2025.6.13 Toshio Hosokawa “Futari Shizuka – The Maiden from the Sea” CD release from Naxos
On 13 June, a CD of the opera “Futari Shizuka – The Maiden from the Sea” by Toshio Hosokawa, recorded with the Residentie Orkest The Hague conducted by Jun Märkl, was released by Naxos. Please listen to it!
Toshio HOSOKAWA (b. 1955) Orchestral Works, Vol. 5
Futari Shizuka – The Maiden from the Sea *
Ceremony **
Ilse Eerens, Soprano * • Ryoko Aoki, Noh Singer *
Mario Caroli, Flutes, Piccolo **
Residentie Orkest The Hague
Jun Märkl
All world premiere recordings
Recorded: March 14-17, 2024, Concertzaal, Amare, The Hague (Netherlands)
Total recording time: 65 minutes
-Comment on the release of the CD
The opera “Futari Shizuka – The Maiden from the Sea”, composed by Toshio Hosokawa, is one of the most important works in my musical life. Since its world premiere at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2017 with the Ensemble Intercontemporain conducted by Matthias Pintscher, I have performed it many times around the world. The script was written by playwright Oriza Hirata as a modern story based on the Noh play “Futari Shizuka”, and I play the role of Shizuka Gozen (Lady Shizuka), and the soprano plays the refugee girl Helen. Many of Hosokawa’s works are inspired by Noh, but Noh chanting is used for the first time in “Futari Shizuka”, and is the only work to date. I think this work, in which the Noh chanting resonates together with the soprano and orchestra, is a new piece of music that has never been heard before. This time, the recording was made in March 2024 at the beautifully resonating Amare Hall, with more string instruments than in the ensemble version of the premiere, and with Residentie Orkest The Hague conducted by Jun Märkl. It was a very happy time to perform with such a wonderful orchestra, and I still remember it every time I listen to the recording. I hope that listening to the profound sounds born from the silence will be an opportunity to think about the sad events that are still continuing in the world. — Ryoko Aoki
With Maestro, Jun Märkl. Please listen to our CD!
Record Geijutsu ONLINE, August 2025 Issue, by Seiji Choki
Recommendation: Based on Noh, “Futari Shizuka” is supported by a powerful idea: the contrast between Eerens and Aoki’s voices and the distinctive voices that each possess. Hosokawa, of course, would not have foolishly forced Aoki to adopt a Western vocal style. Given this, perhaps two singers were necessary. “Futari Shizuka” was a subject perfectly suited to Hosokawa’s creative philosophy and style. While not a major work, it is likely to be an essential and valuable resource for discussing Hosokawa’s creative endeavors. It is a work that raises both anxiety and excitement as to whether a suitable performer other than Aoki will emerge 20 or 30 years from now.
Ongaku no Tomo, September 2025 Issue, by Hiro Aiba
Even in operas where unique colors flicker amidst the flurry of English and Japanese, it’s unclear where the Japanese and Western worlds begin. The sound, which blends the two worlds together, gently envelops the listener as it depicts the leisurely passage of time.
Mostly Classic, September 2025 Issue, by Yuiko Ishidoya
The story is about a refugee girl who is possessed by the spirit of Shizuka Gozen, played by Noh singer Ryoko Aoki. Märkl’s conducting intertwines subdued sounds with sharp, cutting edges, sometimes building to dramatic heights.
Ritmo by Daniel Pérez Navarro
The magical and almost impossible balance Hosokawa achieves in musically merging East and West is evident in the choice of the two protagonists. Ilse Eerens is a soprano, representative of Western opera, while Ryoko Aoki is a Noh theater actress and singer. The instrumental ensemble envelops them both: joy and sorrow have universal roots.
pizzicato 13/6/2025 by Norbert Tischer
Alongside the voice of renowned Noh singer Ryoko Aoki, Ilse Eerens creates a captivating narrative, thrillingly accompanied by the orchestra.