Amaranthus (score)

This work commemorates the 70th birthdy of Mr. Kikuo Atarashi, the former conductor of Tenri High School Wind Orchestra. The world premiere was in October 2023 by Gratitude New Winds, an ensemble established by his former students.

In my third year of junior high school, as a member of the wind orchestra, I chose William H. Hill's "St. Anthony Variations" for a band competition. I would listen daily to the legendary Tenri High School Wind Orchestra performance, which won gold prize at the All-Japan Band Competition in 1985, under the baton of the admired Mr. Shinji. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Shinji, whom I idolized when we judged together at the Saga Prefectural Band Competition. Not only did he warmly engage with me, a newcomer just starting out, but he also shared many valuable stories over dinner, which greatly encouraged me at the time. Later, as I worked throughout Asia, Mr. Atarashi, who was well-versed in the local scenes, offered much advice and support when I was filled with uncertainty.

Although I was not directly taught by him, touching upon Mr. Atarashi's music during my impressionable middle school years and the memories of that time became one of the reasons I aspired to become a composer. His encouragement and advice have shaped my career in music. With gratitude, I composed a chorale themed around "Amaranth," which carries the floral meaning of "immortality; undying," hoping it will be widely embraced in concerts and as material to nurture a love for music.

(Satoshi Yagisawa)