Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Sophia (class of 2028) and features her impressions while listening to a vinyl LP of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Thanks, Sophia!
Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Volume 1
The first piece on this album (“Symphony no. 2, The seal of the three laws by Robert Jager) begins in a lively way, almost like the opening for a Disney movie. As the piece goes on, the rhythm builds faster and faster, then gradually slows down before picking up the speed again. The sound of drums, trumpets, and trombones makes it feel like a rollercoaster ride, constantly going up and down. The pitch follows the same pattern, jumping from very high notes to suddenly dropping into very low ones.
My overall impression of this piece is that it reminded me of one of my favorite childhood cartoons, Tom and Jerry. The fast-paced rhythm feels like the chase scenes where Tom will run after Jerry and suddenly stop. The suspense rhythm reminds me of when one of them starts to plot something sneaky.
I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys lively, playful music or who wants to experience a rollercoaster ride filled with sounds and imagination.