Printed set (Score & Parts)
Piccolo (optional)
Flute
Oboe (optional)
Bassoon (optional)
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3 (optional)
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2 (optional)
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone (optional)
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2 (optional)
F Horn 3 (optional)
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3 (optional)
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass (optional)
Timpani
[Percussion] Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Tenor Drum, Tom-Tom, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Hi-Hat Cymbal, Tam-Tam, Triangle, Sleigh Bell, Wind Chimes, Anvil, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone
Commisioned in 2011 by Hidetoshi Abe, musical advisor to Okaya Minami High School Wind Orchestra, with a request for a piece themed around Japanese myths and festivals. It premiered on June 19th directed by the composer.
The title refers to part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, a trio of treasures inherited by successive emperors, also known as the "Three Sacred Treasures" (Sanshu no Jingi or Jingi). Its former name is "Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi (sword)." The other two treasures are the "Yata no Kagami" (Mirror) and the "Yasakani no Magatama" (Jewel).
According to the "Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan)" and the "Kojiki (An Account of Ancient Matters)," in Takamagahara, the dwelling place of the gods, Susanoo no Mikoto committed many acts of violence, causing his sister, Amaterasu Omikami, to hide away in the Amano Iwato. After being banished from the heavens, Susanoo arrived in Izumo (now Shimane Prefecture), where he encountered a distressed villager. Learning that the cause of the villager's woes was a giant serpent named Yamata no Orochi, which constantly had clouds hanging over its head, Susanoo devised a plan involving the use of sake to defeat the serpent. The sword that emerged from the serpent's tail, which he presented to Amaterasu Omikami, is believed to be the origin of the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, the most widely accepted theory regarding its creation.
The name change from "Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi" to "Kusanagi no Tsurugi" is widely believed to have occurred when Yamato Takeru received the sword for his eastern expedition and, finding himself in a dire situation during an enemy's ambush in Suruga (now Shizuoka Prefecture), used the sword to cut through grass and escape, hence the name which means "grass-cutting sword."
The piece vividly depicts various scenes from the story of Susanoo's defeat of Yamata no Orochi, as follows:
- Susanoo no Mikoto descends from the heavens, following a river until he reaches a house.
- He learns of Yamata no Orochi and its terrifying tales at the house.
- Preparations are made with eight sake barrels and a fence, quietly awaiting Orochi's arrival.
- Orochi appears, and Susanoo bravely battles the creature.
- After winning the battle, Susanoo obtains the Kusanagi no Tsurugi from Orochi's body and presents it to Amaterasu Omikami in the heavens, bringing peace back to the village.
(Hayato Hirose)
World Parts Download
