Two traditional Japanese folk songs fuse brilliantly for modern bands.
Piccolo (doubling Flute 3)
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon 1/2
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinet 1*
Bb Clarinet 2*
Bb Clarinet 3*
(*3 Players each)
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3
Euphonium 1/2
Tuba (div.)
String Bass
Timpani
[Percussion 1] Cymbals, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, 3 Toms, Suspended Cymbal, Bin-zasara(a bundle of pieces of wood, Japanese instrument)
[Percussion 2] Chimes, Glockenspiel, Sleigh Bell, Tam-Tam, Hyoushigi, Suspended Cymbal
[Percussion 3] Xylophone, Vibraphone, Hyoushigi
Commissioned by the Kure Band of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.
Funa-Uta, a kind of Barcarole, is based on two folk songs from the Setonaikai (the Inland Sea) area in the western part of Japan. The form is A-B-A. In the A section, a folk song from Kagawa Prefecture Kompira Fune-fune is used, and in the B section, a folk song from Hiroshima Prefecture Ondo no Funa-uta is used. The form is simple, yet the composer writes a ten voice Canon in the A section, and uses polyrhythm in the B section. Japanese atmosphere is abundant, and Ito's skillful orchestration in the Impromptu section played by four wind players stands out.
A contemporary treatment of two Japanese folk songs in a challenging three-part form. Opens in the style of John Adams while the folk material undergoes full development. Beautifully orchestrated to make the ensemble sound rich, as well as clear. A true fusion of Japanese and contemporary Western musical elements and a good way to introduce students and audiences alike to an ancient sound world. Challenging, yet able to capture a respect for both traditions without sounding trite.
(Yasuhide Ito)
World Parts Download
