Itsukushimi

Purity Company Limited

Itsukushimi

Debut Album Purity

Sei Shou Ten: Purity, Honesty and Hope

Klila Bracha

Itsukushimi: Indonesia • Japan • Israel Ethnic Fusion

Itsukushimi: Indonesia • Japan • Israel Ethnic Fusion
"Itsukushimi is the heart's need for love and affection. In a broader sense, it means to value one another, open your heart, and love unconditionally."

Indonesia, Japan and Israel - three cultures dwell in my heart and imbue my life with meaning. Dunia Hanya Satu and Ke'ev, Tikva Leshalom Ve'emuna both share the theme of Itsukushimi, and for this reason this album is so very close to my heart. The lyrics for these two songs were respectively written by Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Abdul Irsan and Israeli Ambassador to Japan Eli-Eliyahu Cohen. Their words are infused with love, faith, the spirit of each country and its people, and the longing for peace. I hope by putting it to music, their vital message will reach as many people as possible. Life is wonderful but transient. I pray that all may value their lives and live without regret; I pray for the day to come soon when the people of the world can finally live in peace.

On the album:
Dunia Hanya Satu ("One World")
Lyrics: Ambassador Abdul Irsan • Music & Chorus & Arr.: Celia Dunkelman

Value one another, open your heart, and love unconditionally. This has been a constant theme in my life and music, and I feel that Indonesian Ambassador Abdul Irsan has truly captured this spirit in his lyrics. In his own words:
"Inspired by the many recent conflicts, this song reflects humanity's desire for world peace. Conflicts of interest and the pursuit of one's own aims by any means, too often result in conflicts, violence, terror and war, bringing sorrow and suffering to the people of the world. This song represents humanity's hope for a better world. With love, passion and cooperation, the world can become a place of unity where all people can become one in peace."

"Nagomi" for 15-string O-koto and Kendang
Music & Arr.: Celia Dunkelman

I have used the Japanese O-koto and the Kendang Indonesian drum in this piece to convey the bond I feel with my two homes. The Japanese character in its name stands for generosity, harmony and peace; three interlocking concepts that I hope will always characterize the bond between the two nations.
In creating this piece I am indebted to Tetsuro Gomi of Gomi Wagakki Japanese Instruments Co., Ltd. for crafting my 15-string O-koto, unique in the entire world, and to my teacher, Satomi Fukami, and Mayusa Oda of Hougaku Journal for their constant support and encouragement.

Ke'ev, Tikva Leshalom Ve'emuna ("Pain, Hope for Peace and Faith")
Lyrics: Ambassador Eli-Eliyahu Cohen • Music & Arr.: Celia Dunkelman

Value one another, open your heart, and love unconditionally. This has been a constant theme in my life and music, and I feel that Israeli Ambassador Eli-Eliyahu Cohen has truly captured this spirit in his lyrics. In his own words:
"Being in Japan for almost two years, physically far away from Israel, I have come to experience the peace of Japan. Seeing how the Japanese people have made the long journey from war to peace has made me yearn that much more for peace and harmony to come to Israel and the Middle East. Even though we carry within us the pain of the past, this pain must be tempered with faith and the hope that peace will prevail in our lifetime."

Dunia Hanya Satu ("karaoke" version)

Ke'ev, Tikva Leshalom Ve'emuna ("karaoke" version)

Ke'ev, Tikva Leshalom Ve'emuna (special track)

Itsukushimi: Indonesia • Japan • Israel Ethnic Fusion (Purity Records: PCLR-2006) is available worldwide by sending a request to: sales@puritycompany.com