The project for Saxophone × Japanese traditional instruments × Contemporary music #2 Saxophone × Taiko, Koto
Masanori Oishi (Saxophone), Fumie Hihara (Koto) Photo: Yo Hirai
Masanori Oishi (Saxophone), Masaru Tsuji (Taiko) Photo: Yo Hirai
This is the second outing for a concert series presenting commissioned works for saxophone and traditional Japanese instruments, “The project for Saxophone × Japanese traditional instruments × Contemporary music.” This time around, composers from Japan and overseas will be commissioned to write duo pieces for saxophone and taiko drum as well as saxophone and koto. These pieces will then be performed for the first time at the concert, which will explore and present new acoustic possibilities through previously unheard-of instrumental arrangements. In addition, the event will explore the roots of traditional Japanese musical instruments, share a deeper understanding of the creation of the works with the audience through talk sessions with the composers, and consider new ways of passing on musical traditions.
Performers
Masanori Oishi (saxophone), Masaru Tsuji (taiko), Fumie Hihara (koto)
Commissioned composers
Shinichiro Ikebe, Yoichi Sugiyama, Noriko Koide, Julien Malaussena
Program
Yoshiro Irino: Duo concertante for alto saxophone and koto
Kengyo Yatsuhashi: Midare (classical koto piece)
Julien Malaussena: De distance et toucher (world premiere)
Noriko Koide: Bone (world premiere), solo/ taiko drum
Yoichi Sugiyama: Jeux Ⅲ (world premiere), for saxophone and taiko drum
Shinichiro Ikebe: What can be done with Reed and Leather ? (world premiere)
The Executive Committee of Saxophone × Japanese traditional instruments × Contemporary music
Launched principally by saxophonist Masanori Oishi as an organization for the commissioning and performance of saxophone works by Japanese composers, the commissioning of contemporary music featuring saxophone and Japanese traditional instruments from Japanese and non-Japanese composers, and for concert planning and performance. The aim of the organization is to explore the unique potential of the saxophone as well as new music and sounds from the fusion of saxophone with Japanese traditional instruments, and to communicate the results not only to Japan but globally.
Masanori Oishi’s album “SMOKE: Japanese Solo Saxophone Works” won The Agency for Cultural Affairs National Arts Festival Excellence Award in 2019.
Masanori Oishi
The Executive Committee of Saxophone × Japanese traditional instruments × Contemporary music
Gotanda Cultural Center Music Hall, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
