Haruna Miyake: Variations on "Akatombo"

This work comprises five variations based on Kosaku Yamada's song "Akatombo".

• The first variation features flowing ornamentation.
• The second variation incorporates the scales of the Japanese koto.
• The third variation presents modern, incisive sonorities.
• The fourth variation alternates between triple and quadruple meters.
• The fifth variation is characterized by a sonatina-like lightness, with the theme returning at the end.

Composed by Miyake during her junior high school years while living on the West Coast of the United States due to her father's transfer, the piece reflects a sense of nostalgia for Japan. It is a work that allows one to truly experience the composer's own words (from the preface to the score "Variations on Japanese Songs"): "The fundamental joy of variations lies in the revival and expansion of forgotten or still-remembered songs, leading to their development into new worlds."

It is frequently performed as an encore piece in concerts.

Performance time: Approximately 4 minutes

Score: "Variations on Japanese Songs" published by Kawai Publishing.