As Time Is Passing On, Symphonic poem for Band

As Time Is Passing On: Symphonic Poem for Band

Commissioned by Gral Wind Orchestra for their tenth anniversary. Completed on 25 May 2000 and premiered on 8th July in the same year conducted by Seiji Sagawa.

Shortly before I started composing this work, my mother-in-law had passed away and it affected me to write this, unexpectedly, to some extent in the style of requiem. Preceding several years from that, I received from Mr. Nozomu Hayashi a set of verses named Twelve Requiems, on the first of which I composed an unaccompanied choral work, "As Time Is Passing On". It is quoted in the last part of the current work.
As Time Is Passing On is for wind band with mixed chorus and consists of the four following parts: Lamento, Marcia, Dies Irae and As Time Passing On. The chorus part can be sung either by the members of the band or by a separate choral group. There are some solo alto passages.

As I was asked for something which would have Mr. Sagawa in tears, I deliberately introduced some elements that are reminiscence of Wagner, his favorite composer as I heard.

Part 1, Lamento: Written in a way as a sequel to the choral work "As Time Is Passing On" and the motif derived from it appears symbolically throughout.

Pat 2, Marcia: Also based on the same motif as the previous part and partially in the style of Liszt's symphonic poem, "Les pr?ludes".

Part 3, Dies Irae: Starting with singing the first verse of liturgical text, Dies Irae (Day of Wrath). It is possible as an option to continue to sing the remaining six stanzas in Latin.

Part 4, Time Is Passing On: It begins with mixed chorus in four voices. This section can also be performed solely by wind band with optional organ. Close to the ending, the chorus sing "requiem aeternam" (eternal rest) on the C sharp tonic chord played very softly. This closing also implies the opening of the piece so that it forms a circle with no beginning or ending.


As Time Is Passing On by Nozomu Hayashi

The morning light on my cheeks
Turns into twilight in no time
As time is passing on
So swiftly and silently
I find myself wondered

Being alive now and
All the things I saw
Are for once and only

The fresh young leaves of spring
Turns into summer foliage in no time
As time is passing on
So swiftly and drastically
I find myself bewildered

Having been alive and
All the things I saw
Are for once and only

(This translation is only to show the outline of the original poem in Japanese language.)

(Yasuhide Ito)