read the lyrics carefully, yes it’s a short poem, but one word by the next, I all love. The little poem was sung by YUUKA, and turned into a little glory.
The arrangement is also very perfect. I can pick out every piece of melodies; and every piece is put together into a well-done composition.
Now there are no more superfluous words, in a word, I love the song “A Place Where No One Is” best!
Track.6 Holy Night (聖夜)
Don’t you think the song is the fittest one when you yourself walk on the glitter holy night street?
Lots of electrical instruments made out a crystal-like atmosphere; with the glittering color light bulbs, with the warmness in mid-winter, and with my own deep emotion; when the holy chime ringing, no matter how a lonely mood I had, the endless hope can spread widely. Here, YUUKA’s voice likes a kind of yellow happiness; the arrangement makes out the noisy holy night atmosphere and it listened not very difficult. The percussion instruments make more festival feeling by using the drums beating.
Maybe it is not a full-pointed FJY-like song, though there is something unlike normal Christmas songs, as a holy song, it is enough.
Don’t you think the song is the fittest one when you yourself walk on the glitter holy night street?
Lots of electrical instruments made out a crystal-like atmosphere; with the glittering color light bulbs, with the warmness in mid-winter, and with my own deep emotion; when the holy chime ringing, no matter how a lonely mood I had, the endless hope can spread widely. Here, YUUKA’s voice likes a kind of yellow happiness; the arrangement makes out the noisy holy night atmosphere and it listened not very difficult. The percussion instruments make more festival feeling by using the drums beating.
Maybe it is not a full-pointed FJY-like song, though there is something unlike normal Christmas songs, as a holy song, it is enough.
Track.7 Quiet Words (しずかなことば)
The mixed arrangement makes a mist-like atmosphere. The always resounding adorning tones are like the stars in the night. Using her quite voice, YUUKA is singing some little whispers. If not to take more attention, her voice maybe hidden in the mist and water world. In intermezzo, there insert into Kajiura’s chorus（^_^）. Like the whispers came from the distant plants, the infinite emotions are poured into the water and stars’ world.
Another I have to say, the sound in the end of this song; are they the continuing sounds of contrail of a coach? Maybe they are someone’s quite whispers toward me… maybe they are…
The mixed arrangement makes a mist-like atmosphere. The always resounding adorning tones are like the stars in the night. Using her quite voice, YUUKA is singing some little whispers. If not to take more attention, her voice maybe hidden in the mist and water world. In intermezzo, there insert into Kajiura’s chorus（^_^）. Like the whispers came from the distant plants, the infinite emotions are poured into the water and stars’ world.
Another I have to say, the sound in the end of this song; are they the continuing sounds of contrail of a coach? Maybe they are someone’s quite whispers toward me… maybe they are…
Track.8 together (ふたり)
From this song, I believe more that piano tunes are the most beautiful instrument.
In “together”, there is only piano as its accompaniment. Compare to “Quiet Words”, this song listened more silent. It really is a nature song, with Kajiura’s piano and YUUKA’s voice. Sweetly, softly, gently, and quietly, the voice is rounding me.
The aftertaste always can be remembered though it’s a short song. Cool wind is trying to open the curtain in a peaceful night; the song listened like such a feeling. And it remembered me the noun “Art Song” in classic music, this kind of song is also art song in modern, don’t you think so?
From this song, I believe more that piano tunes are the most beautiful instrument.
In “together”, there is only piano as its accompaniment. Compare to “Quiet Words”, this song listened more silent. It really is a nature song, with Kajiura’s piano and YUUKA’s voice. Sweetly, softly, gently, and quietly, the voice is rounding me.
The aftertaste always can be remembered though it’s a short song. Cool wind is trying to open the curtain in a peaceful night; the song listened like such a feeling. And it remembered me the noun “Art Song” in classic music, this kind of song is also art song in modern, don’t you think so?
Track.10 nostalgia
I liked “Wheels of Dawn” best before I listened to the song. But now though I have listened to all songs by FJY, I love “nostalgia” best. It exceeded “Wheels of Dawn” and became my favorite. I have to think about, in the short future, no one can compose such wonderful songs, even Kajiura.
