Score
Piccolo (optional)
Flute 1 (optional doubling Piccolo)
Flute 2
Oboe (optional)
Bassoon (optional)
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Bass Clarinet (optional)*
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone (optional)*
*You need B.Cl. or B.Sax. either
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3 (optional)
F Horn 1/2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3 (optional)
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass (optional)
Piano (optional)
[Percussion 1] Shime-Taiko, Glockenspiel, Tam-Tam, Snare Drum, *Taiko, *Wind Chime, *Bass Drum
[Percussion 2] Suzu (or Sleighbell), Finger Cymbals, Triangle, *Wind Chime, *Suspended Cymbal, *Bass Drum, *Anvil
[Percussion 3] Timpani, *Taiko, *Bass Drum, *Suspended Cymbal, *Anvil
*Share the instrument
Commissioned by the Lamer (Kamo Culture Hall in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture) Art Festival 2017 Executive Committee, and premiered at that festival on November 5, 2017.
Yamata-no-Orochi, The Eight-Headed Serpent, refers to a dragon-like creature with eight heads from mythology.
The opening phrase quotes the beginning of Izumo Kagura "Yamata-no-Orochi" and continues directly into the trumpet fanfare at section [A]. From section [B], a fragment of the Love Theme of Susanoo and Kushinada, which appears later in the piece, is briefly heard. This Love Theme is based on the oldest known Japanese waka poem, attributed to Susanoo himself:
"Rising clouds form eightfold fences in Izumo, fences I build to shelter my beloved."
From section [C], another passage from Izumo Kagura is quoted - a phrase used to depict scenes such as Susanoo wielding his sword and Orochi drinking up the sake.
Section [D] introduces Susanoo's Theme, derived from the Love Theme but expressing his bravery and vigor. During the recapitulation of Susanoo's Theme at [G], the Kagura phrase from the opening reappears in the background.
The descending chords beginning at the fifth measure of [H] depict Susanoo's banishment from the heavens.
From [I], Kushinada's Theme appears, portraying the sorrow of the maiden chosen as a sacrifice and the grief of the entire village.
At [K], Yamata-no-Orochi's Theme emerges. The eight heads of Orochi are represented by the eight pitches A-D-C#-G-Bb-E-C-Eb. The melodies and obbligatos that follow are all constructed using selections from these eight notes - essentially an eight-tone version of the twelve-tone technique. Since Oku-Izumo is also a historic iron-working region, an anvil is featured in the percussion section.
From [O], Susanoo's Theme and Orochi's Theme alternate, depicting Battle Scene I. From [P], the depiction of Susanoo swinging his sword (from the Kagura) and Orochi's Theme proceed simultaneously, forming Battle Scene II.
Section [Q] portrays Orochi being slain, represented by eight accented notes.
At [R], Kushinada's Theme returns, gradually brightening as she realizes she has been saved.
From [S], the main Love Theme begins, leading to [V], where the opening trumpet fanfare reappears in a grand, finale-like transformation. The final horn phrase at [W] is a majestic variation of Kushinada's Theme.
(Hiroki Takahashi)
World Parts Download
