Cherry Blossom Brilliance

From Wind Repertory Project
Chang-Su Koh

Chang Su Koh


General Info

Year: 2017
Duration: c. 7:30
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Brain Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $150.00   |   Score Only (print) - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo (doubles Flute III)
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Delightful festive music written with rhythmic triplets, the work features brilliant brass sections, resonating chimes, and contrasting emotional interludes. The ephemeral life of cherry blossoms are expressed with a compelling melody. The basic motive of the piece, triplets are used technically and attractively, with varied tempi, alternating between ternary and duple feel.

- Program Note from Hiroshima Wind Orchestra YouTube video


Between the rigors of a long, harsh winter and the sweltering heat of summer lies the most revered season in Japan, that of the spring blooming of sakura, or cherry blossoms. Adoration of the lovely pink flower dates back to the Nara Period (710-794) and the establishment of hanami rituals marking the start of the rice-planting season. Moreover, the fleeting beauty of the sakura has been celebrated as a metaphor for life itself -- praised in art and poetry throughout Japan's history. The sakura hanami are enjoyed throughout the country, as predicted flowering dates advance from southern Okinawa to northern Hokkaido and parks are filled with picnickers and thrilled observers.

This appropriately glorious work was commissioned for Nishinomiya City’s 90th Anniversary, and consists of three sections: 1) a-b-a, 2) c & d and 3) e-c-d-a. 1) is driven and rhythmical, 2) is lyrical, and 3) refreshes both leading motives.

- Program Note from Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble concert program, December 20, 2018


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

None discovered thus far.