Toshio Hosokawa: Koto-uta

Kairos

Composer:

For some years now, I have been very interested in 17th century koto music, i.e. music of the Japanese Edo period. The koto-kumiuta, vocal suites in which the performer takes over the vocal part and accompanies himself on the instrument, are characterised by grace and dignity.
accompanies himself on the instrument. The koto-uta [songs with koto accompaniment] are performed in such a way that the singing and the instrumental part are
and instrumental parts are slightly shifted rhythmically and in terms of pitch. The musical expression is fine and delicate.

1. Koto-uta (1999) for voice and koto
Kyoko Kawamura

2. Voyage I (1997) for violin and ensemble
Asako Urushihara
Ensemble Musikfabrik
Peter Rundel

3. Konzert für Saxophon und Orchester (1998/99)
Johannes Ernst
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Ken Takaseki

4. Ferne Landschaft II (1996) for orchestra
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Ken Takaseki