“nostalgia” is a melodic, fully foreign-felt ballad. With the drums, the string instruments are dancing. Only such a prelude made me felt a strong nostalgia. More rapid than intermediate speed, the rhythm is repeating almost in the whole song. YUUKA also did her best to sing it. The melody is also the Kajiura-style, especially the arrangement made the song so very colorful and very melodic.
The song starts stably, if you listen carefully, you can feel the hidden sorrow is seeping. This is the first part; the second part is not a simple repeat of first part; it’s more colorful than it: more strong rhythm, the cello and chorus are also added. I have to so think: is it the so-called nostalgia? The climax is also wonderful; maybe here do have the most nostalgia. Then, the intermezzo by a violin flows out. Although sometimes YUUKA’s voice in a higher track so her voice hide the cello and other instruments, I can pick out the very moved cello chorus when YUUKA sings “what in my kiss is nostalgia (口付けるのはnostalgia)”. The short cello chorus in this part is a big affection!
Kajiura said:
[i]“Because YUUKA would sing for the album, I did lots of attempts (adventures?) in it; but this song is composed only “for YUUKA’s voice” simply. Maybe I can say that this song is composed in the view -- the charm in YUUKA’s voice in Kajiura’s mind. Surely the intermezzo is long, only because Kajiura wanted to listen to Akagi (flute player)’s solo. Sorry! And especially when we videoed this song’s PV, every time the intermezzo flows out I had to apologize to YUUKA in my mind, her sung with her best in the rain all the time… but as the result, we had to re-video it one more time, and the long intermezzo. (There is not any introspection in Kajiura’s mind)”[/i]
It’s wonderful! The song is composed only for YUUKA. In the mean, is it also a peculiar song of FJY? Sure enough, as Kajiura’s words, the intermezzo is long. The flute solo is free. Although Kajiura thinks little sorrowful to YUUKA (really?), I think the flute solo made the song more brilliance. So, I love this flute solo here!
In the end, there is the repeat of climax. Cello and flute are tracing the rhythm together, the chorus of the instruments make more magnificent; and at last, they disappear one by one. What still remained is the more rapid and violent melody and rhythm. Then, in the violent atmosphere, ‘nostalgia’ ends intensively.
The song ended and the aftertaste remained. I can’t forget it; and what I can’t forget is not only the aftertaste, there is still the melody, arrangement, lyrics, and YUUKA’s voice -- the entire thing which made out ‘nostalgia’. I love it and I am moved by it. I will always remind this song when YUUKA sings “please don’t believe me. (どうか 信じないでいて).”
I liked “Wheels of Dawn” best before I listened to the song. But now though I have listened to all songs by FJY, I love “nostalgia” best. It exceeded “Wheels of Dawn” and became my favorite. I have to think about, in the short future, no one can compose such wonderful songs, even Kajiura.
“nostalgia” is a melodic, fully foreign-felt ballad. With the drums, the string instruments are dancing. Only such a prelude made me felt a strong nostalgia. More rapid than intermediate speed, the rhythm is repeating almost in the whole song. YUUKA also did her best to sing it. The melody is also the Kajiura-style, especially the arrangement made the song so very colorful and very melodic.
The song starts stably, if you listen carefully, you can feel the hidden sorrow is seeping. This is the first part; the second part is not a simple repeat of first part; it’s more colorful than it: more strong rhythm, the cello and chorus are also added. I have to so think: is it the so-called nostalgia? The climax is also wonderful; maybe here do have the most nostalgia. Then, the intermezzo by a violin flows out. Although sometimes YUUKA’s voice in a higher track so her voice hide the cello and other instruments, I can pick out the very moved cello chorus when YUUKA sings “what in my kiss is nostalgia (口付けるのはnostalgia)”. The short cello chorus in this part is a big affection!
Kajiura said:
[i]“Because YUUKA would sing for the album, I did lots of attempts (adventures?) in it; but this song is composed only “for YUUKA’s voice” simply. Maybe I can say that this song is composed in the view -- the charm in YUUKA’s voice in Kajiura’s mind. Surely the intermezzo is long, only because Kajiura wanted to listen to Akagi (flute player)’s solo. Sorry! And especially when we videoed this song’s PV, every time the intermezzo flows out I had to apologize to YUUKA in my mind, her sung with her best in the rain all the time… but as the result, we had to re-video it one more time, and the long intermezzo. (There is not any introspection in Kajiura’s mind)”[/i]
It’s wonderful! The song is composed only for YUUKA. In the mean, is it also a peculiar song of FJY? Sure enough, as Kajiura’s words, the intermezzo is long. The flute solo is free. Although Kajiura thinks little sorrowful to YUUKA (really?), I think the flute solo made the song more brilliance. So, I love this flute solo here!
