Ogura, Roh 1916 - 1990
Author: Sudoh, Eiko
Last updated：April 20, 2018
Author: Sudoh, Eiko
Born in Kitakyushu City in 1916. He was adopted into the Ogura family shortly after birth and grew up in Tokyo and Kamakura. From the age of six, he received his first piano lessons from his elder sister, and influenced by his music-loving uncle, he developed an affinity for Western music.
Around the age of 15, he studied under Shiro Fukai and Akio Sugawara, learning French-style music theory and harmony. Subsequently, while studying harmony and counterpoint with Tomojiro Ikenouchi, and conducting techniques for Beethoven's symphonies with Rosenstock, he became deeply drawn to German classical music. He focused on logical musical development based on modulation and the organic combination of rhythm, melody, and harmony. However, feeling he had reached an impasse, he discarded most of his classical-style works up to that point.
After the war, he became a contract composer for NHK, working on many broadcast pieces. Meanwhile, he found a new direction in Bartók's music and pioneered new ground by using Japanese folk songs and children's songs as themes. Works from this period include Dance Suite for Orchestra (1951) and Nine Unaccompanied Female Choruses based on Children's Songs from the Tohoku Region (1958), known for "Hotaru Koi."
His style is characterized by brisk, vibrant rhythms and a sense of tonality rooted in ethnic sensibility. His piano works include Dance Suite for Two Pianos (1953), Composition I for Piano (1966), and Composition II for Piano (1968). The Composition series is included in Contemporary Piano Pieces for Children (Shunjusha), edited by the Toho Gakuen School of Music for Children. Both are collections of short pieces, and especially those employing rhythm and canon as technical devices are particularly enjoyable to perform.
In addition to musical works, he also published critiques and essays with a sharp critical spirit, as well as paintings. He demonstrated his talent in various fields. His writings include Speaking of Contemporary Music and Japanese Ear. He passed away in 1990 at the age of 74.
Author : Sudoh, Eiko
Last Updated: April 20, 2018
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Author : Sudoh, Eiko
Works(20)
Piano Solo (2)
character pieces (17)