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Hire Materials Now Available for Ryota Ishikawa’s Rhapsody on Japanese Folk Songs

Apr. 01, 2020

We are pleased to announce that the hire materials for the orchestrated version of Ryota Ishikawa's Rhapsody on Japanese Folk Songs, part of Zen-On’s published series in collaboration with noted saxophonist Nobuya Sugawa, are now available. The original version for alto saxophone and piano was published in May 2014 (Zen-On 560025).  The idea for the work originated when Nobuya Sugawa asked the composer if he would “write a rhapsody which includes Japanese folk song melodies and also phrases that evoke the sound of the Tsugaru-jamisen.”

Ryota Ishikawa notes:

"...writing works based on famous melodies had been my life’s work.  I had always been delighted to add technical effects and romantic expressions to these well-known songs without dismissing their original feelings.  The idea, which combines Japanese folk songs and Sugawa’s saxophone playing, made me very excited.  Although many of the motifs are based on Japanese folk songs, their development conforms to the style of Western music. Composing in such a way, I attempted to make the work more universal in its overall form and appeal."

The composer describes this work in detail:

"Tsugaru Jongara Bushi, a folk song of Aomori prefecture, often appears in the piece.  At the beginning, Shin Bushi from Tsugaru Jongara Bushi is sonorously presented.  It is followed by Kyoku Biki, which is also a part of Tsugaru Jongara Bushi originally played by the Shamisen.  I gave an indication that players should imitate the sound of the Tsugaru-jamisen but ultimately, players are allowed to perform freely with their own musical ideas.  For Aizu Bandaisan, a folk song originated in Fukushima prefecture, I made an arrangement which has a totally different mood from the original song.  Here I attempted not to imitate the folk song but to pursue its spirituality.  Shika no Tone is one of the most popular pieces for the shakuhachi.  At the performance, imitation, not only of the sound of the shakuhachi, but also of the unique gestures of a shakuhachi player offers an intriguing stage.  Takeda no Komoriuta, a folk song from Kyoto, is a beautiful lullaby.  I attempted to enhance its charm through the use of a lyric chordal setting. A cadenza based on Kuroda Bushi and festive passages derived from Awa Odori and Soran Bushi signal the finale of the Rhapsody."


Rhapsody on Japanese Folk Songs was commissioned by Nobuya Sugawa who gave the world premiere on November 26, 2010 at the Ogaki City Suitopia Center Culture Hall in Gifu, Japan with pianist Minako Koyanagi.


(Ryota Ishikawa/Rhapsody of Japanese Folk Songs/David Hernando Vitores, alto saxophone
and Kayoko Morimoto Otani, piano)

To learn more about Ryota Ishikawa, visit: zen-on.co.jp

Ryota Ishikawa
Rhapsody on Japanese Folk Songs
2(2.pic).2.2.2-4.2.3.1-timp.perc-hp-str-solo asax
13'

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