Hanamachi Rhapsody was commissioned by the Nagoya Academic Winds Saxophone section, Saxy Five in 2019. Saxophones have a strong jazzy sentiment, but I wanted to incorporate a Japanese feel and selected Hanamichi as a theme.

This consists of an A-B-A jazz style with traditional Japanese modalism and rhythms here and there. Midway through the piece comes a sentimental viewing of a memorable world. Reflections of home, revealing ones true self, but ultimately returning to the allure of a night on the town. The cadenza solo is one of the expressive highlights. Please perform with convincing emotion.

(Miyuko Oda)