Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 17, 2017 The festivities begin with the making of white and round mochi cakes, symbols of the full moon, that are pounded from steamed rice with large wooden hammers. During this time, people dance joyfully and sing comical lyrics to express happiness...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Excitement fills the air as shamisen and chappa play in preparation for the full moon celebration. ...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 The Japanese constellation Subaru are the six brightest stars in the night sky, represented by six drummers. The dextrous movements mimic their brilliant glimmer. ...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 On an ominous night, dark clouds are silhouetted against the fading light of the moon. ...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Nagi is the gentle and decaying winds that follow a wind swirl – a period of tranquility and calmness. The droning chant is a part of the process of seeking such focus. The pulsing of the voices together produces the...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Solo taiko performance by Kayo Homma-KomoriPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Kogarashi are swirling winds that can get as strong as a hurricane, represented in a solo performance by Kayo Homma-Komori. Her strength and poise gracefully mingle with the moving taiko to create the effect of...
Date Composed:1997Composer:Kiyoshi NagataArrangement:Kiyoshi NagataPremiere Performance:November 28, 1998 - Music GalleryRecording Title:Tenkai CD Tenkai has two meanings depending on the Japanese character used. The first interpretation is ‘to progress or evolve’. The second translates to ‘the heavens or the skies’. ...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Solo taiko by Naoya KobayashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Vigorous shamisen unites with dynamic and extensive taiko set to show appreciation for the beauty of the moon. Contrastingly, the musicians ground themselves onto the stage as they intimately focus and depend on one another’s abilities. ...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Two performers celebrate as they intertwine themselves like vines growing around the drum in a style called yoko-uchi (two-sided drumming) ...
Date Composed:2015Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 28, 2015 - Fleck Dance Theatre This is a work song for taiko players. We sing to prepare ourselves and pray for everyone’s health and prosperity. The voice is also an instrument, we use it to imbue our words with extra meaning....