"Medical Doctor Supervised: Harp & Cello for Sleep" CD Liner Notes Column

This work, "Medical Doctor Supervised: Harp & Cello for Sleep," was planned under the supervision of Dr. Hiroshi Bando, a medical doctor, with the theme of "positively influencing people's bodies and minds through music."

1. Fusion of Music and Science – A New Musical Experience through Works Supervised by a Medical Doctor

Dr. Hiroshi Bando specializes in anti-aging, music therapy, and sports medicine, among other fields. In the planning of this work, particular attention was paid to the effect of music on "sleep."

The human body is composed of approximately 60-70% water and is sensitive to sound vibrations. When music containing a pleasant fluctuation, such as a calm performance, is transmitted as air vibrations, the entire body resonates, leading to a deep state of relaxation.

As instruments that act on these physical characteristics, the harp and cello, which have "open strings," were chosen for this work.

"Open strings" in performance means producing sound without pressing the strings with fingers, so the strings vibrate at their longest possible state, from end to end where they are secured.

Because open strings have a larger amplitude, they produce a richer resonance than any other note. If the sound of another string played is the same note as an open string or in a harmonic relationship with it, the resonant effect of sympathetic vibration is amplified.

The rich resonant effect created by the natural reverberation of strings is felt not only by the ears but by the entire body, inducing a relaxing effect in the brain.

The reason these instruments have been cherished as "healing instruments" since ancient times is thus scientifically substantiated.

2. Deep Resonance Created by Simple Instrumentation

A major characteristic of this album is its simple instrumentation.

Instead of the massive layering of sounds found in an orchestra, the pieces are performed with a simple configuration of harp, cello, and sometimes just piano accompaniment. This simple arrangement allows the resonance of each instrument to be transmitted more clearly, maximizing the effect of sympathetic vibration.

Furthermore, the sounds of string instruments have a sharp and easy-to-hear attack, and then they decay. Listening to the sounds decay and gently fade away helps to guide you into a calm and relaxed state.

For example, masterpieces by Mozart and Debussy are played in simple arrangements—a single harp, two harps, or cello and piano—making the resonance of each instrument more easily understood. This album is packed with the healing properties of these instruments.

3. Music for Environmental Regulation – Noise-Cancelling Effect

The tones of the harp and cello are not only natural and gentle on the ears but also drown out excess ambient noise and jarring sounds, creating a comfortable "sound space." Beyond simply enjoying music, this can also be expected to have a "noise-cancelling effect."

For example, by playing it at an appropriate volume in environments like a living room or office, external conversations and machine noises can be softened, creating a calm atmosphere and an environment conducive to concentration.

Moreover, if played softly before bed, you will not be disturbed by ambient noise, and your mind and body will naturally be guided into a relaxed state, leading to deep sleep.

This effect transcends the mere role of background music; it also serves as an "acoustic device for regulating space." As if a fine silk cloth gently drapes over, the entire space is enveloped in gentle sound, freeing you from daily stress and clamor.

Please give it a try.

Classy Moon

"Medical Doctor Supervised: Harp & Cello for Sleep"

Album Listening Digest Video

◆Tracklist
#. Composer: Title
01. Debussy: Clair de Lune
02. Schubert: Lullaby
03. Beethoven: Moonlight Sonata
04. Massenet: Méditation from Thaïs
05. Schumann: Träumerei
06. Debussy: Rêverie
07. Chopin: Nocturne No. 2
08. Traditional: Greensleeves
09. Fauré: Berceuse, Op. 16
10. Liszt: Liebestraum No. 3
11. Fauré: Après un rêve
12. Fliess: Mozart's Lullaby
13. Brahms: Wiegenlied (Lullaby)
14. J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations – Aria
15. Godard: Berceuse de Jocelyn

Harp：Track-1～4, 6～10, 12～14
Cello：Track-5, 11, 15 

"Medical Doctor Supervised: Harp & Cello for Sleep"

Product page is here

◆Artist: Classy Moon
◆Product Number: QOCD-1793
◆Price: ¥1,980 (tax in.)

A collection of classic melodies for quality sleep, supervised by Dr. Hiroshi Bando, a medical doctor and music therapy specialist.

Featuring classic pieces related to "moon," "dreams," "night," and "lullabies," performed by "Harp" and "Cello," which produce healing tones with rich overtones.

"Medical Doctor Supervised: Harp & Cello for Sleep" Digital Distribution Jacket

Supervised by: Hiroshi Bando

Medical Doctor
Councilor, Japan Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Shikoku Branch Manager, Japan Society for Integrative Medicine
Part-time Lecturer, Tokushima University
Graduated from Tokushima University, obtained ECFMG certification, then completed clinical training in family medicine in the USA. Specialized fields include anti-aging, carbohydrate restriction, music therapy, and sports medicine. Competed in the National Sports Festival as an ice skater (1999–2003). President of the 9th Japan Music Therapy Association Conference (2009). Silver medalist at the 3rd European International Piano Competition (EIPIC) in Japan (2012). President of the Japan Primary Care Association Conference (2017).
Editor-in-Chief for 4 international English medical journals (2024). Author of over 30 books, over 2,000 publications, and over 500 English papers. Tokushima Representative of the "New Senior Citizens' Association."

Official website:https://pianomed.org/