In 1991, Yoshiki released his first album, classical compilation
Yoshiki Selection, which included various classical works together with orchestral arrangements of songs by his band
X Japan. In 1992, inspired by
Keith Jarrett's album
The Köln Concert, he began learning about
jazz improvisation and
orchestration. Eternal Melody was recorded in February, 1993, at the
Air Lyndhurst Hall recording studio in
London, owned by English record producer
Sir George Martin, and mastered at
Abbey Road Studios. The music was written by Yoshiki, produced by George Martin, co-arranged with
Gavin Greenaway and
Graham Preskett, and performed by the
London Philharmonic Orchestra. Besides including orchestral arrangements of X Japan songs, the album also contains two new songs, "Overture" and "Amethyst." Eternal Melody was followed by
Eternal Melody II in 2005.
Release The album was released on April 21, 1993, by
Toshiba-EMI. It reached number six on the
Oricon charts in the first week of May, They charted for five and eighteen weeks, respectively. The song "Amethyst" was included in his second classical compilation,
Yoshiki Selection II, and with "Ima wo Dakishimete" in his second classical studio album,
Eternal Melody II. == Track listing ==