The Wings of Garuda

Garuda is a legendary sacred bird with the head, wings, and talons of an eagle on a human body. Its body glows golden, its wings red like flames as it soars through the sky, and its sharply pointed talons catch snakes.

Garuda, from Indian mythology, spread to various countries in Asia and Indonesia, where it is said to have been introduced around the 1st century; it has been widely known among the people as a national symbol. When the composer visited Bali, Indonesia, he was inspired to compose this piece after seeing how the garuda is revered everywhere in the city as a motif in folk dances, paintings, sculptures, architecture, stone statues, and so on.

This piece was composed based on the following myths about the Garuda.

[Furioso] Garuda's fiery and glittering appearance is expressed.
[Andante] This part depicts how its mother was trapped and enslaved by the Naga tribe.
[Andante misterioso] Garuda begins a long journey in search of the elixir of immortality, Amrita.
[Vivo] In the heavenly realm, Garuda fends off attacks of the Watchers and obtains Amrita.
[Andante] Garuda meets Vishnu, one of the Indian gods. Vishnu is moved by Garuda's courage, and grants him immortal life without Amrita.
[Vivo] Indra, the most powerful god of India, attacks Garuda again, but Garuda refuses to yield to him and they form a friendship.
[Finale] The piece ends with the liberation of the mother from the Naga tribe in a grand finale.

The piece has many optional instruments and can be performed by a minimum of 11 players, but it can also be done by a medium or large ensemble for a powerful performance. The performance grade is 4, but the second and third parts are easy in register and technique, and written in a thick orchestration, so the sound will be stable even if the players' experience varies. Percussion is written for five parts, but the minimum needed is two. (If needed, Percussion 1, 2, and 3 can be played by one drum set.)

Regardless the band's size, it is advisable to keep in mind balance between whatever number of players and to play dramatically.

(Hayato Hirose)