In the end, there is the repeat of climax. Cello and flute are tracing the rhythm together, the chorus of the instruments make more magnificent; and at last, they disappear one by one. What still remained is the more rapid and violent melody and rhythm. Then, in the violent atmosphere, ‘nostalgia’ ends intensively.
The song ended and the aftertaste remained. I can’t forget it; and what I can’t forget is not only the aftertaste, there is still the melody, arrangement, lyrics, and YUUKA’s voice -- the entire thing which made out ‘nostalgia’. I love it and I am moved by it. I will always remind this song when YUUKA sings “please don’t believe me. (どうか 信じないでいて).”
May 10, 2006 STYLE TRANSFORMATION
The fifth single “Silly-Go-Round”. But in fact, I was not very like this single firstly, I even disappointed little. The song is not the normal Kajiura-style, may be I felt despaired because it? However, FJY do is FJY; the more times I listened to the song, I liked it more; the disappointment also disappeared.
The song is little noisy, certainly. You can even find out a special “rhyme” in the song. Try to listen to and you can find out a perpetual melody in the intermezzo. I not very like the instrument but here. That melody mixed piano then make out a duet. As their vanishing the song turns to calm. The song ends in this duet and backs to the original rhythm.
Maybe the intermezzo is a characteristic of the song. In FJY’s songs, this is a speedy and furious, and difficult to sing. Except FJY, there are how many people can make out that full-powered song?
If listen to the song more times, you can know the charm naturally, and I believe you must.
“angel gate” is sounded more calm likes torrent relaxed into a wide lake. In the song, why I can feel little same to “inside your heart”?
The lyric is nice (and I always like Kajiura’s lyrics). On arrangement, this “angel gate” whole song is beautiful like another ballad though more electronic instruments are used. It’s a gentle but not soft song. Piano is played softly and makes out a warm atmosphere with other instruments. YUUKA’s voice is beautiful too. Also like in “inside your heart”, YUUKA here likes a real angel and she is whispering to us. If listened to it more times, you can find something is not the same to “inside your heart” certainly.
The fifth single “Silly-Go-Round”. But in fact, I was not very like this single firstly, I even disappointed little. The song is not the normal Kajiura-style, may be I felt despaired because it? However, FJY do is FJY; the more times I listened to the song, I liked it more; the disappointment also disappeared.
The song is little noisy, certainly. You can even find out a special “rhyme” in the song. Try to listen to and you can find out a perpetual melody in the intermezzo. I not very like the instrument but here. That melody mixed piano then make out a duet. As their vanishing the song turns to calm. The song ends in this duet and backs to the original rhythm.
Maybe the intermezzo is a characteristic of the song. In FJY’s songs, this is a speedy and furious, and difficult to sing. Except FJY, there are how many people can make out that full-powered song?
If listen to the song more times, you can know the charm naturally, and I believe you must.
“angel gate” is sounded more calm likes torrent relaxed into a wide lake. In the song, why I can feel little same to “inside your heart”?
The lyric is nice (and I always like Kajiura’s lyrics). On arrangement, this “angel gate” whole song is beautiful like another ballad though more electronic instruments are used. It’s a gentle but not soft song. Piano is played softly and makes out a warm atmosphere with other instruments. YUUKA’s voice is beautiful too. Also like in “inside your heart”, YUUKA here likes a real angel and she is whispering to us. If listened to it more times, you can find something is not the same to “inside your heart” certainly.
Sep. 22, 2006 A RHYTHMIC GLEAM IN THE DARKNESS
Now, we turn to the insert song of the animation “Tsubasa, Chronicle”, “aikoi”.
