Classicalite recently reported that Japanese composer Mamoru Samuragochi--premiere composer of Symphony No. 1 "Hiroshima"--admitted to paying a ghostwriter for his major works. As his hearing deteriorated, he claimed, it proved more difficult to compose adequately.
The rumored ghostwriter to Samuragochi has since come forward, contending that he did not believe Mamoru's claim that his hearing was bunk.
Takashi Niigaki, in a recent press conference, claimed, "I saw no signs that he could not hear." How he kept his deception for so long, Niigaki questioned, is astonishing.
Samuragochi's hearing, per court documentation, is credited with a certificate of his disability, said his attorney Kazushi Orimoto.
Since the reports, Nippon Columbia Co. issued a statement expressing contempt at Samuragochi's actions. The company now says that they have halted production and sales of his work while NHK apologizes for running programs lauding the famous composer.
Niigaki aims to continue a career as a composer, despite the scandal. In fact, his Sonatina for Violin will be used at the Sochi Olympics to accompany figure skater Daisuke Takahashi's routine.
The allegations against Mamoru and his hearing loss are questionable, yes, but the main concern has been brought to light and put to bed.
"The music was born of my collaboration with him," Niigaki said. "I produced all the works to the best of my ability."
As for Takashi Niigaki, here's his Invention of Inversion III.
