The appeal of expressing Japanese mythology through wind ensemble music began for me in 2011 with Sea Goddess - Myth for Winds and Percussion. I then wrote Father of the Universe - Amenominakanushi in 2016. As the third work in this series, I chose Konohanasakuya-hime as the subject. Konohanasakuyahime was chosen at first sight by the heavenly grandchild Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu Omikami. She became his wife, said to be as beautiful as fresh blossoms on trees, especially cherry blossoms. She is truly deserving of being called the "best heroine" in Japanese mythology.
The structure of the piece is broadly divided into three sections - fast, slow, and fast. In each, I depict my vision Konohanasakuyahime, using different modes of musical storytelling.
In the opening clarinet passage, imagine the scene of a traditional Japanese dance - try to express an enchanting, bewitching dance. From the saxophone ensemble in the middle section through the latter half of the work, convey an elegant atmosphere with rich, sustained long tones. The ending should be full of vitality, decisive without hesitation.
For Japanese drums, I recommend selecting and freely combining shime-daiko, hira-daiko, okedo-daiko, and yagura-daiko. If these are not available, you may substitute Western instruments such as bongos, congas, or toms, appropriately tuned.
This work was commissioned by Symphonic Ensemble Lilt - Niigata, Japan, completed in 2017. The summer we spent together working with passionate intensity was an irreplaceable time, as I felt deep bonds amongst the members. The joy of becoming one through my own music is a lifelong treasure for me.

(Hiroaki Kataoka)