“Folios of Lights” is born from my passion for contemporary classical music and the rich heritage of Japanese composers. This album brings together the works of three distinct voices in modern Japanese composition: Ryuichi Sakamoto (坂本龍一), Takashi Yoshimatsu (吉松隆), and Dai Fujikura (藤倉大). Each composer, though unique in style, shares a common thread of creating evocative, emotionally resonant music that pushes the boundaries of traditional piano literature. Their compositions weave together a rich tapestry of styles—pop, minimalism, jazz, progressive rock, and ambient—creating pieces that feel like “parts of a whole.” They embody the idea of being world citizens of music, uniting diverse influences into one harmonious, global language.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, a towering figure in the music world, moved fluidly between genres, blending classical, electronic, and pop music into a singular style. I have chosen underappreciated works like async, written during his battle with cancer, alongside beloved pieces such as Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence and Aqua. Each piece evokes his signature ability to merge the personal with the universal.

Takashi Yoshimatsu’s music resonates with a deep connection to nature and spirituality. The pieces on this album reflect Yoshimatsu’s fascination with the Pleiades (Subaru in Japanese), a star cluster symbolizing unity — creating an auditory experience that is at once serene and powerful.

Dai Fujikura, a bold voice of the younger generation, is known for challenging traditional musical forms with innovative rhythms, textures, and timbres. Spring & Asura draws from the poetry of Kenji Miyazawa, inviting listeners into a sound world that is conversational, intellectually stimulating, imagistic, and emotionally resonant. My recording reflects multitudes of contrasts through light and dark, simplicity and complexity.

I hope you will enjoy these pieces, which capture the spirit of modern Japanese music through the lens of the piano. Sincerely, Stanford Cheung