Composer

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Alan Hovhaness

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1982

Hiroshige's Cat Bathing, Op. 366 is a composition by American composer Alan Hovhaness. It was composed in 1982 and premiered on March 6, 1983, by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gerard Schwarz. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is named after a different Japanese woodblock print by the artist Hiroshige. The first movement, "The Sea at Satta," is characterized by a slow, meditative melody played by the strings, which is punctuated by bursts of brass and percussion. The second movement, "The Plum Garden at Kameido," is more lively and features a playful, dance-like melody played by the woodwinds. The final movement, "The Great Bridge at Seta," is the most dramatic of the three, with a driving rhythm and soaring melodies played by the full orchestra. Hovhaness was inspired to write the piece after seeing a print of Hiroshige's "Cat Bathing" at the Seattle Art Museum. The image of the cat washing itself in a stream resonated with Hovhaness, who saw it as a symbol of purity and simplicity. He sought to capture this essence in his music, using simple melodies and sparse instrumentation to create a sense of clarity and serenity. Overall, Hiroshige's Cat Bathing, Op. 366 is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Hovhaness's unique style and his love of Japanese art and culture. Its three movements offer a range of moods and emotions, from peaceful contemplation to joyful celebration to intense drama, making it a rich and rewarding listening experience.

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