Firstly listened to the song, I thought out “nowhere” soon, couldn’t me? There are the drums, violin, the strange chorus and YUUKA’s sticky strong voice. Even my heart was moved when as soon as I heard it in animation. I was very happy for FJY also joined into this animation. Now I want to mention this title of the part “a rhythmic gleam in the darkness”. Why I gave such a name to this part? – This is the image of the song in my mind. I felt another Kajiura-style when I heard the drums in the start completely. I was attracted. Only the prelude, in a vast wasteland there is red moon lighted, but the moonlight is so week that nobody can see farther. Suddenly, in front of our eyes there are something is moving rhythmic. Is it a light of hope? No matter what it is, if only we think so, then we can go for it by the light, now and after, all the way.
Such a mood, did you feel out?
There is another fact of mine. At first I knew the new song’s name “aikoi”, I thought if turnover it into Kanji then what can I see? Firstly I thought out the word “Love”. I thought it should be a blessing song but after I knew I was wrong.
For such reasons (which?), I affect this style somewhat finally.
Now, we turn to the insert song of the animation “Tsubasa, Chronicle”, “aikoi”.
Firstly listened to the song, I thought out “nowhere” soon, couldn’t me? There are the drums, violin, the strange chorus and YUUKA’s sticky strong voice. Even my heart was moved when as soon as I heard it in animation. I was very happy for FJY also joined into this animation. Now I want to mention this title of the part “a rhythmic gleam in the darkness”. Why I gave such a name to this part? – This is the image of the song in my mind. I felt another Kajiura-style when I heard the drums in the start completely. I was attracted. Only the prelude, in a vast wasteland there is red moon lighted, but the moonlight is so week that nobody can see farther. Suddenly, in front of our eyes there are something is moving rhythmic. Is it a light of hope? No matter what it is, if only we think so, then we can go for it by the light, now and after, all the way.
Such a mood, did you feel out?
There is another fact of mine. At first I knew the new song’s name “aikoi”, I thought if turnover it into Kanji then what can I see? Firstly I thought out the word “Love”. I thought it should be a blessing song but after I knew I was wrong.
For such reasons (which?), I affect this style somewhat finally.
Nov. 22, 2006 A NEW FAIRY TALE
I had waited this single for a long time.
And my heart was moved too.
It’s little like historic story in the beginning of “Vicissitudes of Wasteland (荒野流転)”. In the song, koto (really?) makes good effect. It’s a full-rhythmic song, and in YUUKA‘s voice there are also the furious feeling as usual -- there, a new tale was born. Here, somewhere of the song is very same to “Door of Flames”. Yes I love such songs which have soft rhythm and high voice. Its PV is also very wonderful, BIG SHOCK!
In “blessing” I think Kajiura tried a new style. Like the dancing lights, YUUKA singing out every lovely gentle tune continually. The two beautiful instruments playing out the new-style song together. Such the song is the best! I had the image while I was listening to it first time. In a clear golden autumn, angels are dancing in the vast blue sky; they are falling down and whispering to us, and praying. In the moment, we smile and our hearts are fulfilled by the endless blessing; even the whole world is fulfilled by the blessing. Is it the so-called blessedness? I don’t how think in others’ mind, but I think so.
I had waited this single for a long time.
And my heart was moved too.
It’s little like historic story in the beginning of “Vicissitudes of Wasteland (荒野流転)”. In the song, koto (really?) makes good effect. It’s a full-rhythmic song, and in YUUKA‘s voice there are also the furious feeling as usual -- there, a new tale was born. Here, somewhere of the song is very same to “Door of Flames”. Yes I love such songs which have soft rhythm and high voice. Its PV is also very wonderful, BIG SHOCK!
In “blessing” I think Kajiura tried a new style. Like the dancing lights, YUUKA singing out every lovely gentle tune continually. The two beautiful instruments playing out the new-style song together. Such the song is the best! I had the image while I was listening to it first time. In a clear golden autumn, angels are dancing in the vast blue sky; they are falling down and whispering to us, and praying. In the moment, we smile and our hearts are fulfilled by the endless blessing; even the whole world is fulfilled by the blessing. Is it the so-called blessedness? I don’t how think in others’ mind, but I think so.
WHEN IS THE NEXT...?
We have gotten lot from FJY, and continuing getting. From now on, who can know what kind of songs FJY can make? So let’s pray…
FJY can make more and more wonderful songs.
We have gotten lot from FJY, and continuing getting. From now on, who can know what kind of songs FJY can make? So let’s pray…
FJY can make more and more wonderful songs.