Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters 1985 Film

This wasn’t the first music by Philip Glass that I listened to but it was the first album of his I bought and it’s still one of my favorites by him. Recorded in extract as sound track to Paul Schrader’s brilliant movie, Mishima (in Schrader’s own words, “a mosaic film biography”) it seemed to me then and still seems eminently successful –in stirring up emotions, stressing the elegiac quality—love and peace-- of Mishima’s childhood in the achingly beautiful “1934: grandmother & Kimitake” and contrasting it with the part Western part Japanese bravado of his samurai stage. Everything I associate with Glass happens in this recording: the pulsing lines, simply harmonized, the pulses and crescendos and diminutions, the soft transition from one melody or rhythm line to another. But it works, and that’s not always been true with Glass’s music, in my opinion. (Vide the Low Symphony, based on themes from Brian Eno and David Bowie, and –my personal memory- how hard I found it to sit though a solo concert of his music played by Glasson a night when my contact lenses were driving me nuts –I missed the richness I had found in his orchestral music: without the varying timbres it introduced, his themes seemed monotonous to me).The only drawback to this album –and it’s not a serious one—is that some of the pieces don’t conclude, they simply stop, I suppose because all that was needed for the film had already been taped.I haven’t by any means listened to all of Glass’s many albums but I’ve listened to many and I would rate Mishima one of his best to date, up there with the two violin concertos and his early ballet music.

This is the greatest Philip Glass film soundtrack. His qatsi trilogy is great, but ver minimal. This soundtrack, he uses every instrument at his disposal. The drums in the opening November 25: Morning sets that stage that these men have made their choice to commit the coup. The fun and uplifting guitar in Kyoko's house only for it to take the turn into the more darker tone of the relationship portrayed in the film. Then the ultimate finally where Mishima would take his own life. To clear the air, it doesn't glorify suicide. On the contrary, you feel the pain and sadness splashed on the canvas of this film and the soundtrack.

In life, stage blood is not enough ... you also need a good soundtrack. I have loved the movie for over 20 years, not least because of the music. This is the soundtrack I use when I'm working. My soundtrack used to be Shaft, but now it's Mishima.The main theme is strangely reminiscent of the music to Candy Crush -- and I think part of the reason Candy Crush is so successful is that it makes a casual game sound like you are doing something epic.Definitely some of Philip Glasses' most accessible music. I especially like "Stage Blood is Not Enough" -- beautiful classical music for the electric guitar.

Great composition, well executed on this recording. This is also a great introduction to both Glass minimalism and to Mishima. I heard part of this recording in a music store (when such things existed) and fell for it instantly without knowing composer or piece. I bought it as a boxed tape set - and eventually bought the movie and even some of the subject's ( written works. (I like them all in that order too!). Fast forward 15= years and I have a number of Glass recordings (and have attended lived operas) but had lost that old tape set. So this on Amazon was a great reunion with this particular soundtrack.You don't need to know (or see) the film to enjoy this. Its Philip Glass at his most accessible.

for me at least. This was the first CD of his where the full emotional potential of his music was realized. Some credit is due the Kronos Quartet who have never been better then they are here. And the remainder goes to PG for moving beyond the confines of strict minimalism to incorporate elements of traditional melody and harmony within the rhythmic structure of his compositions.This is accessible, powerful, emotional music and has never worn out its welcome.BTW, the final scene in the Truman Show uses the main theme of this soundtrack, so if you found the triumphant "rush" of that finale compelling, you will love to hear the rest in this soundtrack.

I have nothing to say, really. It's a good sounding soundtrack and Phillip Glass is at his best. I haven't seen the movie so I don't know if it fits or not. It sounds great on my Bose, period... I love it actually. It' s kind of classic Phillip Glass with a touch of contemporary elements. I have no idea when this came out; love to see the movie but it's not exactly a popular item. Perhaps it was considered an art film and went into obscurity

See above

It is shocking how little recognition this insanely good work receives. I think that this is one of Glass's finest creations; right up there with Akhenaten.

You don't need to know what "Minimalism" is all about to appreciate this CD.And if you are thinking of watching the art house film of the same name,listen to this first because I said so.The film is a bit like Bowie, in Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (said it wrong).but moreso.Whereas this album stands alone by the way it has been compiled. After afew listenings you will definitely enjoy it more each time. I am not sure if itis appropriate to "love" this music becasue of the themes, and setting; butboy oh boy, it is deep. Japanese formalism at its sublimation point.Its a bit like that Sean Connery film where they are investigating a triadmurder (Red Sun); but the experience is most certainly worth it.There is beauty in such stuff. If you are a post-modern eclectic, then youneed this.

Fantastic

Wonderful. Glass at his best.

Mishima Closing (track 14 on the cd) is surely one of the finest and most poignant pieces of modern classical music.

お勧めは"Runaway Horses"。タイトルの元ネタは三島由紀夫の"奔馬"。奔馬は一途な憂国少年の激情と行動の物語ですが、この曲はまさにそのクライマックスを想起させます。ただそこに悲壮な感じは無く、むしろ燦然と輝く世界に向かってまっしぐらに突き進んでいくような高揚と爽快感が迫ってきます。僕はこれを聴いてグラスが好きになりました。