Music is, of course, capable of making appeals, raising accusations, or leading people into deep contemplation-but at times that can feel a bit oppressive. I found myself wanting to write a piece with no particular ideology and no need for explanation, a work that everyone present-performers and audience alike-could simply enjoy. Fortunately, in 1998 I received a commission for a new work from a community band, Sendai Suisou Gakudan of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and that idea took concrete form in this piece.

This three-movement suite gives musical shape to three images evoked by the word "festival": a parade, a ceremony, and a fiesta (celebration). Since the piece is intended to require ""no explanation at all,"" I will refrain from adding any further commentary. After all, there are few settings better suited to a band than a festival, and anyone should be able to imagine the scenes easily and freely. If listeners and performers alike can enjoy the music in a festive spirit, there could be no greater joy for me as the composer.

The instrumentation is largely standard, but this piece is designed to be effective even with a group of 30 to 40 players.

(Yo Goto)