Reflections on an Old Japanese Folk Song

To hear a recording of this piece, please visit the Hal Leonard MGB Concert Band page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeHzOLTDBDG2pZX6fYtaxSw

Based on the traditional Japanese tune “Suiryo-Bushi,” Reflections on an Old Japanese Folk Song opens with two contrasting statements of the melody - first sparsely presented by the woodwinds and then in a harmonized version played by the full band. This is followed by a lively section based on pentatonic melodies that characterize the folk tune. The following slower variation first centers around a plaintive English horn melody made up of sections of the original tune, and later presents the opening phrases of “Suiryo-Bushi” against an intensely florid accompaniment. The final section is in the form of a scherzo that eventually forms the accompaniment to a final presentation of the folk tune. Dur: 8:30