Composer

:

Kiyoshige Koyama

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

11:27

Kobiki-Uta for orchestra is a musical composition by Kiyoshige Koyama, a Japanese composer born in 1909. The piece was composed in 1951 and premiered on November 22, 1951, by the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo, Japan. Kobiki-Uta for orchestra is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 12 minutes. The piece is characterized by its use of traditional Japanese melodies and rhythms, which are combined with Western orchestral techniques. The title "Kobiki-Uta" refers to a type of Japanese folk song that is typically sung by a group of people while pulling a cart or boat. The piece begins with a slow and mysterious introduction, featuring a solo flute playing a traditional Japanese melody. This is followed by a lively and rhythmic section, featuring the full orchestra playing a fast-paced melody that is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese dance. The piece then transitions into a slower and more contemplative section, featuring a solo violin playing a haunting melody. The middle section of the piece is marked by a sudden change in tempo and mood, as the orchestra launches into a frenzied and chaotic section that is characterized by dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms. This section is meant to represent the tumultuous and uncertain times in which the piece was composed, as Japan was still recovering from the devastation of World War II. The piece then returns to a more peaceful and contemplative mood, with the solo flute returning to play a variation of the opening melody. The piece ends with a quiet and introspective coda, featuring a solo harp playing a delicate and ethereal melody. Overall, Kobiki-Uta for orchestra is a unique and innovative work that combines traditional Japanese music with Western orchestral techniques. The piece is characterized by its use of contrasting moods and tempos, as well as its incorporation of both solo and ensemble playing.

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