This is a piano arrangement by Kosaku Yamada himself of his song "Karatachi no Hana" (Orange Jasmine), and can be considered a representative work among Yamada's piano compositions. Yamada's artistic breath can be felt from the beautifully fair-copied autograph manuscript. The first edition bears a dedication to Hakushu Kitahara: "To Brother Hakushu, Kosaku." The first edition was published by Nikkyo Gakufu in May, Showa 3 (1928), and was also included in Shunjusha's "Kosaku Yamada Complete Works, Vol. 11" (Old Complete Works), published three years later in July, Showa 6 (1931).

The right-hand melody sings freely over a flowing left-hand accompaniment pattern. Yamada frequently uses hairpin markings for crescendos and diminuendos, which likely indicate vocal inflections; a natural expression should be sought. Furthermore, the staccato markings in the melody should be played with a sense of light footwork and forward momentum.

In measure 12, the notes for the right hand at two and a half beats are as and as in the autograph manuscript, but ges and ges in the published score. In the following measure 13, beat 1, the autograph manuscript shows a left-hand arpeggio of des, as, des, f, and a right-hand arpeggio of as, des, f, as. In contrast, the published score shows a left-hand des, des, and a right-hand arpeggio of des, f, as, des. Playing with the notes from the autograph manuscript creates a more introspective atmosphere, while the published score yields a more open sound. The choice of which version to play is left to the performer's discretion. (An example of the autograph manuscript is provided at the end of Muse Press's "Kosaku Yamada Piano Works Supplement Vol. 2: Piano Arrangements of Kosaku Yamada's Songs".)

Measure 42 should be played with a rich resonance, without changing the pedal from the preceding measures, whereas measure 46, as indicated by "senza pedale," should be played without pedal, with an "accel." sense of speed, exhibiting a scherzando-like expression. Time momentarily pauses at the fermata over the subsequent bar line, then relaxes with a pp arpeggio, as if colors are melting away. The beauty of these subtle temporal and coloristic nuances, as notated in the score, further enriches the world of the song "Karatachi no Hana," making this an outstanding song arrangement.

Score Information

• Autograph Manuscript Ms.329
• First Edition
• Shunjusha Old Complete Works
• Shunjusha New Complete Works
• Hustle Copy
• Zen-On Piano Piece
• Ongaku no Tomo Sha "Japanese Variations"
• Muse Press "Kosaku Yamada Piano Works Supplement Vol. 2: Piano Arrangements of Kosaku Yamada's Songs"