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....
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 The continuous ringing of bells throughout shrines cleanses the space of any unpleasant spirits. Priests use a staff to thoroughly sweep at each corner of the room to fully assure the removal of these spirits. ...
Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:April 7, 2017 - Aki Studio Theatre As if tying a know, four men twist and weave to celebrate the half moon. They play on drums that face the four cardinal directions in lunging and sweeping motions passing energy to one another. Loose...
Date Composed:2002Composer:Kiyoshi NagataArrangement:Kiyoshi NagataPremiere Performance:November 9, 2002 - Hart House TheatreRecording Title:Koku CD / 10th Anniversary Concert DVD The introduction and finale of this piece feature improvised solos on the nebuta daiko, a shoulder-worn drum from northern Aomori prefecture. The main body of the song consists of four...
Date Composed:2014Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:Saturday, October 10 - Fleck Dance Theatre A kaleidoscope, which literally means “observation of beautiful forms,” creates dazzling geometric formations of color, shape, and space that changes as you turn the cylinder. Using multiple reflections of beads, pebbles, and pieces of glass, the...
Date Composed:2001Composer:Kiyoshi NagataArrangement:Kiyoshi NagataPremiere Performance:January 25, 2002 - Convocation Hall McMaster UniversityRecording Title:Koku CD This piece is about the unpredictable and sometimes violent moods of mother earth, especially when we do not respect it. ...