The "Daily Exercise" series, designed for a wind instrument and piano, can be considered a form of characteristic pieces for these instruments, reminiscent of the Romantic era's penchant for expressive and distinctive short compositions for piano, such as Chopin's "Nocturnes," Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood," and Mendelssohn's "Songs Without Words." Unlike pieces typically performed in solo contests, which demand flashy virtuosity and high musicality, these works are characterized by their brevity yet memorable for their unique harmonies and melodies. They are envisioned as pieces one might spontaneously feel compelled to play, or as gentle, uplifting encores following a concert's program of challenging, celebrated works, designed to elicit warm applause once more.
With "Daily Exercise for Flute" the aim was to create music that not only enriches the repertoire for flute and piano but also captures the essence of character pieces: engaging, accessible, and emotionally resonant compositions that encourage repeated enjoyment and performance. This collection is an invitation to explore the nuanced interplay between wind instruments and piano, offering performers and audiences alike a refreshing musical experience. (Daiya Hamaguchi)
(Tsutomu Tajima)
