Soaring memories, birds taking wing, the sorrow of distant dreams
Originally composed in 2021 as a shakuhachi quintet at the request of shakuhachi performer Shōzan Hasegawa, In Flight, In Mind was later arranged in 2025 for flute quartet.
The inspiration for this work was the image of a flock of birds taking flight. While the movements of individual birds may be simple, as a group they form diverse trajectories, occasionally shifting their patterns suddenly. I aimed to create a musical structure where each instrument weaves together organically, giving rise to varied and ever-changing musical forms as an ensemble.

The piece consists of an introduction and three sections:
- Introduction: A melody that invites a sense of ma (silence) and breath. The wind stirs, hinting at a journey about to begin.
- Section I: A light and graceful flight. The flock dances, changing shape within contrasts of fluidity and rhythm.
- Section II: A moment of rest, reflecting quietly on a distant homeland.
- Section III: A recapitulation. The birds rise once more, soaring even higher as the piece approaches its close.

I sincerely hope this music spreads its wings beyond my hands - into unseen skies, toward unknown lands - freely and without bounds.

(Noel Hiyamizu)