Sweet Sakura (2011)
Sweet Sakura
Soprano Saxophone, Viola, Piano
(2011) 7:00
Brett Ikehara, a fellow classmate and good friend, was hosting a recital in dedication to his mother. He requested that I write music for him and his student to play at the recital. He asked that it be tonal, japanese-themed, and easy enough for a middle school student to play. After asking about his mother (preferences, personality, etc.) I got to work.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are often associated with Japan. They symbolize clouds because of the manner in which they bloom. They also are often used as a metaphor for the ephemerality of life and are associated with the concept called "mono no aware."
I saw the sakura as an appropriate focus since sakura are beautiful and widely admired but they last for only a short time.
There is a popular Japanese folk song called Sakura Sakura. I used the rhythm from the first phrase of this folk song as the basis for the melody in Sweet Sakura.
Program Note
Day breaks on a tree full of blooming sakura. They sway peacfully; beautiful clouds of pale pink moving in the soft breeze. Below, people stop to admire the blossoms. Families eating lunch; children playing in the shade of the tree, running, laughing without a care in the world. The sun begins to set; the petals of the sakura slowly fall from the tree, gracefully sailing through the wind. Though pale pink clouds become a memory in the night, the sweet sakura forever remain in the hearts of many.
Dedicated to Michiko Ikehara.
Premiered on December 21, 2011 at Niu Valley Middle School by Brett Ikehara, Jaelin Sonoda, and Megumi Kurachi.