Hiroshi Wakasugi

Hiroshi Wakasugi was a legendary Japanese conductor known for his dynamic interpretations of European classical masters and his passionate advocacy for Japanese composers. Born in 1935, he became a titan of orchestral music, serving as chief conductor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and later leading Germany’s Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra with equal flair. His recordings—like his fiery Wagner overtures, soulful Bruckner symphonies, or nuanced takes on Takemitsu’s modern works—showcased his versatility and deep emotional connection to the music. Wakasugi had a knack for balancing precision with raw intensity, whether navigating Tchaikovsky’s dramatic "Pathétique" or bringing delicate color to ballet suites like Strauss’s *Schlagobers*.

A beloved figure in both Japan and Europe, he earned accolades like Japan’s Order of the Sacred Treasure for his cultural contributions. Even in later years, his live performances (captured on albums like his *Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6*) buzzed with energy, proving his enduring commitment to the craft. Wakasugi’s legacy lives on as a tireless champion of cross-cultural musical dialogue, bridging Romantic-era grandeur with 20th-century innovation until his passing in 2009.

Genres

Japanese Classical

Latest Release

Wagner: Overtures and Preludes

Richard Wagner•

Staatskapelle Dresden•

Hiroshi Wakasugi

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released February 24, 2017