Japanese Folk Fantasia

Description

This program piece presents settings of three traditional Japanese folksongs which are virtually unknown to Americans. A misty introduction reminiscent of a Japanese painting is built on the ancient pentatonic (five-note) scale used in two of the three songs, and provides a unifying motif for the piece.

At letter A the violas present the first song, Kushimoto Bushi, which extols the beauties and pleasures of the region of Kushimoto. This song continues in a canonic treatment featuring first violins, celli and bassi. Letter D presents a Lullaby from the prefecture of Akita as a beautiful duet for solo violin and solo viola, which is later taken up by the rest of the orchestra. These solo parts could also be played by a small group or by the entire section, as desired. At letter F, a drumlike pizzicato signals an Okinawan ballad. Okinawa, although part of Japan, is extremely isolated from the rest of the country and has a culture all its own. The tonality of this song closely resembles a major scale, so its sound is more “western.” The opening motif recurs, accelerating to a fast tempo with the ballad tune in elongated form over a rapid, energetic rhythmic figure in the inner parts, leading to an exciting conclusion.

Published by: String Instrument Specialists