This piece was composed in 2025 at the request of Mr. Manabu Sato, conductor of the Sendai Jonan High School Wind Ensemble, Japan. Working within a limited instrumentation, I wrote through trial and error alongside the band. Even in the faster passages where there are no dedicated harmony parts, I aimed to create a pleasant and familiar resonance using just melody, inner voice, and bass lines.

The percussion section was originally designed to be performed entirely by a single player, covering drums, mallet instruments, and small percussion. Special attention was given to the setup, enabling a rich, full sound through a multi-percussion configuration. The eight-member ensemble delivered a one-of-a-kind, spectacular performance on the brilliant stage of the All Japan Band Competition Tohoku Division. I'm truly grateful for the many emotions their music evoked-thank you so much.



This edition has been expanded from the original 8-part version as premiered, and can now accommodate a wide range of band sizes-from a minimum of 20 players to a full ensemble. The standard setting is for two players per part; if additional players are available, including the optional 3rd parts will enrich the overall sound. Please feel free to try different configurations.


What's commonly known as "Paganini's Theme" comes from 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op. 1-24, composed by the virtuosic violinist Niccolò Paganini. This iconic melody has served as the basis for many sets of variations by various composers over time. With deep respect for Paganini's legacy, I titled this piece Nico Rhapsody and attempted to reinterpret the theme through my own musical lens.

In the first half, fragments of the theme's pitches and rhythms are scattered throughout, allowing listeners to sense Paganini's original motif. The interplay of playful phrasing, strong unison passages, and hints of blues elements combine to create a modern musical atmosphere. In the middle section, I focused on the spatial placement of sound to make full use of each instrument's tonal qualities, evoking a vivid and colorful scene. The latter half shifts the minor-key theme into a dramatically hopeful development. Please enjoy how Paganini's theme transforms throughout the piece.

(Hiroaki Kataoka)