Funa-Uta for Band by Yasuhide Ito Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert Band (Piccolo (doubling Flute 3), Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Bassoon 1/2, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1*, Bb Clarinet 2*, Bb Clarinet 3*, (*3 Players each), Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophone 1, Eb Alto Saxophone 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophon) - Level 5

SKU: BZ.ORMS-82006A

Composed by Yasuhide Ito. Concert & Festival. Score. Bravo Music #ORMS-82006A. Published by Bravo Music (BZ.ORMS-82006A).

Commissioned by the Kure Band of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

Funa-Uta, a kind of Barcarole, is based on two folk songs from the Setonaikai (the Inland Sea) area in the western part of Japan. The form is A-B-A. In the A section, a folk song from Kagawa Prefecture Kompira Fune-fune is used, and in the B section, a folk song from Hiroshima Prefecture Ondo no Funa-uta is used. The form is simple, yet the composer writes a ten voice Canon in the A section, and uses polyrhythm in the B section. Japanese atmosphere is abundant, and Ito's skillful orchestration in the Impromptu section played by four wind players stands out.

A contemporary treatment of two Japanese folk songs in a challenging three-part form. Opens in the style of John Adams while the folk material undergoes full development. Beautifully orchestrated to make the ensemble sound rich, as well as clear. A true fusion of Japanese and contemporary Western musical elements and a good way to introduce students and audiences alike to an ancient sound world. Challenging, yet able to capture a respect for both traditions without sounding trite.