By Joua Lee
Marginalia III Album Cover
Masakatsu Takagi is an artist whom I have grown to truly love throughout these past few months. He is a filmmaker and musician who has written scores for films such as Wolf Children and Mirai. Becoming a fan of his work has allowed me to further explore my love for cinematic soundtracks and nature. My favorite project from him is his album, Marginalia III, which is a collection of daily piano recordings.
This album was recorded in the mountains of Hyogo, Japan where Takagi took part in agriculture and the cultivation of a traditional Japanese lifestyle. Upon listening to this album, I was immediately transported to the rural mountains of Japan. What I love the most about this album is Takagi’s decision to record the sounds of nature with his piano. It creates this beautiful relationship of him serenading the mountains with his piano and the mountains returning the favor through the sounds of birds, insects, and the breeze. I find these recordings to be extremely nostalgic and reminiscent of my youth. It is so beautiful and touches the most delicate emotions of the soul.
I find Takagi’s way of recording this project to be a lesson of allowing yourself to find joy in simplicity. For example, instead of polishing this album in a studio, he chooses to freely express himself and record this album near nature. There is little effort in striving to be perfect and it creates this reminder that simplicity can often be a way to practice mindfulness. Sitting at his piano, with his windows open, he gives the listeners a chance to take in things for what they are. Listening to this album has elevated my love for nature and my yearning to connect with my surroundings.
In addition to simplicity, Takagi’s album has encouraged me to appreciate the healing qualities of nature. The sun, grass, trees, and dirt are things around us that will always give. They have been here and, hopefully, always will. The sounds recorded in this album encouraged me to genuinely take in what nature has to offer, and to meditate on its goodness.
I highly recommend giving this album a listen if you are interested in exploring the beauties of nature and cultivating a simple yet enriching lifestyle. This album has encouraged me to romanticize the little things nature has to offer. It has also encouraged me to seek simplicity in my own work and effort; a reminder to fall in love with the process of creating instead of the eagerness to reach your final results. Takagi’s gentle piano playing alongside the sounds of nature has created an intimate and profound way to experience nature. It is a chance to engulf in the warmth of mindfulness that lies within the natural qualities of your surroundings.
Comments