This piece was completed in March 2020 at the request of the flute quartet Collier de perles, a group of four members all born in June. It premiered in June 2021. Upon learning that the group's name, Collier de perles, means "necklace of pearls" in French, I was inspired to write a suite in which each movement reflects each member of the quartet through the imagery of a different pearl accessory.
At the time, I had no particular interest in accessories, but in the process of writing this piece, I began researching them daily online. I discovered that pearls are created by inserting a nucleus made from the shell of a freshwater mussel into a pearl oyster in a semi-dormant state. Although the process struck me as somewhat pitiful, it's also quite mysterious that something so beautiful can be formed within a living organism. Incidentally, pearl is the birthstone for June.
I. Boucles d'oreilles en perles (Pearl Earrings)
The opening movement is a lively dance in 6/8 time. It features a somewhat calm, song-like middle section.
II. Broche perle (Pearl Brooch)
This is an interlude-like slow movement. While relaxed, it shouldn't be too slow - imagine walking through a forest. Even if a hint of loneliness creeps in along the way, the call of birds brings reassurance and wraps the listener in a warm, gentle sound.
III. Bague en perle (Pearl Ring)
A swing waltz that serves as the scherzo of the suite. While rhythmic precision is important, I hope you will enjoy the colorful modulations throughout this movement.
IV. Collier de perles (Pearl Necklace)
The final and most expansive movement, named after the group itself, brings the suite to a close. The opening, in the style of a French overture, leads into a faster section that has a melody that flows gently and expansively. This is followed by a development-like middle section, a recapitulation, and a coda.

(Itaru Sakai)