The next reissue from the Nonesuch Explorer Series 'Traditional Vocal & Instrumental Pieces,' is essentially a soundtrack to the traquil beauty of ancient Japan. The tracks here are performed by the Ensemble Nipponia and were recorded live during the group's 1976 tour of North America. The different genres of Japanese music are represented here, including folk, religious, dramatic, lullaby and even narrative chanting- all showing a great diversity in instruments and their uses, as well as vocal techniques, formal construction and rhythmic patterns.