Piano Concerto No. 3 (Ohzawa)

The Piano Concerto No. 3 by Hisatada Otaka (formerly known as Ohzawa) is a significant work in the repertoire of Japanese classical music. Composed in 1948, it showcases a blend of Western classical forms and distinctly Japanese melodic and harmonic influences. The concerto is structured in the traditional three movements: a fast opening movement, a slow lyrical middle movement, and a lively, often virtuosic, finale.

Otaka's style in this concerto often draws upon late-Romantic and early-20th-century compositional techniques, incorporating elements of impressionism and a subtle use of Japanese folk music scales and rhythms. While remaining firmly within the framework of the concerto genre, the work distinguishes itself through its unique orchestration and melodic content, which often evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia characteristic of much of Otaka's oeuvre.

The concerto requires considerable technical skill from the soloist, demanding both power and sensitivity. It is a staple of the Japanese concert repertoire and has been performed and recorded by numerous notable pianists. Despite its significance within Japanese musical culture, it is less frequently performed outside of Japan. Its importance lies in its contribution to the development of a distinctly Japanese voice within the Western classical tradition.