Today I want to talk about an album that is very close to my heart. It has a very wintry feel to it, so not all that inappropriate to discuss at this time of the year. Akiko Shikata is a japanese vocalist with a very distinctive style. Operatic, harmonious, melodious, sometimes discordant; her music is simply divine. She is probably best know for her works in Ar Tonelico (Hymnos albums in particular), vocals in Shadow Hearts: From the New World, and a doujin game called Hanakisou (japanese for flower funeral). Like most scores I admire, Hanakisou is yet another game I have played. With good reason as it is a Japan exclusive. The original score is Shikata's only full solo score to date. But here I want to discuss the orchestral album. I have to admit, getting a physical copy of this CD was stressful. I waited years to find it, and finally had to use a middle man to order the CD from Amazon.co.jp, as the it was not liscened for release outside of its native country.
This CD is unique for it is a overhall of Shikata's music performed by the Moscow International Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Konstantin D. Krimets. Shikata orchestrated three tracks herself, while the remainder of the music was handled by Kousuke Suzuki.
The cd is lavishly orchestrated, strong melodies and often bombastic passages make this an extra ordinary listening experience, the imagination runs riot as you listen to it.
The above track is one of Shikata's own orchestrations, based on the games original vocal theme. The majority of the CD is instrumental, and this is my favourite on the CD. I can only describe the music as 'carnivalesque,' as it feels like a gargantuan aurial parade, that leaps and soars.
I can only wish that more of Shikata's music received more of this treatment, otherwise this stands to be an orchestral gemstone in the artist's unique discography.
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