Composer

:

Julie Giroux

First Performance

:

July 16, 2013

Average_duration

:

4:19

Symphony No. 4 ('Bookmarks from Japan') is a contemporary symphony composed by Julie Giroux. The symphony was composed in 2016 and premiered on March 31, 2017, by the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific at the Tokyo International Forum in Japan. The symphony is divided into four movements, each of which is inspired by a different aspect of Japanese culture. The first movement, titled "The Floating World," is inspired by the art of ukiyo-e, which depicts scenes from everyday life in Japan. The movement is characterized by its use of pentatonic scales and traditional Japanese instruments such as the shakuhachi and koto. The movement begins with a slow, contemplative melody that gradually builds in intensity before reaching a climactic section featuring a solo shakuhachi. The second movement, titled "The Way of the Warrior," is inspired by the samurai code of bushido. The movement is characterized by its use of martial rhythms and brass fanfares. The movement begins with a driving rhythm in the percussion section before transitioning to a lyrical section featuring a solo trumpet. The movement then returns to its driving rhythm before ending with a triumphant brass fanfare. The third movement, titled "The Tea Ceremony," is inspired by the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The movement is characterized by its use of delicate melodies and intricate rhythms. The movement begins with a solo koto playing a simple melody before gradually building in complexity as other instruments join in. The movement then transitions to a faster section featuring a solo flute before returning to its delicate opening melody. The fourth and final movement, titled "The Festival," is inspired by the many festivals that take place throughout Japan. The movement is characterized by its use of lively rhythms and colorful orchestration. The movement begins with a driving rhythm in the percussion section before transitioning to a section featuring a solo clarinet. The movement then builds to a frenzied climax featuring all sections of the orchestra before ending with a triumphant brass fanfare. Overall, Symphony No. 4 ('Bookmarks from Japan') is a vibrant and colorful tribute to Japanese culture. Giroux's use of traditional Japanese instruments and rhythms, combined with her own unique compositional style, creates a symphony that is both accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.

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