Hisato Ohzawa

Full biography Hisato Ohzawa

Hisato Ohzawa was born on September 17, 1907, in Tokyo, Japan. He was a Japanese composer, pianist, and music educator. Ohzawa studied composition at the Tokyo Music School with Kozaburo Hirai and Akio Yashiro and later in Paris with Nadia Boulanger.

Ohzawa's early compositions were influenced by Western classical music, but he later incorporated Japanese folk and traditional music into his works. This unique blend of Western and Japanese music resulted in an innovative and distinct sound.

Ohzawa's most popular works are his compositions for piano, such as "Rapsodie nippone," "Trois Pieces japonaises," and "Japonaiserie." He was also known for his vocal and choral works, such as his "Kagura" and "Forest Night."

Aside from his composition work, Ohzawa was a dedicated music educator, serving as a professor at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo for many years. He also played an essential role in establishing the Japanese Society for Contemporary Music.

In 1983, Ohzawa was awarded Japan's prestigious Order of Culture for his contributions to music. He passed away at the age of 83 on September 22, 1990.

In conclusion, Hisato Ohzawa was a remarkable composer who innovatively incorporated Japanese and Western music styles into his works, leaving a lasting legacy to Japanese music. His work remains appreciated and respected by many music enthusiasts around the world.