Friday, August 26, 2022

Somei Satoh - Mandala/Sumeru (1982)


Two of many brilliant pieces from Japanese composer Somei Satoh. First, a yawning void of reverberating electronic and vocal drone, then, an extended piece of minimalism via a small chamber orchestra.

Track listing:
1. Mandala
2. Sumeru


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10 comments:

  1. Well immense. Thanks!
    His discogs page mentions a event "held at a hot springs resort in Tochigi Prefecture in 1981" where he placed "eight speakers approximately one kilometer apart on mountain tops overlooking a huge valley. As a man-made fog rose from below, the music from the speakers combined with laser beams and moved the clouds into various formations".
    If the music he played there was anything like 'Mandala', then... wow, just wow.

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    1. I saw that (the bit on Discogs, not the actual performance.) Sounds absolutely mind-blowing.

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    2. Looks like it was this one (Echoes): https://wrwtfww.com/album/emerald-tablet-echoes

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  2. I already have this but I think more folk should hear it - thanks for the share.

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  3. Worth checking Exystence as some of the Obscure Tape Music of Japan series was recently posted.

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  4. Hi, you wouldnt happen to have Takashi Kako – Klee? thanks

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  5. Any chance you have Sun / Moon kicking around in the vault somewhere..?

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    1. https://mega.nz/file/h34SiR5a#rII9qCJDm7iXSSSufxRXWBKHsBRG6WG21y0dzEq2ltg

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    2. Ahh much thanks, dear spirit!

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