Yamada, Kōsaku : The Chimes of the Dawn
Work Overview
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:4 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (2)
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
Last Updated: March 12, 2018
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Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
Author : Sugiura, Nanako
Last Updated: February 13, 2024
[Open]
Author : Sugiura, Nanako
Composed in 1916. Kankin (看経) generally refers to the silent recitation of sutras in Zen Buddhism; however, Yamada wrote in the program notes for the premiere, "The sound of kankin I heard at a friend's house became the genesis of this piece," suggesting it is used in the sense of sutra chanting. Behind the quiet and profound melody in the left hand, a continuous G-flat resonates, expressing an extremely tranquil and religious worldview. In performing this piece, by surrendering oneself to the resonance and quietly observing (=listening to) the landscape that simply exists, one can perhaps experience a special moment.