Yuki Kajiura's Live Concert, Volume 2
Sunday, 11. January 2009, 22:10:51
At last: my review of the Yuki Kajiura LIVE, Volume 2 concert. Sorry for the delay.. I'm just slow at these things. >_<
1. The World
A good beginning piece. Very ominous, goosebump-raising electronics. I can only imagine how it must feel like to be there.. hearing pieces of familiar sounds and melodies slowly coalesce.. and then, the lights turn on and THERE, in the flesh, are the composer and singers I've admired for so long. Not through speakers and a screen, but IN PERSON! I don't know.. I think I would have a heart attack or something.
I especially like the end of the song, when all the singers are all singing at the same time in a kind-of improvised style. The crescendo of voices, it's such an awesome experience!
2. Dream scape
Before watching this concert, I didn't know what most the singers looked like; I only knew their names and voices. Well, was I ever surprised to find out the main singer of this song, Kaori Oda, is the same age as me (!!!) but her voice is already like someone who's been singing professional for many years.
I really like this song. One my favourites from FictionJunction, so, of course, a live version with the original singer is just lovely!
3. MC #1
I don't know very much Japanese, so I can't understand most of what they're saying. T__T But it's nice to hear and see Kajiura-sama! ^_^
4. Vanity
To be honest, this song isn't as moving as most of other Kajiura's song are to me.. But it's in English! So I can actually follow along with it.
5. Liminality
This is one of my favourites in the whole concert. Wakana-san's voice is so strikingly poignant when she sings her opera-like phrases. Goodness, it's beautiful!
! The slow, steady drums and bass are very moving, with the rich, warm melodies, solo violin floating all around.
6. in the land of twilight, under the moon
Very upbeat song. I think I like this live version better than the original. This new arrangement for four voices has much more rhythm and drive, and with the strong drums and guitar sound really cool.
7. MC #2
Introducing the singers! Wakana-san has such a strong voice for her physique and regular speech, I think. After watching the concert a few more times, I think I have to change my mind, and declare Wakana as my FAVOURITE o^_^o (I originally thought it would be Kaori). I don't know, it's really very hard to even choose just one, since they're all such remarkable singers, but I think Wakana's voice is the one that produces the greatest effect on me. I remember when I first heard her voice in the "Hokuto no Ken" soundtrack, and was very, very impressed, so hearing her live just blew me away. She sings with such skill and emotion that just pierces into the heart and sends shivers up the spine. Her voice has such a rich, idiomatic sound too. Gosh, I could listen to it all day!
Anyway, like I said, if I didn't have to choose, I wouldn't have chosen any favourite, because all four singers performed so exceptionally well. Kaori's voice is so pro~~, Keiko's deep voice is marvelous (doki-doki), and Kaida's voice is very characteristic of Kajiura-sama's music: I know it's her music when I hear Kaida's voice.
8. the main theme of Petite Cossette
The live performance of this song has much more movement than the original, or at least, it sounds that way (maybe it's just because you can actually see the singers dancing...) One of the darker, more eerie-sounding songs. Very good!
9. Houseki
I most definitely like this live version better than the original. Keiko-san does a wonderful job leading, and Kaori-san harmonizes just perfectly! Keiko's singing voice sounds so different from her speaking voice, it's much, much deeper. I have to admit, I never really noticed Keiko's vocals very much before this concert... I knew I loved the vocals in Kalafina, but I didn't know it was her. x__x Well, anyway, I've always liked deeper female vocals. My favourite singers have always had deeper vocals (i.e Tomiko Van!).
10. Fake Wings
A quiet piece featuring Kaori. *Bows to great vocalist*
11. Himeboshi and 12. Mezame
*Momentarily stunned*
.
.
.
Led by Wakana, this short piece is another favourite of mine. As is the next one, songs from the Mai-Hime soundtrack. Wow. I did not even think it was possible to sing that sublimely. And when they mix the two pieces together, I just about fall over. IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
13. you are my love
Eri-san makes her guest appearance, following the very energetic "Mezame" with a contemplative ballad. Here, we can finally marvel also at Kajiura-sama's divine keyboard skills. These quiet pieces are the only time we can actually hear her! The duet is quite memorizing. The two blue beams illuminating the two separately furthers the sense of melancholy associated with the piece.
14. MC 3
Another MC, where they introduce the musicians. I like bass guitar; it's one of those instruments that's somewhat underrated unless you actually pay attention to it. But when you do, good bassists play pretty nice melodies too. Ah! The violin! My rival instrument.. I think it may be easier to really express oneself on string instruements. The piano... yes, a very skilled pianist can play very movingly as well, but it sometimes depends on the piece. A violin can do wonders with a very simple melody, because it can sustain notes, and manipulate the sound for the whole duration. It's like a singer's voice. But for piano, a percussion instrument, you strike the note, and you can't change it after that, so the only way to make it sound better is to embellish it with other notes. But sometimes, the most moving things are simple ones, just one-melody pieces. When I hear Konno-san come in with the violin, an overwhelming euphoria hits me, but the melody itself is very simple. But on piano, one melody by itself just sounds too boring.. -_-|| So... I've made it my composition goal to write pieces that give piano more attention.
