JAPANESE POETIC FORMS
     The four movements of this composition are entitled, Dodoitsu, Sedoka, Tanka, and Haiku. Japanese poems are so named for their adherence to a set number of lines and syllables. Dodoitsu has 26 syllables in four lines, and split up 7-7-7-5. Sedoka is 5-7-7-5-7-7, Tanka, 5-7-5-7-7, and Haiku, 5-7-5. In this composition, each syllable grouping comes to represent a collection of musical moments. The Art of Japanese Poetry is an expression of Zen. The score asks the performers to think of austere images with the depth of restrained passion. A translation of an ancient Haiku by Boncho is included:

     THE LONG, LONG RIVER
     A SINGLE LINE
     ON THE SNOWY PLAIN

     The music takes on a meditative quality through the series of long flat-toned notes. By avoiding intervals of thirds and sixths, or the triad, the listeners mind is free to float through the thin textures, guided by the compressed overtones. The choice of tones comes from traditional Japanese pentatonic scales. The airiness of the flute and cup-muted trumpet is punctuated by a sparsely shadowing piano to supply the open tensions above the tuba pads. The wooden clappers, reminiscent of Japanese Theatre, are incorporated to between the movements to add balance to the otherwise restrained nature of the piece. Blake Howards' performance reminds me of musically posing a Zen question. In contrast to gentle logic, the buffoon presenting the sound of one hand clapping refreshes us.

Scott Apted- flute    Brian Cram- trumpet   Colin Couch- tuba Henry Muth, Jason Clarke, Blake Howard, Andrew Henry- percussion, piano.
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