Suite for Wind Orchestra

[Program Notes]
In four movements:
I. Fanfare, II. Lullaby, III. Capriccio, and IV. Finale
The entire suite is centered around Db, emphasizing tonality throughout its structure. Notably, the first movement, "Fanfare," premiered on December 6, 1997, during "Kaze no KYO-EN IV," an event organized by Shobi Music College. The performance, conducted by Masato Sato and played by the Shobi Wind Orchestra, introduced this work to the public. Later, under commission by the "21st Century Wind Music First" project, three additional movements were written, completing the suite, which was subsequently premiered in its entirety.

[Performance Notes]
Regarding the Optional Coda The Coda is an alternative ending for Movement III: Capriccio, designed for cases where Movement IV: Finale is not performed. In such instances, the section starting from rehearsal letter N in Movement III can be replaced with the corresponding section (N') in the Coda. This adaptation ensures a complete musical experience even without the finale. When performed with all movements, the composition typically lasts 13-14 minutes. Using the method above, the duration can be shortened to approximately 10 minutes. Furthermore, if the Coda is employed in conjunction with a reduced arrangement, performances as short as 6-7 minutes are possible. For example, combining Movements I and III with the Coda and linking them attacca or by overlapping the final measure of Movement I with the first measure of Movement III results in a performance lasting around 6 minutes and 15 seconds. Other performance options include selecting individual movements (Movement I, Movement II, or Movement III) as excerpts. However, any cuts or rearrangements should be made with careful musical consideration to preserve the integrity of the piece.
Composer
Yukio Kikuchi
Kikuchi was born in Tokyo in 1964. He attended Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music 1983-91, where he studied composition with Akira Kitamura, Shin Sato, and Teizo Matsumura, and after receiving an MA degree, served on the faculty for four years. Presently he teaches composition on faculty at Kunitachi College of Music, Shobi Gakuen School of Music & Media arts. Kikuchi's works appeared in public early on. His "Saxophones' Studies", which won the Composition Competition for Saxophone '86, and "YOHEN" (for piano and orchestra) that won the "Akutagawa" prize for composition 1993, are critically and popularly acclaimed. His orchestral works have been performed by Tokyo's major symphonies, including commissions premiered by Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, conducted by Hiroyuki Iwaki (1994) and Shin Nihon Philharmonic Orchestra (1995). Most recently he has pursued chamber music and wind orchestral works, tirelessly searching for more original sound.

(Yukio Kikuchi)