Commissioned in 2024 by Mr. Manabu Sato, director of Sendai Jonan High School Wind Ensemble. It was premiered by ten players at that year's All Japan Band Competition. Despite its minimal orchestration, the inventive techniques employed and the use of Middle Eastern drums created a unique and passionate performance that captivated the audience. That remarkable performance still resonates in my heart today.
In Iran, there exists a Persian epic called Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) chronicling myths and legends. One of the tales from this epic, "The Hero Rostam and the Tragedy of Sohrab," is part of the "Legends" section, spanning mythology, legend, and history. It tells the story of Rostam, the legendary hero of Persia, and his son, Sohrab.
The narrative includes six major depictions:
1.The birth of Rostam
2.His trials and journeys
3.Rostam at the frontiers
4.The romance of Rostam and the beautiful Tahmineh
5.The battle between father Rostam and son Sohrab
6.Sohrab's death and Rostam's grief
I wove these six scenes into a musical drama, expressing them through my own musical language.
While the piece does not consistently use maqam scales, it is rooted in the sounds of the Middle East, blending them with Western harmonies to create a modern and innovative resonance. The improvised exchanges between musical motifs and rhythms serve as the work's most compelling element.
The middle section highlights solo instruments, leading to a tutti passage that reflects the joy and sorrow shared by Rostam and Tahmineh. The latter part of the piece depicts the climactic battle between father and son, Rostam delivering the fatal blow to Sohrab, and the story's dramatic conclusion.
This tale, devoid of a happy ending, inevitably stirs deep emotions. I hope this piece will inspire performers to convey the story through their music.
(Hiroaki Kataoka)
Performance Notes:
- Opening Section: The opening melody is built upon a woodwind and clarinet trio base, creating a vivid tonal image. Familiarizing yourself with the piece will help you appreciate its expansive character.
- Section B: Aim for precise rhythm and maintain a sense of tension throughout this section.
- Section C: For the percussion ensemble, try playing slightly shorter note values than those indicated. This will enhance the clarity and responsiveness of the sound.
- Section D: Rather than focusing solely on volume, aim for a clear and cohesive sound structure that emphasizes transparency and balance.
- Fast Tempos and Solos: During faster passages, articulation is critical for solo expressions. Thin or unclear articulation will obscure the intended musical message. Exercise careful control.
- Strong Dynamics: When playing loudly, it is crucial to express the written rhythms clearly through your breath. Agile and precise sound production is essential; pay attention to the hall's acoustics and the propulsion of your sound.
- Sections K-N: These parts are heavily improvisational. Listen to one another's sounds to foster a positive mood. Be mindful of the baritone saxophone's role, ensuring it remains clear. Strive for a unified ensemble sound.
- Measure 113 (Percussion): If available, feel free to use optional instruments such as Persian drums.
- Section N (Keyboard Ensemble): Study dynamics and subtle expressions to bring out nuances in this section.
- Section O: While tempo is free here, ensure that performance remains cohesive and seamless.
- Sections P-S: Focus on tone color and dynamics. During ritardandos, imagine gathering the sound at the center before transitioning to the next phrase, creating a rich and profound musical texture.
- Section S Onward: Use a steady breath to create clear rhythmic articulation.
- Later Sections: Emphasize the lively and dynamic character of the music. Use breath that matches the energetic mood of the piece and aim for a performance with strong momentum.
- Finale: The way tension builds toward the ending is crucial. Strive for a flawless and polished performance.
- Ending Saxophone Solo: Deliver this with dramatic flair and bold expression.
- Optional Solos: You may experiment with various instrument combinations for the optional solos. Feel free to explore different approaches that showcase your ensemble's unique character.
- Divisi Passages: For divisi notations, ensure that the lower note in the ossia is played when there are multiple performers available.
(Hiroaki Kataoka)
