Kanreki Overture

Description: This piece was written in memory of Koseto Brass and Woodwind Bandmaster, Hachiro Ukai.
KANREKI is the completion of a 60 year cycle which is five rotations of the 12 year zodiac calendar. Literally meaning “return” and “calendar,” KANREKI is viewed as a rebirth of someone’s life. It is upon this “rebirth” that this piece was created.
BIRTH-The opening theme of the piece depicts “Birth,” in the image described by the Band’s current conductor, Byron Takaji Akemoto. The piccolo and taiko drum in its simplicity represents the image of a birth of a dragon, descending from the sky.
LIFE-The following Allegro section of the piece depicts “Life.” It is a playful theme, based upon the opening motif, which represents the carefree and giving nature of the dragon (as well as the Koseto Brass and Woodwind Band) as it flies and plays through life.
DEATH-The slower solemn section of this piece represents death. Although, death may be an unhappy event in some points of view, it is a part of nature and life. This section should not be taken as sad, but reflective. This was especially difficult for me to write, as at this point in time, Maestro Ukai had passed away, and I was about to lose my father as well.
REBIRTH-Following death, the opening theme returns as the dragon is reborn, it once again lives, ready for the next cycle of life. The themes for life and death are combined in this section. Added to this are the glockenspiel, or concert bells. The zodiac calendar is made up of 12 years, the chromatic scale consists of 12 different notes. The random hitting of notes on the bells at this point represents another life and another cycle.

Composed: 2014

Length: 7'50

Difficulty: Medium

Instrumentation: Wind Ensemble

Sample: mp3