Comforting shamisen nuances pay tribute to a nostalgic Toyama festival.
[1st Percussion] Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Xylophone
[2nd Percussion] Marimba
[3rd Percussion] Marimba
[4th Percussion] 2 Wood Blocks, Bongo, Conga
[5th Percussion] Crotale, Mokusho, 3 Toms, Wind Chime
[6th Percussion] Tam-tam, 3 Triangles, 4 Temple Blocks, Chanchiki, Suspended Cymbal, 2 Opera Gongs (China Cymbal), Crotale
[7th Percussion] Timpani, Wind Chime
[8th Percussion] Bass Drum, Small Bass Drum
This piece, jointly commissioned by Toyama Prefectural Toyama Commercial High School and the Toyama Minami Wind Orchestra in 2011, is set against the backdrop of the Owara "Kaze no Bon" festival, a tradition in Yao, Toyama. The main theme, "Echu Owara Bushi," has a very comforting sound that resonates with human emotions and warmth, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Named "Gran Nostalgia," it pays tribute to the grandeur of Toyama's natural beauty, the solemnity of the Kaze no Bon festival, and the people's deep affection and nostalgia for their homeland.
Additionally, this work expresses my gratitude to Toyama Commercial High School, led by Tsuboshima-sensei, whose performances I have admired since my youth.
The essence of this piece lies in its "wavering" quality. Just as the sounds of the shamisen and kokyu used in the Echu Owara Bushi produce an indefinite form of beauty and ephemerality, I hope you will perform this piece while appreciating these delicate nuances.
(Jerry Grasstail)
