© 2026 Lawrence Tuczynski

Title: Symphonic Ballade for Horn
CD Label: BKM
CD Number: G.R.HR-06
Music Composed by: Akira Ifukube
Music Arranged by: Takeo Yahiro
Horn by: Hiroshi Ōnuki
Number of tracks: 4 parts-18 total tracks
Running time: 52:41
Number of discs: 1
Year of release/manufacture: August 16, 2025

REVIEW

October 18, 2026

Information found via a ChatGPT query

This CD is the sixth installment of Bukimisha's horn-album series devoted to Ifukube's music.

The most interesting aspect is that this is not a conventional Godzilla soundtrack compilation. It is a horn-ensemble interpretation of music by Akira Ifukube, combining concert-hall repertoire with music originally written for Japanese cinema.

The first two tracks are based on Ifukube's concert work Symphonic Ballade. The remaining sections bring together music from historical dramas and monster films, including Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.

A Japanese CD reviewer specifically praises the arrangement and performance, noting that the ensemble produces sounds resembling percussion and piano despite using horns throughout. The reviewer highlights the group's extensive use of the horn's range and even physical strikes on the instrument's body as part of its technique.

Bukimisha CDs are available to non-Japanese buyers through BOOTH (The International Indie Art Marketplace) by using a proxy service or other intermediary: https://bukimisya-maal.booth.pm/

Symphonic Ballade for Horn (G.R.HR-06)
Title translations done via AI (ChatGPT)

    1. Symphonic Ballade

  1. First Ballade - Allegro capriccioso

    2. 2. Symphonic Ballade (the second movement

  2. Second Ballade - Andante rapsodico

    3. 3. Symphonic Fantasy: Period-Drama Music

  3. Sword Dance - Buddha , No. 27
  4. Frenzied Dance - Birth of Japan, No. 38
  5. Pacifying Dance - Chushingura, No. 20
  6. Inspiring Dance - Chushingura, No. 38
  7. Sacred Dance - Ogin-sama, No. 13

    8. 4. Symphonic Fantasy: Beast God vs. Supreme Dragon King

  8. Deep Sea and Sky - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M1
  9. Reality and Illusion - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M10
  10. History and Perspective - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M12
  11. Roar and Tremor - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M13B
  12. Encounter and Farewell - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M15
  13. Microscopic and Macroscopic) - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M11
  14. Iron Arm and Blazing Fire - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M21
  15. Speed of Sound and Beyond - Rodan: The Flying Monster, M15
  16. The Summit and the Strongest - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M18
  17. Future and Present - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M19 and M37
  18. Invincibility and Immortality - Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, M38

All tracks are arranged for horn ensemble.