Airs was released as a test piece for the All-Japan Band Competition in 2004 and has since been frequently performed for various occasions and events such as graduation ceremonies, which brings me great joy.

In 2022, a version for flexible ensemble & band was published, and with the splendid support of a reference performance by the students of Tokyo College of Music, it has been very well received. Following this, as part of the second phase of the project, a series of "Airs" for solo wind instruments and piano is being sequentially published.

The Air in "Airs" refers to the melody of the Londonderry Air, denoting a song. I hope it will be performed beautifully, gently, and with clarity for Soprano Saxophone and piano duo.

(Tsutomu Tajima)