15. godsibb
One of my favourite pieces in the Xenosaga series! I like this new arrangement. The singers must have rehearsed quite a bit; they're in perfect sync with each other!
16. a song of storm and fire
Ok, this song.. no matter which version, is such an amazing work. It always makes my heart race. A beautiful drawn-out melody over a fast-paced rhythm.. and.. the VIOLIN!! I must submit to it this time.. it just sounds so great (Maybe I should just learn it too... orz)
17. MC 4
Another MC between Kajiura-sama and Eri-san. Eri-san says something that makes Kajiura-sama almost fall backwards with laughter.
18. Canta per me
I think I like the original version of this song better. Somehow, I don't think drums really match with it. Now.. a piano and string quartet with vocals.. THAT would be marvelous.
19. Salvas Nos
Again, I think I prefer the original version a little better. This one is a bit too rockish for my tastes with regards to this song. But the violin still sounds great. How it just comes in so naturally.. (I also like how the singers all scream the guitarist's name during his solo)
20. zodiacal sign
Another favourite of the concert! I always like pieces where the musicians and singers encourage the audience to participate (I certainly did) Kajiura-sama sings and dances too!!! Such a fun piece, I get all excited just thinking about it.
21. open your heart
I've always liked this song. It's very encouraging, optimistic, and moving. This live version is fantastic (I think it might be my very, very favourite, along with "Liminality" and "Himeboshi"..and "everlasting song".. and.. Oh nevermind, I can't choose favourites; they're all good!). Almost brought tears to my eyes
. Just so.. I don't know, honest. Yes, I think that's the adjective to use. Even the guitar solo: simple yet sincere. And the appended passages of Latin! Goodness!
22. everlasting song
Opposite of the previous song: I never really paid attention to this song before the concert. Why? Well, to be honest, I don't really like the original vocalist's voice.... -__-;;; BUT! Hearing it now with these four lovely singers, I have been converted. It is now another favourite! I love this arrangement. It's longer, so we get to hear more of it.
23. MC 5
Last MC: some final words about the last song, I think.
24. yume no tsubasa
Again, I didn't really pay attention to this song before the concert. I still think I prefer songs like "Dreamscape", but this version is still a nice one to listen to. With Kaori as lead singer, and her free improvisations.. gosh! She is so skilled!
25. ring your song
It's amazing what lives can do to songs. This is also another song I didn't really pay attention to before the concert. But when performed by all the singers and musicians, it's actually pretty moving.
Well! That concludes the concert. Most definitely some very exciting moments and memories. If only one day, I could actually be there!
Currently listening to: Sprinter - Kalafina
1. The World
A good beginning piece. Very ominous, goosebump-raising electronics. I can only imagine how it must feel like to be there.. hearing pieces of familiar sounds and melodies slowly coalesce.. and then, the lights turn on and THERE, in the flesh, are the composer and singers I've admired for so long. Not through speakers and a screen, but IN PERSON! I don't know.. I think I would have a heart attack or something.
I especially like the end of the song, when all the singers are all singing at the same time in a kind-of improvised style. The crescendo of voices, it's such an awesome experience! 2. Dream scape
Before watching this concert, I didn't know what most the singers looked like; I only knew their names and voices. Well, was I ever surprised to find out the main singer of this song, Kaori Oda, is the same age as me (!!!) but her voice is already like someone who's been singing professional for many years.
I really like this song. One my favourites from FictionJunction, so, of course, a live version with the original singer is just lovely!3. MC #1
I don't know very much Japanese, so I can't understand most of what they're saying. T__T But it's nice to hear and see Kajiura-sama! ^_^
4. Vanity
To be honest, this song isn't as moving as most of other Kajiura's song are to me.. But it's in English! So I can actually follow along with it.
5. Liminality
This is one of my favourites in the whole concert. Wakana-san's voice is so strikingly poignant when she sings her opera-like phrases. Goodness, it's beautiful!
! The slow, steady drums and bass are very moving, with the rich, warm melodies, solo violin floating all around. 6. in the land of twilight, under the moon
Very upbeat song. I think I like this live version better than the original. This new arrangement for four voices has much more rhythm and drive, and with the strong drums and guitar sound really cool.
