Heartwarming suite capturing the joy and nostalgia of an American tour.
Mov.1 To an unknown place... and then (7'00)
Mov.2 Sparkling Street, Memorable Bells (6'00)
Mov.3 Keeping them in my mind (11'00)
"Piccolo
Flute 1 (div.)
Flute 2 (div.)
Oboe (div.)
English Horn
Bassoon (div.)
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinet 1 (div.)
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium (div.)
Tuba (div.)
String Bass
Harp
Celesta
Timpani
[Percussion] Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Antique Cymbals, Tam-tam, Triangle, Wind Chime, Crotales, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Marimba, Chimes"
This piece was composed to commemorate the memories of the Saitama Sakae High School Wind Orchestra's concert tour in the United States in 2004, when they visited the city of Naperville, Illinois. During their stay, the ensemble held a concert, and all participants in the tour were granted honorary citizenship of the City of Naperville.
This piece was presented as a gift to the City of Naperville and received great acclaim at its world premiere performance at the 60th Annual Midwest Clinic, held in Chicago in 2006.
I. "To an unknown place... and then"
This movement depicts the long day in June 2004, beginning with the gathering at Saitama-Shintoshin in the morning, boarding a plane at Narita Airport, crossing the ocean, and finally arriving in the United States. It expresses the excitement and anticipation, as well as the uncertainty, of the concert tour ahead, along with the joy of encountering new people in a foreign land.
II. "Sparkling Street, Memorable Bells"
The first concert of the tour was held in Naperville. This movement portrays memories of walking through the city a few hours before the concert. The sentimental feelings experienced while strolling through the beautiful town in the light rain are reflected in the music. The sound of church bells echoing throughout the city was especially memorable.
III. "Keeping them in my mind"
The central theme of this movement is how valuable experiences gained during the American concert tour can be carried forward into the future. The melodies and rhythms express the brightness of the American people and their attitude of always embracing life and enjoying each moment.