Yamada, Izumi : HANENTEKI JOJOU MITTSU
Work Overview
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:Various works
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Sudoh, Eiko
Last Updated: May 19, 2015
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Author : Sudoh, Eiko
Yamada Izumi (1952-1999), who passed away at the young age of 47, was deeply knowledgeable in literature. During his time at Tokyo University of the Arts, he garnered significant attention for his orchestral works incorporating text. His inclination towards lyrical depiction in music, characterized by phrases such as “intimate lyricism” and “embodied sensibility,” subsequently manifested in his purely instrumental works as well. Three Lyrical Pieces of Ennui is an outstanding work intended to “consistently maintain restrained lyrical expression, leaving a lingering aftertaste.” Composed at the commission of IMAS Solisten, it was premiered by Hori Yukiko at the ensemble’s first concert. The compositional process of this work, which involved consolidating material nurtured over nine years, is expressed by the term “Han’en” (煩厭), meaning “weariness” or “ennui.” It consists of the first movement, filled with penetrating tension; the second movement, beautiful yet intense, making extensive use of repetitive melodic patterns; and the third movement, where tranquility pervades every single note of its intricate details. Here, one can perceive the ineffable charm of Yamada’s works, which, without being swayed by trends, consistently prioritized his own tactile sensibilities in his compositions.