Light of Hope is dedicated to those affected by the 2011 Northeast Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Takahashi first thought of composing a requiem but decided instead on a message of encouragement with hopes of a bright future. Thereafter, the idea was changed to a bright style march in 6/8 time.

After a radiant introduction and a delightful development section, a percussion feature brings the music to soothing yet dramatic cantabile trio section in 4/4 time. A return of the 6/8 percussion soli foreshadows the recapitulation. A heroic melodic line maintains forward momentum throughout the piece. Its core message of a better tomorrow and triumph over difficulties makes this concert march very popular repertoire in Japan.

(Hiroki Takahashi)