Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song
By Samuel R. Hazo

This song is very eloquent indeed. It is filled with so many emotions such as sorrow, and happiness. Truly explains conflict between the two. The moods are woven into the piece such as yarn woven into the loom. An amazing piece that will move everyone, including yourself.

Dr. Hazo conducted an honor band in my state this year, and this piece was in the program. He told us the story behind it and that in order to play it correctly we had to find "our pain". I don't think I've ever been so moved by...

a piece of music before. It conveys this woman's pain so perfectly, and whenever I played it and put myself in her place, I was suffering with her. It is without a doubt one of the best pieces I've had the privelege to play.

I'm a seventh grade oboist, and even though are band isn't experienced enough to play this song, I ordered the oboe part. The song and part are very well written.. and the whole story behind it is very moving. While I was playing, I found it easier than...

I thought it would be to stay together. Personally, "Diamond Fanfare" seemed a tad bit harder to stay together since it was so slow. Bravo Mr. Hazo

Mr. Hazo visited my high school in 2006. Or maybe it was 2007. Well, it was the 2006-2007 school year. It was my senior year and I was in my high school's top band. The story behind the song according to Hazo is that this woman and her...

husband have moved from Japan. The woman has this music box from her home. Every time she opens it this very beautiful melody begins and she starts to cry. The song goes from her life in Japan, to falling in love, leaving for America, then the feeling of sadness from being away from all her family and friends. The baritone voices sing the husband's efforts to console her. It's a pretty cool song and Hazo seemed like an alright guy when he visited us for this guest conductor thing we had. The song always makes me feel kind of sad, but that's okay. I still like it. :D Very pretty. It looks easy to play, but the slow tempo can make it very difficult to stay in time and keep a good sound.

Alright, I'm a freshman at a highschool, and we are playing this in my band class, and it is amazing beyond belief. Also the story Behind it is really sweet. Good Buy!