7. MC #2
Introducing the singers! Wakana-san has such a strong voice for her physique and regular speech, I think. After watching the concert a few more times, I think I have to change my mind, and declare Wakana as my FAVOURITE o^_^o (I originally thought it would be Kaori). I don't know, it's really very hard to even choose just one, since they're all such remarkable singers, but I think Wakana's voice is the one that produces the greatest effect on me. I remember when I first heard her voice in the "Hokuto no Ken" soundtrack, and was very, very impressed, so hearing her live just blew me away. She sings with such skill and emotion that just pierces into the heart and sends shivers up the spine. Her voice has such a rich, idiomatic sound too. Gosh, I could listen to it all day!
Anyway, like I said, if I didn't have to choose, I wouldn't have chosen any favourite, because all four singers performed so exceptionally well. Kaori's voice is so pro~~, Keiko's deep voice is marvelous (doki-doki
), and Kaida's voice is very characteristic of Kajiura-sama's music: I know it's her music when I hear Kaida's voice. 8. the main theme of Petite Cossette
The live performance of this song has much more movement than the original, or at least, it sounds that way (maybe it's just because you can actually see the singers dancing...) One of the darker, more eerie-sounding songs. Very good!
9. Houseki
I most definitely like this live version better than the original. Keiko-san does a wonderful job leading, and Kaori-san harmonizes just perfectly! Keiko's singing voice sounds so different from her speaking voice, it's much, much deeper. I have to admit, I never really noticed Keiko's vocals very much before this concert... I knew I loved the vocals in Kalafina, but I didn't know it was her. x__x Well, anyway, I've always liked deeper female vocals. My favourite singers have always had deeper vocals (i.e Tomiko Van!
). 10. Fake Wings
A quiet piece featuring Kaori. *Bows to great vocalist*
11. Himeboshi and 12. Mezame
*Momentarily stunned*
.
.
.
Led by Wakana, this short piece is another favourite of mine. As is the next one, songs from the Mai-Hime soundtrack. Wow. I did not even think it was possible to sing that sublimely. And when they mix the two pieces together, I just about fall over. IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
13. you are my love
Eri-san makes her guest appearance, following the very energetic "Mezame" with a contemplative ballad. Here, we can finally marvel also at Kajiura-sama's divine keyboard skills. These quiet pieces are the only time we can actually hear her! The duet is quite memorizing. The two blue beams illuminating the two separately furthers the sense of melancholy associated with the piece.
14. MC 3
Another MC, where they introduce the musicians. I like bass guitar; it's one of those instruments that's somewhat underrated unless you actually pay attention to it. But when you do, good bassists play pretty nice melodies too. Ah! The violin! My rival instrument..
I think it may be easier to really express oneself on string instruements. The piano... yes, a very skilled pianist can play very movingly as well, but it sometimes depends on the piece. A violin can do wonders with a very simple melody, because it can sustain notes, and manipulate the sound for the whole duration. It's like a singer's voice. But for piano, a percussion instrument, you strike the note, and you can't change it after that, so the only way to make it sound better is to embellish it with other notes. But sometimes, the most moving things are simple ones, just one-melody pieces. When I hear Konno-san come in with the violin, an overwhelming euphoria hits me, but the melody itself is very simple. But on piano, one melody by itself just sounds too boring.. -_-|| So... I've made it my composition goal to write pieces that give piano more attention. 15. godsibb
One of my favourite pieces in the Xenosaga series! I like this new arrangement. The singers must have rehearsed quite a bit; they're in perfect sync with each other!
16. a song of storm and fire
Ok, this song.. no matter which version, is such an amazing work. It always makes my heart race. A beautiful drawn-out melody over a fast-paced rhythm.. and.. the VIOLIN!! I must submit to it this time.. it just sounds so great (Maybe I should just learn it too... orz)
17. MC 4
Another MC between Kajiura-sama and Eri-san. Eri-san says something that makes Kajiura-sama almost fall backwards with laughter.
18. Canta per me
I think I like the original version of this song better. Somehow, I don't think drums really match with it. Now.. a piano and string quartet with vocals.. THAT would be marvelous.
19. Salvas Nos
Again, I think I prefer the original version a little better. This one is a bit too rockish for my tastes with regards to this song. But the violin still sounds great. How it just comes in so naturally.. (I also like how the singers all scream the guitarist's name during his solo
)20. zodiacal sign
Another favourite of the concert! I always like pieces where the musicians and singers encourage the audience to participate (I certainly did
) Kajiura-sama sings and dances too!!! Such a fun piece, I get all excited just thinking about it. 21. open your heart
I've always liked this song. It's very encouraging, optimistic, and moving. This live version is fantastic (I think it might be my very, very favourite, along with "Liminality" and "Himeboshi"..and "everlasting song".. and.. Oh nevermind, I can't choose favourites; they're all good!). Almost brought tears to my eyes
. Just so.. I don't know, honest. Yes, I think that's the adjective to use. Even the guitar solo: simple yet sincere. And the appended passages of Latin! Goodness! 22. everlasting song
Opposite of the previous song: I never really paid attention to this song before the concert. Why? Well, to be honest, I don't really like the original vocalist's voice.... -__-;;; BUT! Hearing it now with these four lovely singers, I have been converted. It is now another favourite! I love this arrangement. It's longer, so we get to hear more of it.
