THE Taiga Drama - Komyogatsuji Original Soundtrack

While many television programs and movies have soundtracks, often we are not immediately conscious of this supporting music. A good soundtrack should: 1. Compliment the media; 2. Evoke memories of the media and finally, 3. Should stand on its own as a cohesive and listenable work of art. The soundtrack of the 45th NHK Taiga Drama Komyogatsugi admirably fulfills all three criteria. The story of Yamauchi Kazutoyo (1545-1605) and his wife, Chiyo (1557-1617) is unlike other taiga dramas in that it is not the usual macho "Samurai Western". Chiyo is just as important as Kazutoyo. In fact, the success of Kazutoyo was largely due to Chiyo's wisdom and cheerfulness. The soundtrack reflects this. The music often has a definite feminine, delicate aspect and echoes the love and tenderness that the man and wife share. Of course, there is the ubiquitous battle music, but many tracks suggest the femininity of Chiyo. Four of the tracks are named after the seasons, but they do more than mirror the cycles of the year: they evoke the seasons of Kazutoyo and Chiyo's love for one another. In all, this is a very successful soundtrack and worthy to be in the collection of every follower of taiga drama.