23. MC 5
Last MC: some final words about the last song, I think.
24. yume no tsubasa
Again, I didn't really pay attention to this song before the concert. I still think I prefer songs like "Dreamscape", but this version is still a nice one to listen to. With Kaori as lead singer, and her free improvisations.. gosh! She is so skilled!
25. ring your song
It's amazing what lives can do to songs. This is also another song I didn't really pay attention to before the concert. But when performed by all the singers and musicians, it's actually pretty moving.
Well! That concludes the concert. Most definitely some very exciting moments and memories. If only one day, I could actually be there!
Currently listening to: Sprinter - Kalafina
WIDGETIZE
SittingFox # 12. January 2009, 14:13
(And, just seen your status - hope the job interview goes well!)
kiyoshi # 13. January 2009, 08:01
this post is related to a REAL goddess among many, many people. Yes, Yuki Kajiura. Don't know about her? It doesn't matter, google it, and you'll get whatever you don't know yet.
@Shinjitsu:
however, WAKANA is good too, and YURIKO, and KEIKO, and KAORI (...). To choose the best is not easy, and so do I. I like KEIKO'S low part, I like YURIKO's chording, I like WAKANA's high, opera-like part, and I like KAORI's smooth, strong voice.
ok, in all, I love YUKI KAJIURA.
Shinjitsu_13 # 15. January 2009, 03:10
Yuki Kajiura is my favourite living composer *__* She mostly writes for animations and games, but her music is really a great work just by itself! Thanks for your wishes! The job interview went really great.
Hi Ki-chan,
Really? Do I seem like I have a YURIKO-complex?
wufei37 # 15. January 2009, 04:20
Anonymous # 15. January 2009, 06:13
Thanks for the review! ^^ I've been wanting to see the live concert for some time now, and reading this makes me want to try even harder to get a copy to see (and hear) for myself. lol, hearing Yuki Kajiura's pieces always makes me want to learn to play the violin too. There's a whole different level of expression through playing the violin that I can only wish was accomplished by the piano!
I need to go find a copy of that concert now.. lol.
Ah! I'm kicking myself because I had a chance to see Yuki Kajiura perform at Anime Expo 2003, but didn't know she was coming that day!
Hopefully one day you'll be able to see her peforming live. ^_^
SittingFox # 15. January 2009, 08:38
And yes, there seems to be presumption that science students can not only afford their studies, but also do months of unpaid work!
Shinjitsu_13 # 17. January 2009, 19:55
I'm very bad at learning languages.. but it's something I would really like to achieve one day! Yes, I admit, I prefer female vocals as well. Especially those in the mezzo-soprano/alto range. >_<~
Hi Random Visitor!
It's good to hear from you again! Oh, let me direct you to a very useful link; it's where I got it too (thanks, きちゃん!): http://my.opera.com/kiyoshi/blog/show.dml/2872043 I'd love to hear your thoughts on the concert too! ^_^
Yes, YK's music likes to glorify the violin, doesn't it? The piano most certainly has the capability to be a fantastic solo instrument too (ex: Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 (#*____*#)!), but I think it just doesn't receive that chance very often in Kajiura-sama's music. So that's why I'd love one day for someone to write music that makes people swoon over pianists just as much as violinists.
I hope all of us will get the chance to meet the Goddess one day!
Hi Adele,
Thanks for giving it a try!
Cowking73 # 17. January 2009, 21:17
Anonymous # 21. January 2009, 08:34
Yay, thanks for the link! ^_^ And thanks to Kiyoshi-san too! It's a stunning concert, and it's great to see YK, the singers, and the other instrumentalists. The singers were especially breathtaking to hear/see. It's my first time seeing most of those songs actually sung, and I think it gives a completely new feeling to the pieces. A lot of the songs were also remixed a bit, and I thought that was really cool to hear the different versions. I can only imagine what it's like to be there live. There were actually a few parts in the concert that took my breath away... "A song of storm and fire" and "Himeboshi/Mezame" were some of those times.. My gosh, I thought it was just amazing to see those sung. The use of the lights gave the songs a lot of feeling too, making them seem really dark and mysterious at one time and then making them really energetic and warm the next. The outfits the girls wore were cute ^^ and or course, it was just awesome to see Miss Yuki Kajiura! If anything, watching this concert only makes me want to see a live performance even more.
Ooo, I checked out Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2, and you're right, that's a great piece to highlight the piano. ^^ It seems the piano is usually used more as an accompaniment unfortunately, but it really is good at doing that I think. Good luck with your composition! Hope it turns out well.